Frost advisory issued for Montreal Saturday night—protect outdoor plants

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for Montreal Saturday night, October 18, with temperatures expected to drop close to the freezing mark overnight.

Frost advisories are issued when widespread frost or freezing temperatures are expected during the growing season. The primary concern is potential damage and destruction to plants and crops. Environment Canada recommends residents take preventative measures to protect frost-sensitive plants and trees.

For Montreal, the first frost has already arrived in most areas. The Island of Montreal (Zone 5b) typically sees its first frost around October 7. The urban core — including the Plateau, Ville-Marie, and Rosemont — typically experiences first frost between October 10 and 15, thanks to the heat island effect. Laval and the South Shore see first frost earlier, between October 3 and 10. The Laurentian foothills farther north experience frost as early as mid-September through early October.

If you have tender garden plants, perennials, or trees sensitive to frost, covering them or bringing potted plants indoors before Saturday night will help protect them from the cold.