Average first freeze in Mid-Missouri

Fall has officially arrived and daily average temperatures will continue to drop as we continue through the rest of September and into October.

At temperatures at or below 32 degrees, frost can form over surfaces and plants.

Due to differences in topography across Missouri, the average first frost date can vary.

The average date for a first frost is by October 10 for areas north of Highway 36.

An earlier frost is more likely over the Ozarks, including our southeastern counties, due to the higher elevation of the Ozark Plateau.

Most of Mid-Missouri including areas along I-70 including Columbia and Jefferson City experience a later frost, typically by October 20.

The lowlands surrounding the Mississippi River in the bootheel of Missouri experience the latest first frost.