October 17, 2018

Frost is likely to develop for some suburban areas the week. After a very wet summer and warm start to October, many areas are actually right on schedule or even a little early on the calendar.  Surprise, huh?   The map and charts below are based on 26 locations around Maryland with the average date when temperatures will reach 32F. Note that it is possible to get frost with temperatures in the upper 30s though. Also consider that some areas with varied terrain can have a wide range of first frost dates since warmer air holds on hill tops and cold air sinks in valleys on long autumn nights.

What about winter?

Cold temperatures arriving in October may be a precursor to winter around the corner, but first it is a benchmark for the end of the growing season in autumn. It gets rid of the stinkbugs, and lengthens the time between mowing your lawn. I am working on my winter outlook and usually wait until the end of October. I’m glad I did this year because I think Hurricane Michael is a game changer. Its intensity and track should play a role on the storm pattern. More on that later.

Average First Frost and Freeze Dates in Maryland

Elevation and proximity to the water plays a big role in temperatures. You may want to compare this map to the snow map. Click here for my Maryland Winter page

 

Regional Breakdown

In my 14 years on Baltimore TV working with hundreds of local Weatherbug stations, I have a noticed wide range of temperatures on autumn mornings across single towns. Even in metro Baltimore. Ellicott City for example can have a range of 5 to 8 degrees on some mornings from the old historic valley area to the hill top near Rt 40.  There are pockets of colder air near Bel Air/Fallston, Baltimore’s Hereford Zone, and even between Frederick and Mount Airy.  If you live near the water, either the Bay, reservoir, or river, that can be a source of heat delaying early frosts nearby. I am sure you have noticed your own microclimate that might not be represented on the map. That is a general display, the best I could make with the information and research I’ve found.

The University of Maryland points out that cold temperatures will improve the flavor and texture of kale, collards, cabbage, and turnip greens.  But bringing  tender annual flowers like geranium and begonia indoors before the first frost will help you keep them growing indoors through the winter.

 

FrostWesternMaryland

 

FrostCentralMaryland

 

 

FrostSouthernMaryland

 

FrostEasternShore

 

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Love Maryland Shirt For BCRF

This shirt was designed by my ‘bonus’ daughter Jaiden. The hoodie has been the biggest hit, so our promotion has been extended until the end of this week. At least $5 per shirt will go to BCRF. 
 

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Show your love for Maryland and make this 14 year old artist and her mom extra proud

 

 

 

Partner With Us. My wife Shannon and I started this non profit Just In Power Kids. We are building a network of Integrated Wellness Practitioners plus funds for kids in and post cancer treatment to get free sessions.

 

Get the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, and technology. Our 3 year anniversary of the release and our contribution to STEM education is this November. It has been downloaded in 60 countries, and works in both temperature scales. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather.