Now that we’re into the first part of October and cooler weather will be the norm going forward, many folks are wondering when we can expect the first frost of the season.
Here in the Tuscarawas Valley area, our first frost of the season occurs around the middle of the month on average.
Contrary to popular belief, air temperatures do not have to be freezing (32°) in order for frost to form. Weather forecasts and official temperature readings are taken at a height of 2 meters above the surface. Air temperatures can be and often do get a few degrees colder at ground level. (Colder air is more dense and therefore sinks to the ground.) If nighttime skies are clear and the wind is calm, frost can form on plants when the air temperature drops to around 34°.
CAN WE EXPECT FROST HERE SOON?
Current ensemble forecast modeling suggests we’re in pretty good shape through the first two weeks of October. Temperatures are forecast to dip to around 40° Monday and Tuesday night across the area. Some of our coldest spots around the county could get down to the upper-30s those two nights.
Temperatures will trend warmer beginning on Wednesday of next week. And temperatures look to remain to warm the next 10 to 14 days to support any frost formation in our local area.
FROST vs FREEZE
There is a difference. Frost usually forms on the surface of plants, i.e. leaves of blades of grasses. A freeze, however, actually freezes the water inside of the plant causing the plant’s cells to expand and burst. This usually results in the demise of the affected plant.
The National Weather Service will issue Frost Advisories when air temperatures are expected to reach 34°, calm wind, and clear skies are expected. A Freeze Warning is issued if the air temperature is expected to reach 32° or colder. Once a freeze occurs, the NWS considers the growing season over and will not issue additional Freeze Warnings and/or Frost Advisories going forward.
