It is already that time of the year. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, which means it is only a matter of time before we start to see our temperatures dip down into frost and freeze territory.

What You Need To Know

  • Longer nights and shorter days will eventually lead to cool enough nights for frost formation and freezing temps

  • Frost can form when temperatures dip into the middle 30s

  • Most locations around the Commonwealth see their first fall frost in October

  • On average, most locations see their first fall freeze in late October or early November​

By definition, a freeze occurs when the temperature drops down to 32 degrees. We typically see frost formation when the temperature dips down into the middle 30s, especially when we have clear skies and light winds. 

Now that we know the difference between a frost and a freeze, let's have a look at when we typically hit these thresholds.

Louisville

Average First Frost: October 22-27

Earliest Frost: September 25 (1950)

Latest Frost: November 23 (1902)

Average First Freeze: November 1-7

Earliest Freeze: October 3 (1974)

Latest Freeze: December 5 (1885)

Lexington

Average First Frost: October 13-19

Earliest Frost: September 23 (2012)

Latest Frost: November 9 (1922)

Average First Freeze: October 24-29

Earliest Freeze: September 30 (1899)

Latest Freeze: November 27 (1902)

Covington

Average First Frost: October 10-16

Earliest Frost: September 21 (1962)

Average First Freeze: October 21-27

Earliest Freeze: September 28 (1942)

Latest Freeze: November 27 (1902)

Bowling Green

Average First Frost: October 14-20

Earliest Frost: September 13 (1902)

Latest Frost: November 10 (2016)

Average First Freeze: October 25-30

Earliest Freeze: September 28 (1889)

Latest Freeze: November 16 (1897)

As you can see, we could see frost or freezing temperatures relatively soon, so try to take advantage of the beautiful weather before the temperatures begin to crash.