ST. LOUIS – Much of October has been unseasonably warm in the St. Louis region, but a big change in weather could be on the horizon. Next week could possibly bring the first frost of the fall season.
Frost can occur when temperatures dip between 32 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit, just above the freezing point. Frost could develop even if the air temperature is above freezing as long as surface temperatures cool enough for moisture to freeze.
FOX 2’s radars are projecting lows near 38 degrees for Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, from 1991 to 2020, St. Louis’ average first frost was around October 23. If frost arrives Wednesday, it will be about one week earlier than average.
The closer temperatures drop to frost chances and freezes (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), the more likely sensitive plants, flowers and hard crops could be damaged. To protect plants from the inevitable, experts recommend bringing potted plants indoors or investing in a frost fabric cover or blanket for plants that stay outdoors.
Keep in mind, frost chances could look a little different for parts of the St. Luis region based on various environmental factors. For instance, Chesterfield’s NWS system to tracking frost and freezing is located near a river valley that typically gets colder than urbanized areas like the City of St. Louis, which could increase chances of frost.
Aside from Wednesday, there may not be many sustained opportunities for frost next weeks. Lows project to be above 42 degrees Fahrenheit every other day up until next weekend.
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