Frost / Freeze Program 2023

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Columbia SC
343 PM EST Mon Feb 27 2023


...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COLUMBIA FROST/FREEZE PROGRAM TO
RESUME ON MARCH 1st...

The National Weather Service in Columbia, SC will resume the frost
and freeze program for the Midlands of South Carolina and the
Central Savannah River Area of Georgia on Wednesday March 1st.
The decision was made after coordinating with the surrounding
National Weather Service Offices along with state and local
agricultural community. We will begin the issuance as needed of
frost advisories, freeze watches and freeze warnings according to
the following criteria:

...Frost Advisory...

When there is an 80 percent or greater probability that scattered or
widespread frost will occur, usually within 12 to 24 hours. Patchy
frost does not necessitate the issuance of a frost advisory, except
late in the spring when vegetation is typically more sensitive.

...Freeze Watch...

When there is a 50 percent or greater probability that temperatures
will be 32 degrees or lower, usually within 12 to 48 hours.

...Freeze Warning...

When there is an 80 percent or greater probability that temperatures
will be 32 degrees or lower, usually within 12 to 24 hours.


Here is a list of the average date of the last spring freeze for
some locations across the Midlands and Central Savannah River Area:

Augusta (Daniel Fld)...2/27
Thomson................3/14
Orangeburg.............3/15
Columbia...............3/16
Bamberg................3/18
Midville...............3/18
Blackville.............3/20
Waynesboro.............3/21
Little Mountain........3/22
Holly Hill.............3/22
Sandhill (Richland)....3/22
Sumter.................3/24
Manning................3/25
Cheraw.................3/26
Johnston...............3/26
Wagener................3/26
Appling................3/27
Pageland...............3/27
Augusta (Bush Fld).....3/28
McCormick..............3/28
Pelion.................3/28
Bishopville............3/29
Newberry...............3/31
Saluda.................3/31
Winnsboro..............3/31
Chesterfield...........4/01
Cedar Creek............4/10

$$
LCV