A stretch of unseasonably cold nights will bring frost and possible freeze conditions to much of Michigan and neighboring Ohio through the weekend, putting early spring plants at risk and complicating lingering flooding concerns in parts of northern Lower and eastern Upper Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.
Last frost in Michigan this year later than average
The National Weather Service issued a frost warning Thursday about temperatures projected to dip into the 30s late tonight into Friday morning, allowing frost to develop across southeast Michigan. That includes counties from Midland and Bay south through the Interstate 69 and 96 corridors as well as into Metro Detroit and even Monroe County.
The temperatures are significantly later than recent “last frost” normals for spring, according to the weather service.
The 30-year average for the last frost recorded by the White Lake office of NWS for Detroit is April 22. In 2025, the last frost was April 12 and the earliest last frost recorded was March 23, 2017. Detroit’s latest seasonal plant-killing frost date was recorded on May 29, 1966.
Forecasters say tonight’s chill will not be a one-night event. Frost or even freeze conditions are possible again Friday night and Saturday night as overnight lows dip back into the low to mid 30s. That could damage or kill sensitive vegetation such as flowers, budding shrubs and early vegetable plantings if they are left uncovered.
Although the outlook highlights the frost risk, no storms or heavy precipitation are expected.
Northern Michigan: Frost and lingering flooding
Across eastern Upper and northern Lower Michigan, the National Weather Service office in Gaylord is dealing with a combination of lingering high water and repeated nighttime freezes. Localized flooding is expected to continue near rivers, lakes and poor drainage areas following recent rain and snowmelt. Flood products remain in effect along rivers such as the Rifle and others in the region.
At the same time, widespread frost and freeze conditions are likely tonight across interior parts of northern Lower Michigan, with similar conditions expected each night through at least Saturday night. Interior locations away from the Great Lakes are most vulnerable, where clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to fall below freezing before daybreak. Officials continue to urge caution near high water and advise residents to protect cold sensitive plants.
What residents should do
Across the region, the main concern through the weekend is protecting early season plants and staying aware of any local flood impacts. Gardeners and growers in southeast Michigan, northern Michigan and northern Ohio should be prepared to cover tender vegetation or bring potted plants indoors on the coldest nights. Those living near swollen rivers, streams or low lying areas in northern Michigan should continue to monitor water levels and heed any local advisories.
Last frost date for other Michigan locations
The average last freeze date for Flint over the past 30 years is May 17. For Saginaw, the average last frost date is April 29. But both have experienced freezing temperatures as late as May 28.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Frost and freeze warnings for Michigan overnight as temps dip
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
