Frost tonight? I don't get it!

Hi all --

I hate to sound so very stupid, but we are forecasted to get frost tonight, but it is also not forecasted to get below 39 degrees with a dew point much lower at 30. Yes, it will be clear, and I'm not saying it won't be cold, but I do not see a killing frost.

I do not see how we have the conditons for a "widespread freeze and frost advisory which will kill sensitive vegetation".

WHAT am I missing in the equation?

Suzy

The NWS is calling for 32 degrees F there tonight:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Indianapolis&state=IN&site=IND&textField1=39.7764&textField2=-86.1462&e=0

Hi, Claypa!! Fancy seeing you here! I read your post nearly as soon as you sent it, but I went flying to your link, and then ran out of the house without answering a solid Thank you!. LOL!

Mulling it over, I think the NWS AND the Weather.com forecasters were both right about a widespread freeze and frost. I think they were probably wrong about the temperature of the whole city, with its radiant heat, but I haven't driven it.

Nothing got hit here except for the Mina lobata, which I covered with a bed sheet so it wouldn't get hit. LOL! It was soaking wet when I pulled it off. Plastic over all would have helped, except the vine is so huge that it is already beding the steel Shepherd's crook and I just didn't think it would take any more weight. But I learned something, about plastic and how to use it, and that is more valuable than anything.

Thanks for the heads up, and the quick link, and all...

Suzy

We had our first frost here last night too. I brought my few tropical plants in last week, but I was up late covering a few things and put my cuttings under the porch.
Whether the forecasts are right or not, that NWS site is really good for seeing how much rain and snow an area has gotten in the past. There's lots of links to 'almanac' data and historical records, which is kind of fun too. You can put any zip code in there, but if you type a city, it has to be like 'city,state' with the comma, or it won't work.
Now I have to look up Mina lobata!
Mike

Oh, the Mina is cool -- here's a pic of mine, although it doesn't do it justice ecause just a fraction is in the frame and you can't see how many, many, MANY flowers are on one plant. The flowers all face the sun, BTW, so if you do get some seed, you might want to keep that in mind.

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/783789/

Not sure I want to surf the NWS site -- as interesting as it may be. ROTFL! (I'm just teasing you!)

Suzy

HAha...that's me, Mr.Excitement. I did find a link to soil temperature maps there once though. Good to know for some things, like planting bulbs and such.
Your Mina is cool - it reminds me of sweet potato vine, but with flowers. I never could figure out what it takes to get the spv to bloom, kind of frustrating.