Spring Frost and Freeze Info - Including Statistical Dates of Last Occurrence

The record to near record cold temperatures in March and April of 2013 has led to a slower than normal start to the growing season over much of north-central and northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota. As the growing season progresses, the NWS in Aberdeen can issue several products to alert users for the potential for frost or freeze conditions (see below). These products will begin to be issued on and after Wednesday, May 15th, 2013.

NOTE: Freezing conditions are possible this weekend - especially on Saturday night and Sunday morning. However, after coordination with agricultural community, it was determined that growing season has not progressed to a point where a freeze would significantly affect most plants.

Freeze Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for temperatures to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the next 12 to 48 hours resulting in the possibility for significant damage to unprotected vegetation.

Freeze Warning: Issued when confidence is high that temperatures will fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit within the next 24 hours resulting in significant damage to unprotected vegetation.

Frost Advisory: Issued when conditions are favorable for temperatures to drop between 33 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit resulting in the possibility of widespread frost near the surface. Unprotected vegetation may be damaged.

Statistical Dates of the Last Spring Frost/Freeze

To assist the agricultural community, below is a table that summarizes the last calendar day when temperatures of a given threshold are expected to be met. The data is courtesy of the South Dakota Climatologist's Office.

Below are a few examples on how to read the table using Aberdeen:

Mean (or average) date when temperatures are last expected to fall to 32F occurs on May 13th
75% probability that the last 32F degree temperature will occur on or before May 19th
90% probability that the last 32F degree temperature will occur on or before May 27th

ABERDEEN		*36F*	*32F*	*28F*	*24F*
	90th	7-Jun	27-May	18-May	9-May
	75th	29-May	19-May	12-May	1-May
	50th	24-May	13-May	3-May	19-Apr
	Mean	23-May	13-May	3-May	21-Apr

PIERRE		*36F*	*32F*	*28F*	*24F*
	90th	27-May	16-May	10-May	4-May
	75th	20-May	13-May	2-May	24-Apr
	50th	13-May	7-May	23-Apr	14-Apr
	Mean	13-May	5-May	25-Apr	15-Apr

WATERTOWN		*36F*	*32F*	*28F*	*24F*
	90th	11-Jun	1-Jun	20-May	10-May
	75th	4-Jun	24-May	12-May	2-May
	50th	25-May	16-May	4-May	21-Apr
	Mean	26-May	16-May	4-May	23-Apr

MOBRIDGE		*36F*	*32F*	*28F*	*24F*
	90th	1-Jun	22-May	15-May	29-Apr
	75th	24-May	14-May	7-May	28-Apr
	50th	17-May	9-May	28-Apr	15-Apr
	Mean	18-May	8-May	29-Apr	18-Apr

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Spring Frost and Freeze Info - Including Statistical Dates of Last Occurrence