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    • In Delaware, warm weather can delay fall frosts
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    In Delaware, warm weather can delay fall frosts

    Vaseline Posted on

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    It’s mid-October and a time when Delaware is usually bracing for its first frost, with typical dates between October 21 and October 31. However, this year the frost may be postponed.

    Next week, forecasts call for daytime highs to be around 80 degrees and nighttime temperatures to hover below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Delaware is in drought, with parts of Sussex County and corners of New Castle and Kent counties in severe drought. Wilmington and Georgetown both reported their driest Septembers on record.

    Although the arrival of frost may be delayed, gardeners and farmers should still keep a close eye on local weather forecasts.

    Each day that passes increases the chance of frost, and by mid-November almost every area in the state typically experiences at least one frost event.

    FALLING FIRE HAZARD: Delaware State Fire Marshal implements statewide burn ban during drought

    How frost arises

    Frost formation is difficult to predict because it requires calm winds, clear skies and sufficient moisture in the air.

    The icy cover occurs when the surface temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, causing ice crystals to form on the ground. Interestingly, frost can occur even when the air temperature is in the mid-30s, when the ground is cooler than the air.

    Frost risks in Delaware

    The times of frost also vary by location; Coastal areas tend to experience frost later than inland areas. The National Garden Association offers a tool that shows the probability of the first frost in different parts of Delaware. Here are their frost probabilities for select Delaware cities and towns:

    • The risk of frost in Milton begins around October 21st and the area has a 50% chance of frost by November 5th.
    • Dover has a 50% chance of frost from October 30.
    • Seaford’s frost season usually starts around October 12th with a 50% chance of a 32° frost from October 30th.
    • The frost risk in Newark increases as early as October 10th and will have had at least one frost event by November 2nd.
    • The frost risk in Wilmington starts around October 16th and has a 50% chance of a 32 degree frost around October 30th.

    That’s possible ccontact Anitra Johnson at [email protected].

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