Farmer’s Almanac Says These Are First Frost Dates of 2024 for Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KPEL News) - The summer is almost over, and fall will be arriving shortly. If you live in Texas, that means this oppressive summer heat may finally come to a close.

It's going to take some time to get properly chilly, though. Because Texas is such a warm state, the coldest weather takes a while to arrive. According to one long-range forecast, the Lone Star State won't be seeing a frosty day for quite a while.

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Why Is This Information Important?

Knowing the date of the first frost is crucial for gardeners, farmers, and those involved in agriculture. This date marks the start of colder temperatures that can impact plant growth, crop yields, and garden maintenance.

Firstly, understanding the first frost date helps plan planting and harvesting schedules. Planting too late risks crops not maturing before frost hits, leading to loss. Planting too early can expose young plants to unexpected frosts, causing damage. By knowing the approximate date of the first frost, one can time planting to ensure crops have enough time to grow before the cold sets in.

The first frost date also signals the end of the growing season, prompting preparations for winter. This includes harvesting remaining crops, bringing sensitive plants indoors, and applying mulch to protect perennials. Proper preparation ensures plants survive the winter and are healthy in spring.

Additionally, knowing the first frost date aids in selecting appropriate plant varieties. Some plants are more frost-tolerant than others. By choosing varieties suited to the local climate and frost schedule, gardeners can ensure better survival rates and healthier plants.

For commercial agriculture, the first frost date is crucial for financial planning and risk management. Frost can damage crops, leading to significant loss. Understanding the timing of frost allows farmers to take preventive measures, such as using frost cloths or wind machines, to protect crops.

When Is The First Frost of 2024?

The forecast to really look for comes from The Old Farmer's Almanac, which is renowned for its long-range forecasts. "Near-normal" for Louisiana means that temperatures will be in the lower 70s by the time we get to November, which will be a significant cool-off from September (upper 80s) and October (mid-70s).

But after that comes winter, and the first frost of the season is expected to hit Louisiana around the time November is ending and December is coming around. The Old Farmer's Almanac has a complete list of dates for the first frost of 2024.

• Austin - November 10

• Dallas - November 20

• El Paso - November 14

• Fort Worth - November 14

• Galveston - December 22

• Houston - December 8

• Killeen - November 8

• Lubbock - November 5

• Nacogdoches - November 10

• San Antonio - November 18

• Waco - November 13

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