Michigan‘s first Freeze Dates Arrive: What to Expect this โFall
Lansing,MI – september 25,2025 – As fall officially began on September 22nd,Michigan residents are bracing for the season’s first freeze.โค Average first freeze dates across the state range from early September in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan to late October in theโค southern portions of the state,according to data from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). Understanding these dates is crucial for gardeners, farmers, and anyone preparing for colder weather.
The MRCC, a collaboration between the National Centers for Environmental Facts and Purdue University, โฃprovides interactive maps detailing average โคfreezeโ dates from 1950 to 2024. โThese maps show that counties in the Upper Peninsula and northernโ Michigan typically experience theirโค first freeze โin early โขSeptember, while the Lower Peninsula generally sees freezing temperatures โarrive between late September and late October. On average, Michigan begins to see freezing โtemperatures in โขmid-September to โคearly November.
But what’sโฃ the difference between a frostโข and a freeze? According to the Old โFarmer’s Almanac, โfrost forms when temperatures are near or above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, while a โfreeze occurs when temperatures dropโ to or below โข32 degrees. The Almanac offers first and last frost dates for specific Michigan โฃcities.
These dates are important because freezing temperaturesโ can substantiallyโฃ impact plants and outdoor infrastructure. Gardenersโ should take steps to protect sensitive plants, and homeowners should prepare for potential issues like frozen pipes. The MRCC’s interactive maps and the Oldโค Farmer’s Almanac’s frost date tool are valuable resources for staying informed andโ prepared throughout the fall season.
