The First Frost In Massachusetts Is Coming Sooner Than You Think

Summer comes and then it goes.

With Fall in already in full swing, there's already been talk about colder weather here in Massachusetts. Not to mention the holidays approaching such as picking pumpkins or hanging up Christmas lights.

While it's been a great summer here in Massachusetts, outdoor plants are counting their days end as the first round of frost is coming sooner than we thought.

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According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the last frost in Massachusetts was on May, 17. The first frost for Fall of 2024 is September, 30. A frost date is the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall and the classification of freeze temperatures is based on their effect on plants:

Light freeze: 29° to 32°F (-1.7° to 0°C)—tender plants are killed.
Moderate freeze: 25° to 28°F (-3.9° to -2.2°C)—widely destructive to most vegetation.
Severe freeze: 24°F (-4.4°C) and colder—heavy damage to most garden plants.

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Please note that frost dates are only an estimate based on historical climate data and are not exactly 100% set in stone. The probability of a frost occurring after before the fall frost date is 30%, which means there is still a good chance of frost occurring ether before or after the given dates!

How is frost predicted?

Frost is predicted when air temperatures reach 32°F (0°C). Still, a frost may occur even when air temperatures are just above freezing due to open exposure to the clear night sky, which exposes surfaces to radiative cooling. It's always best to keep an eye on your local weather forecast and plan to protect tender plants accordingly. Weather, topography, and microclimates may also cause considerable variations in the occurrence of frost in your garden.

Frost dates that are calculated come from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts First Frost For Capital Region Cities & Towns

It's another sign that fall and winter are right around the corner! The Old Farmer's Almanac has predicted the average date of the first frost in each Capital Region town based on historical data at local weather stations in the cities and towns below. Do you live in one of these areas? The date below historically is the average date of the first light frost/freeze where you live.

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

20 Ways To Tell If This Winter Will Be a Harsh One

In the days before modern weather forecasting, people used any possible bit of information to get a glimpse into the future. Old tales and folklore get handed down for generations as people do whatever they can to survive another winter.

In the 70s, meteorologist Dick Goddard put together a list of common weather folklore for Farmers’ Almanac that some say can predict what nature has in store for the darkest months of the year.

So, take note, do you see any of these signs that winter has it out for us?

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns