A warmer than average October is expected for the region, despite the early frost advisory.
A yellow-level advisory was issued for much of Southern Ontario, including Chatham-Kent (CK), on Monday.
Environment Canada Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Geoff Coulson told CK News Today that it was the first warning of it's kind for the season.
"It looks like the temperatures overnight tonight and into Tuesday morning will be the chilliest we've had so far this fall," Coulson explained. "We're calling for an overnight low of around plus two for the Chatham-Kent area and the possibility of some patchy frost. Normal lows for this time of year are about eight degrees, so we are going to be somewhat colder than that long-term average."
A frost advisory before Thanksgiving is a bit early, but not unusual.
"Looking back at the historical records over the last number of years, it has happened from time-to-time," Coulson said, adding that frost is more likely to occur in the later parts of October and beyond.
While farmers and gardeners are advised to take precautionary measures with cold-sensitive trees, plants, and crops overnight on Monday, the frost is expected to be a blip on the radar.
"This initial occurrence of frost, at this point, looks to be more patchy in nature," Coulson said. "As we go through the rest of the work week and into the weekend temperatures become milder."
He added that Monday night looks to be the coldest of at least the next week, with temperatures bouncing back up, above the average highs by mid-week.
Warmer than average looks to be the trend for CK for the early parts of fall.
"The best sense we have at this point is for the forecast for the month of October," Coulson said. "Right now, it looks like October could end up being warmer than normal."
