Monday morning could see first frost of season

It's possible the frost will be on the pumpkin Monday morning as Wilson County is expected to get a first taste of fall weather.

Wilson Emergency Management Planning Officer Capt. Stephen Spencer is warning locals about the dip in temperatures expected this weekend, and the dreaded first frost.

"As far as I can tell this will be the first frost of the year," he said. "We've had some cool temperatures several nights, but we haven't had a frost."

He said a strong cold front was expected to push through the region late Friday night bringing with it a round of rain and cooler temps.

A reinforcing upper level disturbance will bring another round of rain showers Saturday night into Sunday, along with even cooler temperatures. Highs Saturday should top out in the lower 60s with some locations struggling to reach 60 degrees on Sunday.

Spencer noted cooler temps will settle into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys Sunday night. That combined with clear skis will lead to lows in the  middle to upper 30s Sunday night into Monday morning resulting in some areas experiencing the first frost of the season.

For people who still have plants outside, it's time to take action.

"If you have any vegetation that could likely die in a frost, you need to bring it in or cover it to protect it," Spencer said, adding that a turn toward cold weather is expected this time of year.

"Generally, the middle of October is when we receive our first frost so every thing's on schedule. That's our Tennessee weather. Our temperature will be a roller coster for the next month or so before the cold settles in."
Spencer said the word to the wise is get ready for frost.

"The frost will definitely be on the pumpkin Monday morning, I feel pretty certain of that."

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 45 or at maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.