While spring often signifies warming temperatures and the blooming of flowers, it does not mean an end to Old Man Winter, as frosty weather can linger to the start of meteorological summer.
Across the state, the average last freeze date typically occurs in March, with the final frost occurring a few weeks later.
Frost is composed of a thin layer of ice crystals that accumulates on outdoor surfaces when air temperatures drop near the dew point.
The ice typically forms when the air temperature is in the 33-to-36-degree range, when skies are clear and winds are calm.
The impacts of a frost event or freezing temperatures on vegetation can be significant.
Cold weather damages plants by causing the water inside their cells to freeze and expand, which can cause a rupture, leaves to turn discolored and wilting.
That's why it is important for gardeners and those in the agricultural industry to always pay close attention to the forecast because any bout with winter-like weather can put an end to their hard work.
Taking precautions such as covering plants or bringing potted vegetation indoors can help mitigate the potential damage.
Many residents use Easter as a general benchmark for when the risk of a frost or a freeze begins to significantly diminish during the first half of the year.
Easter annually occurs on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
The date can vary, but because of the moon’s cycles, the holiday call fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. In 2026, Easter will be observed on April 5, when the growing season is well underway.
When cold weather coincides with new plant growth, National Weather Service offices can issue alerts depending on the severity of the event.
A Frost Advisory is issued when there is at least an 80% chance that a widespread frost event will occur within the next 24 hours.
A Freeze Watch is issued when there is potential for temperatures to drop to 32 degrees or below, usually within the next 48 hours.
And a Freeze Warning is issued when there is at least an 80% chance that temperatures will reach 32 degrees or colder over the next 24 hours.
The latest date a freeze event has occurred across major weather observation sites across the state has been in May, with most communities south of Interstate 85 experiencing their latest cold-weather event in April.
