Temperatures have finally started to cool in Georgia, and it's starting to feel a bit more like autumn. But some are looking forward to the heat completely going away. Here's what we can expect:
What causes frost?
Frost is similar to dew in that both involve the water vapor in the atmosphere changing form at night due to objects or the ground cooling down, according to National Geographic. The difference being, when the temperatures reach freezing, that moisture becomes the more solid form of frost rather than the liquid form of dew.
What temperature is freezing?
Water freezes at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.
When is the first frost in Georgia in 2025?
We looked at NOAA frost occurrence data for a dozen Georgia cities going back more than 60 years. On average, the earliest most Georgians are likely to see frost is
between Nov. 7 and 16, except for those in the northern-most areas where it could be later in October while those in the Deep South could get frost in early December.
Looking for more specific local data? Below are the average first frost dates, earliest first frosts, and latest first frosts for some of Georgia's biggest cities looking at records going back 100 years:
When do first frosts happen in Georgia cities?
- Athens
- Average: Nov. 7
- Earliest: Sept. 24, 1928
- Latest: Dec. 6, 1978
- Atlanta
- Average: Nov. 13
- Earliest: Oct. 11, 1906
- Latest: Dec. 18, 1998
- Augusta
- Average: Nov. 9
- Earliest: Oct. 10, 2000
- Latest: Dec. 20, 1948
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- Columbus
- Average: Nov. 17
- Earliest: Oct. 21, 1989
- Latest: Jan. 4, 1932
- Macon
- Average: Nov. 11
- Earliest: Oct. 14, 1988
- Latest: Dec. 26, 1918
- Savannah
- Average: Nov. 30
- Earliest: Oct. 27, 1962
- Latest: March 10, 1932
What does the Old Farmer's Almanac say about Georgia's winter? El Niño has returned
The Old Farmer's Almanac's winter forecast suggests Georgia may have a wetter-than-usual winter because North America will see El Niño in action during the winter months.
"Think of the Pacific Ocean as one of Earth’s most powerful weather engines. When its waters warm in just the right places, the jet stream — the fast-moving river of air that steers storms — often shifts its path. That change can influence where rain, snow, and colder air are most likely to travel across North America," the Almanac said.
What does the Farmers' Almanac predict for winter in Georgia?
The Farmers' Almanac's winter forecast is predicting a "cool, wet, and stormy" winter for the southeast. It's also concerned about El Niño, saying residents should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and occasional surges of cold air.
There's also expected to be heavier-than-normal precipitation. When the colder air meets abundant moisture, some storms could produce sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: When will first frost hit Georgia? What forecasts, history predict
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