New Map Shows When Your State Could Experience Its First Hard Freeze of the Season
New Map Shows When Your State Could Experience Its First Hard Freeze of the Season
Melody McCuneWed, September 16, 2026 at 11:15 AM UTC
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It’s hard to accept the cold as inevitable when it still feels like you’re burning to a crisp every time you step outside. However, we’re officially in the ‘ber months, folks, and that chill in the air will arrive sooner than we think.
When You Might Get Your First Hard Freeze
Newsweek just created a new interactive map of the US to help you prepare for the first big freeze of the season (which you can find here). Per the map’s legend, the outlet categorized average first hard freeze months by six colors: Navy Blue=October, Medium Blue=”Can occur year-round,” Denim Blue=September, Cornflower Blue=November, Ice Blue=December, Olive Green=August. You can zoom in and click on each state to get its average first freeze month.
Newsweek created the map using historical data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). According to that data, the country is on time for its usual first freezes when compared to seasonal averages. In some regions of the US, the first freeze can occur as early as Aug. 31. Of course, elevation plays a crucial role, and first freeze dates can even vary widely within a single state.
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The map shows that Utah and South Dakota’s first freeze could take place in August, while most of the country could see it in October. This includes parts of the Midwest and the South. Northern states are more likely to experience their first hard freeze before the rest of the US. Based on the map, most of the Northeast, some northern Midwest states (like Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Dakota), and Washington usually have their first freeze in September.
However, the West, Oregon, parts of the Mountain region, and Alaska could have their first freeze at any point during the year, making it harder to predict. As for states that, on average, have a later first hard freeze, Louisiana and Arkansas are typically in November. Lastly, Hawaii’s first hard freeze could occur in December, based on data that calculates climate norms.
The Difference Between a Freeze and a Frost
It’s important to note that the Newsweek map shows when each state usually sees its first hard freeze, not frost. For a freeze to happen, the temperature must be at or below freezing, or 32℉/0℃. Frost occurs when visible ice crystals form on surfaces. You can have a freeze without a frost and vice versa. Frost occurs close to the ground, while a freeze occurs when the air temperature several feet above the ground is at or below freezing.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Sep 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
