Southern U.S. Freezes Over!

Hard Freeze Warnings and Freeze Warnings Issued for 12 Southern States

A strong cold front is sweeping through parts of the central and eastern U.S. Winter-like temperatures will reach the East Coast and Deep South by Tuesday, said forecasters at NOAA.

Daytime highs are expected to fall as much as 10 to 20 degrees below normal across these regions with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 20s or 30s, even as far south as Texas!

US weather Hazards Map for 11/12/13 at 14:15. Source: NWS. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH Blog.

Freeze Warning 101

Freeze Warnings are issued when minimum temperatures are forecast to be 32 degrees or less during the local growing season. This means that confidence is high that freezing temperatures will occur.

The first and last freeze can have a significant impact on the economy across crop-growing regions, especially areas heavily dependent on agricultural interests. These freezes do not cause extraordinary problems when they occur near the “normal” time frame. However, an early autumn or late spring freeze can have tremendous affects, especially when they are preceded by warm periods.

What is the growing season?

The local growing season is defined by both climate and elevation. It is technically described as the time during which native vegetation, ornamental plants, and crops can be grown. This is loosely defined as the period between the last hard freeze of the spring and the first hard (or killing freeze) of the fall.

Hard Freeze Warning

A Hard Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and any remaining outdoor vegetation