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Scale of threat levels

for South Central and Southeast Wisconsin
Frost and Freeze Threat
Hazard Map Threat Levels Safety & Impact

Frost and Freeze Threat Level

Threat Level Descriptions

Extreme

"An Extreme Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

An extreme likelihood (36% or greater probability) that temperatures will drop to 33-390 F (frost can adversely affect sensitive plants), or to around 300 F or lower in the worst situations (freeze conditions can kill sensitive plants).

High

"A High Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

A high likelihood (26% to 35% or greater probability) that temperatures will drop to 33-390 F (frost can adversely affect sensitive plants), or to around 300 F or lower in the worst situations (freeze conditions can kill sensitive plants).

Moderate

"A Moderate Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

A moderate likelihood (16% to 25% or greater probability) that temperatures will drop to 33-390 F (frost can adversely affect sensitive plants), or to around 300 F or lower in the worst situations (freeze conditions can kill sensitive plants).

Low

"A Low Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

A low likelihood (6% to 15% or greater probability) that temperatures will drop to 33-390 F (frost can adversely affect sensitive plants), or to around 300 F or lower in the worst situations (freeze conditions can kill sensitive plants).
Very Low
" A Very Low Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

A very low likelihood (2% to 5% or greater probability) that temperatures will drop to 33-390 F (frost can adversely affect sensitive plants), or to around 300 F or lower in the worst situations (freeze conditions can kill sensitive plants).

Non-Threatening
" No Discernable Threat to Property (vegetation) from Frost/Freeze Conditions."

Cold season weather conditions are non-threatening.

Note: In general, Frost Advisories are issued when minimum temperatures of 33-390 F are expected for several hours. Under these conditions, frost can form on the leaves of vegetation and adversely affect the health of that plant.

In general, Freeze Warnings are issued when minimum temperatures around 300 F (or lower) are expected for several hours. Under these conditions, freezing temperatures can kill all but the hardiest herbaceous plants.

For the 20 counties of south central and southeast Wisconsin in the Milwaukee/Sullivan County Warning Area, Frost/Freeze Advisories/Warnings are issued starting May 7th. These Advisories/Warnings are not issued after October 10th for south central Wisconsin, and after October 15th for southeast Wisconsin.

Determining Likelihood

  • National Weather Service
  • Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI Weather Forecast Office
  • N3533 Hardscrabble Road
  • Dousman, WI 53118
  • 262-965-2074
  • Page Author: MKX Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-mkx.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: 2-Nov-2005 10:23 PM UTC
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