Now that we are dealing with the coolest air we've seen since the springtime, I bet there are thoughts going around about frost and freeze occurrences across the Stateline. First and foremost, let me clarify that there is no threat for a frost or freeze event with this current cool spell. While some areas could see temperatures drop into the low 40's, the credentials for a frost/freeze advisory will not be met.
Now, usually the first frost occurs on October 10th for Rockford proper. Areas to the south, such as DeKalb, Rochelle, Dixon, and Sterling will see their first frost about one week later. Areas to the north, such as Monroe, Janesville, and Beloit will see their first frost roughly a week before Rockford. It truly depends on geography when it comes to the first frost and the first freeze. Frost needs calm winds and clear skies are typically necessary for frost to develop.
What does it mean to be a first frost, though? Temperatures falling into the low and mid 30's is typically the threshold for your local National Weather Service Office to issue a Frost Advisory during the growing season at your location. A Freeze Watch is issued when temperatures are forecast to drop to 32 degrees or below within the next 12 to 48 hours. A Freeze Warning will take the place of a Freeze Watch during the growing season for any given location if temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or below in the very near future. Disclaimer: frost does not need to be present in order for a freeze to happen.
The earliest freeze for Rockford occurred on a September 13th. Meanwhile, the latest first freeze occurred on October 28th for Rockford.
Frost and Freeze advisories, watches and warnings are no longer issued once the growing season in any particular area officially comes to an end.
No comments:
Post a Comment