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When is Massachusetts’ first freeze of the fall? See when it arrives in your area

In parts of Massachusetts, temperatures this week could reach into the low 70s as the last remnants of late summer hang on. But overnight, the thermometers will fall into the 40s or upper 30s. The first freeze is not far away. (Photo by James Petts via Flickr Creative Commons).
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The first freeze is a pivotal moment each year as summer turns to fall. When overnight temperatures dip below 32 degrees, tiny ice crystals — frost — form on the ground and other surfaces. Fall has arrived, with winter not far behind.

For farmers, gardeners and growers, the first freeze is even more important. A freeze can kill off weaker crops or plants. When the temperature drops to 28 degrees for at least a few hours — known as a hard freeze — most seasonal plants and vegetation will meet their end.

In parts of Massachusetts, temperatures this week could reach into the low 70s as the last remnants of late summer hang on. But overnight, the thermometers will fall into the 40s or upper 30s. The first freeze is not far away.

Most of Massachusetts sees its first freeze in early to mid-October, historical weather data shows. But exactly when the freeze occurs varies by region — Fitchburg, nearly 500 feet above sea level, will freeze earlier than Plymouth, for example.

When meteorologists think about the “normal” or average freeze date, they look at data from the most recently-completed three-decade period. With the 2020s in full swing, that period currently includes the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. Based on when the first freeze occurred between 1991 and 2020, we have some indication of when to expect a freeze in 2022.

This data for average first freeze dates comes from National Weather Service stations across Massachusetts.

Eastern Massachusetts

  • Bedford: Oct. 4
  • Beverly: Oct. 11
  • Bridgewater: Oct. 3
  • Brockton: Oct. 13
  • Groveland: Oct. 4
  • Harwich: Oct. 29
  • Haverhill: Oct. 6
  • Hingham: Oct. 15
  • Hyannis: Oct. 24
  • Jamaica Plain: Oct. 16
  • Lawrence: Oct. 22
  • Lowell: Oct. 5
  • Marblehead: Oct. 15
  • Medway: Oct: 4
  • Middleton: Oct. 4
  • Milton: Oct. 19
  • Natick: Oct. 6
  • New Bedford: Oct. 9
  • Norton: Oct. 8
  • Norwood: Oct. 4
  • Plymouth: Oct. 27
  • Reading: Oct. 11
  • Sandwich: Oct. 20
  • Taunton: Oct. 11
  • Walpole: Oct. 8
  • Woods Hole: Nov. 5

Central Massachusetts

  • Ashburnham: Oct. 7
  • Charlton: Oct. 4
  • Fitchburg: Oct. 5
  • Maynard: Oct. 1
  • Royalston: Oct. 11
  • Southbridge: Oct. 7
  • Worcester: Oct. 14

Western Massachusetts

  • Amherst: Oct. 3
  • Bradley International Airport: Oct. 10
  • Greenfield: Oct. 5
  • North Adams: Sept. 30
  • Pittsfield: Oct. 1
  • Westfield: Oct. 3

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