When to expect Seattle's first freeze
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With fall upon us, it's only a matter of time until Seattle sees its first freeze.
The big picture: The first freeze — the first day temperatures reach 32°F or below — can come as soon as late September and early October for northern parts of the country or areas of high elevation.
Zoom in: Seattle's average first freeze hits on Nov. 21, according to data from the nonprofit climate research group Climate Central based on the average date of the first fall freeze between 1991 and 2020.
Zoom out: Denver's average first freeze during those years came on Oct. 4, while New Orleans' didn't arrive until Dec. 22.
- Some cities, like San Diego, had no freeze at all.
Between the lines: First freeze is slightly different from "first frost," which is related not just to temperature, but also to the amount of moisture in the air.
- The average first freeze date, meanwhile, shifted either earlier or later in many parts of the country in 1991-2020 compared to 1981-2010 amid climate change.
Yes, but: Tender houseplants need to be brought in well before the first freeze, ideally in September.
The bottom line: Get your jackets ready.