Frost in Illinois

Frost is defined as ice crystals that form on a freezing surface as moist air comes in contact with it. Farmers, landscapers, and gardeners are interested in frost in both spring and fall.  However, frost is usually not measured directly at weather stations. Instead, we choose dates when the air temperature crosses the threshold of 32°F.
The Midwestern Regional Climate Center keeps tabs on what places have hit 32 degrees so far this fall. Click to enlarge.
Locations that have experienced a freeze so far.  Image courtesy of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center.

Frost Climatology

The average date ranges from October 7 in far northern Illinois to October 21 or later in far southern Illinois (see map below). The actual date varies from year to year. For tender plants in the fall, subtract two weeks from the average date to protect against an early frost.
Although 32°F is the temperature traditionally used to identify frost, visible frost can be seen on the ground and objects when temperatures are slightly above 32°F. This occurs on calm, clear nights that allow cold, dense air to collect near the ground. Under these conditions, the temperature near the ground actually can be a few degrees cooler than at the 5-foot height of the official National Weather Service thermometer.
Open, grassy areas are usually the first to experience frost, while areas under trees are more protected because the trees help prevent the heat from escaping. Homeowners can protect tender plants by providing this same type of protection if they cover their plants when a frost is expected. Plants near heated buildings sometimes are spared too. Those living in the country tend to see frost earlier in the fall than those who live in town, because of the many warm buildings and trees in town may ward off frost in some cases.

Fall Frost
Average date when temperature first drops below 32 degrees in Fall.

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