Frost vs Freeze

We’ve had two cold mornings now where we’ve fallen to the upper 30s this month, where it has created frosty conditions. It should be noted though, there is a difference between a frost advisory and freeze warning. Taking climate data, back since 1890, the average hard freeze for Columbia is October 21st. Last year we didn’t have the first hard freeze until November 30, and in 2014, it occurred on October 31.

A Frost Advisory is issued when temperatures can fall between 32 and 36 degrees damaging sensitive vegetation if not properly covered. A Freeze Warning is issued when the temperature falls below 32 degrees for 5 hours or more, killing vegetation. Comparable to last year-forecast models indicate we stay above normal temperature wise through November which would likely delay the first autumn freeze until the first week or two of November. For additional weather updates follow @ABC17Stormtrack on Twitter.