It wouldn’t be spring in Chicago without a dusting of snow. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
Spring is taking a break for the next couple of days.
Temperatures are expected to fall below the freezing mark Tuesday and Wednesday nights, with a light accumulation of snow also in the forecast for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The wintry mix of snow and rain is likely to hit the Chicago area Tuesday morning and linger throughout the day, meteorologists said.
While largely a nuisance to most folks, the weather poses more of a concern to plants. Overnight temperatures could dip as low as 27 degrees Tuesday, a “hard freeze” that could damage “tender vegetation.”
Though experienced gardeners typically hold off until Mother’s Day to plant warm weather crops, like tomatoes, anyone who jumped the gun might want to consider covering seedlings or bringing containers indoors.
Perennials aren’t likely to suffer any lasting damage but, worst-case, early bloomers could lose their flowers and foliage might even need to be cut back.
Sub-freezing temperature are likely both Tue & Wed nights across the area, including in the core of the Chicago metro. Prepare now by protecting sensitive vegetation and exposed seasonal water lines such as hoses and fountains. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/7VpPmsog7d
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 19, 2021
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
