NWS Issues Rare ‘Freeze Watch’ for State With No Snow in April Since 2016

Many regions around the country are preparing for the peak of spring and start of summer, planning trips and ways to take advantage of the warmer weather.

Millions of Americans will visit beaches, lakes and other bodies of water over the next few months, keeping up a time-honored tradition when it comes to beating the heat.

One region that is synonymous with the spring and summer for its beaches and boardwalks is set for unseasonably cool weather, affecting the beginning of the spring travel season.

Rare April Freeze Watch Issued in Delaware

The National Weather Service has issued a rare "freeze watch" in the state of Delaware, with significant and sustained cold weather in the forecast over the next two days. The freeze watch was established on Sunday, and is set to last through the morning of Tuesday, April 21.

It is Sunday, April 19th. Our weather changes a lot through early this week as a much colder air mass settles in. Showers through about early this afternoon from west to east, then much colder tonight. A widespread freeze early Tuesday morning! #pawx #njwx #dewx #mdwx pic.twitter.com/ImEPf1JX8Z

— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 19, 2026

"Our weather changes a lot through early this week as a much colder air mass settles in. Showers through about early this afternoon from west to east, then much colder tonight," said the National Weather Service of Philadelphia and Mount Holly on social media Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to drop to around 30-40 degrees on Sunday and Monday night, an unseasonably frigid forecast for certain parts of the state. New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties are expected to see the coldest weather, with temperatures in the low thirties expected over the next two nights.

The National Weather Service categorizes a freeze watch as conditions in which widespread, significant freezing temperature are possible within a period of 24 to 36 hours. Freeze watches are generally issued at the beginning of the growing season in spring, giving farmers notice to protect and preserve crops.

Gardeners are also on high alert when freeze watches and warnings are issued, as they need to take precautions to maintain their progress.

Caring For Crops During a Freeze Watch

Experts from Iowa State University say that vegetables, annuals and tropical plants are at the highest risk during these conditions. Bushes, roses and perennials can remain outside and don't need to be protected.

Those with plants in need of protection are advised to bring them into their homes if possible, and if not, to cover them to prevent the formation of frost.

"Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the NWS stated. "Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold."

April snow is extremely rare in Delaware, with the state last seeing wintry precipitation in 2016. Light flurries and a wintry mix were recorded that year, and the last measurable snowfall in Delaware during the month of October was recorded back in 1983. 15 inches of snow fell in Delaware during April of 1915, a mark that remains a record for the state.