DRYDEN – WEATHER – Residents across Dryden and Vermilion Bay are being warned to protect tender plants tonight as a Yellow Frost Advisory remains in effect for the region.
While Northwestern Ontario has experienced several warm spring days recently, Mother Nature is reminding gardeners that mid-May can still deliver overnight frost and even the occasional flurry.
At 4:00 PM CDT at Dryden Airport, skies were mostly cloudy with a temperature of 6.5°C. North winds at 15 km/h were ushering in colder air behind Saturday’s cooler weather system.
Environment Canada says temperatures tonight will fall close to the freezing mark, with patchy frost expected overnight into early Sunday morning.
Importantly for gardeners and cottagers farther west, Kenora is also under a Frost Alert tonight, reinforcing that planting sensitive flowers and vegetables may still be a little early across Northwestern Ontario.
Frost Advisory Details
What to Expect
- Temperatures near or slightly below freezing overnight
- Patchy frost development in low-lying and sheltered areas
- Potential damage to sensitive plants, flowers, trees, and crops
Forecast Confidence
Environment Canada rates forecast confidence as high.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Cover sensitive plants tonight
- Bring hanging baskets and potted plants indoors
- Delay planting heat-loving vegetables and annual flowers if possible
Tonight’s Forecast
Cloudy skies continue this evening with a 30 percent chance of showers early tonight before clearing develops near midnight.
Temperatures may briefly rise this evening before dropping sharply overnight as colder air settles into the region.
Overnight Low
Near 1°C, with patchy frost likely.
Sunday Outlook
Sunday brings a welcome return to sunshine with mainly sunny skies expected.
However, breezy easterly winds will develop during the morning with gusts up to 40 km/h. The daytime high will reach 13°C, making for a pleasant but still cool spring afternoon.
Early Week Outlook
The warming trend will not last long.
Monday
Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and a much cooler high near 6°C.
Tuesday
Another unsettled system arrives with periods of rain or snow possible and daytime highs only near 4°C.
Yes — snowflakes remain possible in Northwestern Ontario in mid-May.
Gardening Commentary: Patience Still Required
The recent stretch of warm temperatures tempted many Northwestern Ontario gardeners to get planting early, but experienced local growers know Victoria Day is often the safer benchmark for frost-sensitive plants.
Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and annual flowers remain vulnerable during overnight cold snaps like the one expected tonight.
Perennials and hardy plants should fare better, but extra caution is recommended for newly planted gardens.
What to Wear
Tonight:
- A warm jacket is recommended after sunset
- Gloves may be useful for evening outdoor activities
Sunday:
- Layered spring clothing works best
- A windbreaker will help with gusty easterly winds
Weather Trivia
Did you know?
Dryden and Vermilion Bay sit in a transition zone between prairie air masses and cooler Great Lakes systems. That combination often produces dramatic spring temperature swings, including frost risks well into May — and occasionally even June in low-lying areas.
