"First freeze" is coming later as fall warms
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The first freezing temperatures after summer are coming later on the calendar than they used to in many U.S. cities, a new analysis finds.
Why it matters: It's another indication of fall warming amid climate change, and affects farmers, gardeners and allergy sufferers.
Driving the news: Compared to 1970, first freeze is arriving later in nearly 90% of the 204 U.S. cities analyzed in a new report from Climate Central, a climate research group.
- Among those cities, first freeze is happening 12 days later on average.
- The group defines "first freeze" as the first calendar date from Aug. 1 onwards with low temperatures at or below 32°F.
Caveat: "First freeze" is different from "first frost," which can happen with slightly higher temperatures — and damage frost-intolerant crops.
Zoom in: Reno, Nev. (41 days later); Bend, Ore. (38 days) and Santa Maria, Calif. (35 days) have seen the biggest first freeze delays.
- Some cities are experiencing an earlier first freeze, including Dothan, Ala. (16 days earlier compared to 1970); Waco, Texas (11 days earlier) and Charlotte, N.C. (10 days earlier).
How it works: Climate Central's analysis is based on NOAA weather station data.
- The group excluded locations without traditional freezing seasons.
What's next: NOAA's latest seasonal outlook covering November-January is calling for an elevated chance of above-normal temperatures for most of the country.
