University of Missouri Extension’s Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide tells us that frost is likely coming within two weeks in the northernmost part of the state.
That means that it’s time to think about protecting plants from frost, said MU Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein.
Although near-freezing temperatures are not currently in the forecast, daily temperature normals are dropping about one-half degree daily, and daylight is dwindling at a rate of 2-3 minutes per day, said MU Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.
The median dates of frost-freeze probabilities vary by region in Missouri.
Based on historical data, northern counties would experience their first frost in about two weeks. Central Missourians usually see the first freeze around Oct. 20, while the first freeze is around Nov. 1 in the southern part of the state.
