Frost warnings have been issued for parts of Ohio this weekend, May 1st and 2nd 2026, according to the National Weather Service with chilly temperatures in the low 30’s for Friday night, especially North-central Ohio.
Two weeks ago, Sunday and Monday nights on April 19th and 20th 2026, Freeze Warnings were issued by FEMA for portions of North-central, North-east and Northwest Ohio. What is a Freeze Warning? “Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing” according to the FEMA Website. On the night of April 20th, Northwest Ohio along the Lake Erie lakeshore, we had temperatures in the low 30’s. degrees F. In Geauga County, according to OSU Assistant Professor Erik Draper, the low on Sunday night-Monday morning was 27 degrees F. This weekend, parts of Ohio are under a frost warning.
According to Dr. Aaron Wilson, OSU Weather Climate Field Specials for Ohio.
"Current forecasts for Saturday and Sunday mornings (see below) indicate widespread frost is likely both mornings. Upper 30s are possible tonight across eastern Ohio, but temperatures could reach 32F or colder Saturday morning across West Central and Northwest Ohio and again across much of northern Ohio on Sunday morning. I would not be surprised to see southern Ohio valleys also dip to or below freezing. Current outlooks for May also indicate decent probability for colder than normal temperatures for much of May."
The question is “Will the cold hurt my plants?”
Let’s look at groups of plants. Most spring flowering bulbs/plants are done flowering and will be just fine. In fact, Daffodils,
Hyacinths,
and Tulips
can endure a little snow.
Remember to leave the foliage after flowering to help build up the bulb for next year.
In general, ornamental trees and shrubs can endure colder temperatures at or just below freezing. But if they are in full bloom, the cold temperatures can damage the flowers and cause them to turn brown. Good examples of those flowers that endured damage are Star Magnolia
and Saucer Magnolias.
Most of their flowers got burned.
In the case of fruit trees, temperatures below 29 degrees F, especially for an extended period of time can mean death to the flowers and loss of fruit depending on the stage of development.
Apricots tend to flower early and therefor are susceptible to loss.
Peaches are next in sensitivity to freezing cold temperatures
followed by Apples.
In addition, Grapes can be at risk.
Gary Gao, Ph.D., Professor and Small Fruit Specialist, The Ohio State University put out information on damage to fruit crops. The link is found below:
The problem occurs when we have temperatures in the 70’s for several days, then a cold snap. Trees and shrubs will begin to leaf out and flower. That’s what happened this spring with temps several weeks ago in the 70’s. Then, a freeze that follows can cause damage and death to flower and fruit buds and blossoms.
In general, the damage that occurred will be site specific. Topography can play a role as well. Lower lying areas allow colder temperatures to collect than on higher elevations. That’s why many times you will see vineyards growing grapes at the top of ridges and not down in low lying sections.
Unfortunately, especially for fruiting trees and shrubs, we may not know until the plant begins to set fruit. No fruit means it just got too cold.
As for summer annuals and vegetables, they should not be planted until the frost-free date in your area.
The National Weather Service has a guide on frost free dates listed here:
https://www.weather.gov/cle/frost_freeze
A general rule of thumb for most gardeners is to wait until after Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May to plant summer annuals.
But before you plant, look at the extended forecast. If there is a chance of late frost, wait to be on the safe side.
Annuals can be purchased and put outside during the day in temperature above the upper 30’s but brought in at night to a garage or protected area with minimum heat above 35 degrees. This will also help to harden off plants and make transplanting more successful.
But if the get nipped by frost, foliage can turn white or brown as in these marigolds
and impatiens.
But they should grow through this light damage.
So, will this cold snap hurt my plants? Yes, No or Maybe. Time will tell.
Happy first weekend in May!
