Fall is finally here in North Texas despite continued high temperatures. But in just about a month from now, Texans can expect to see frost sprinkling their cars and grass.
According to KEEL (via Newsbreak) the Farmer’s Almanac predicts Dallas’ first frost will occur on Nov. 20, 2023, while the last will hit Mar. 9, 2024.
A frost date is the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall. The last and first frost dates are 30% probability, calculated using 1991-2020 climate normals from NOAA.
Frost is likely when air temperatures drop to 32°F. However, it's important to note that frost can occur even when the air temperatures are slightly above freezing, primarily when there is clear night sky exposure, which promotes radiative cooling and chills surfaces.
Monitoring your local weather forecast is crucial, and you should be prepared to safeguard delicate plants in such conditions. Factors like weather patterns, topography and microclimates can introduce significant variations in frost occurrences within your garden.
The classification of freeze temperatures is based on their effect on plants:
- Light freeze: 29° to 32°F — tender plants are killed.
- Moderate freeze: 25° to 28°F — widely destructive to most vegetation.
- Severe freeze: 24°F and colder — heavy damage to most garden plants.
Winter, which officially begins on December 31, is expected to bring more precipitation than normal, but nothing extreme. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the best changes for snow are in the north in late December and late January. But, winter will be colder than average in the northern part of the region. In the south, temperatures will be slightly milder than normal. The coldest periods will occur in early and late December, early and late January, and mid-February.
Visit Local Profile’s guide on how to keep your home protected in cold weather.
