Finally we will break out of this cold spell, and several days of warm weather await beginning next weekend. A ridge will begin to build in the Atlantic and that will send in the warm air from the Southeast. In fact, some models even indicate some form of tropical development offshore, but the main focus right now are the high temperatures. Below you can see the most recent GFS model projected temperatures for Sunday afternoon of next weekend. Notice how many areas push into the upper 80’s or even 90’s! Thats the signs that you want to see if you are trying to get your garden in the ground.
So, that is one model… but I like to show at least one other that supports this theory so below you can see what the European model shows regarding high temps on Sunday on next weekend. Notice how temperatures are slightly lower in WNC, but still pushing into the 80’s. This is a good sign of a significant warm up and you should be just fine putting your garden in after Tuesday of this week!
Frost Possible Tomorrow Morning
Another late May frost will be possible tomorrow morning, so it would be wise to leave your covers on sensitive vegetation through tomorrow around 9am. Many locations will struggle to reach freezing, but isolated locations will have the chance to frost.. so it is better to be safe than sorry. Below you can see the most recent NAM 3km model and the low temperature that it projects for tomorrow morning.
Extended Dry Period Expected
As we warm up, the chances for rainfall will significantly diminish over the next 7 days. Farmers, it will be a great time to get hay laying on the ground if you need to make your first cut. Below you can see the most recent European model projection regarding total precipitation for the next 7 days. As you can see very little is expected to fall.
Time To Water
It will be time to start watering your gardens and landscape plants beginning on Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. As detailed out above, there is somewhat of a dry period that will be building and your plants will need their soil water replenished shortly. No significant rain event is on the books for the next 7 days, so drag the hose out and water your plants a few times over the next week to keep them looking green and sustainable.