Powerful Storms to Impact the Western U.S. and Northern Plains

A strong, long-duration atmospheric river will bring excessive rainfall, flash flooding, and very strong winds to southwest Oregon and northwest California through Thursday. A High Risk (level 4 of 4) of Excessive Rainfall has been issued. A storm system over the northern Plains will produce locally heavy snow in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Read More >

Freeze Climatology

West Texas Freeze The first and last freeze can have a significant impact on the economy across West Central Texas given the dependence on agricultural interests. These freezes do not cause extraordinary problems when they occur near the "normal" time frame. However, an early autumn or late spring freeze can have tremendous effects, especially when they are preceded by warm periods.

	Abilene	San Angelo
Average First Autumn Freeze:	November 11	November 10

Average Last Spring Freeze:	March 21	March 24

Earliest Freeze on Record:	October 18, 1948	October 16, 1940

Latest Freeze on Record:	April 21, 2021	April 30, 1908

Longest Extended Cold Spell:(consecutive number of hours at/below freezing)	252 hours 1252 AM Feb. 9, 2021 - 1252 PM Feb. 19, 2021	152 hours 451 PM Feb. 10, 2021 - 1251 AM Feb. 17, 2021

What is the growing season? The local growing season is defined by both climate and elevation. It is technically described as the time during which native vegetation, ornamental plants, and crops can be grown. This is loosely defined as the period between the last hard freeze of the spring and the first hard (or killing freeze) of the fall. Based on the climatology listed above, this relates to an average growing season of approximately 7.5 months at both Abilene and San Angelo.

Freeze Watch	Freeze Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a freeze event in the next 12 to 48 hours during the local growing season. In other words, freezing conditions are possible.
Freeze Warning	Freeze Warnings are issued when minimum temperatures are forecast to be 32 degrees or less during the local growing season. This means that confidence is high that freezing temperatures will occur.
Frost Advisory	A Frost Advisory is issued when temperatures are forecast to fall to 33 to 36 degrees during the local growing season on nights with light winds and clear skies. These temperature readings are taken at 2 meters above the ground level, meaning that under strong radiational cooling conditions, freezing temperatures will be possible in the lowest few feet of the atmosphere.