Late Frost and First Snow

The first fall frost came late for most of the sites that have had a frost. Elkins, WV, was the only site where the first frost came a little earlier than usual.

The average date of the first frost ranges from late September to late November. As of November 6, only 14 of the region’s 35 major climate sites have had their first frost. Of those 14 sites, the first frost was later than usual for all but one. Fifteen major climate sites are past due for their first frost. Rochester, NY; Dulles Airport, VA; Allentown, PA; and Worcester, MA, should have had their first frost at least three weeks ago. For the remaining six sites, the average date of first frost is in the next two to three weeks. Some of these sites will likely see their first frost this week as colder air moves into the region.

As of November 6, 21 sites were still waiting for their first frost. Some sites are past due (shaded red).

Buffalo, NY, is the only major climate site to have measurable snow (0.1 inches) as of November 6. A few sites are past due for their first measurable snow (shaded red), while other sites have time to wait before they should expect to see theirs.

For some sites, the average date of the first measurable snow (0.1 inches) has passed or is quickly approaching. As of November 6, only Buffalo, NY, has seen measurable snow (0.1 inches on Halloween). Four other sites are past due for theirs. For the rest of the major climate sites, the average date of the first measurable snow ranges from early November to mid-December. The average date of the first inch of snow is also quickly approaching. That date ranges anywhere from early November in Caribou, ME, to early January at LaGuardia and Kennedy airports in New York, as well as Atlantic City, NJ. There’s a chance some sites could see their first flakes of the season this week.

The average date of the first inch of snow ranges from early November to early January.