The first freeze was a little earlier than normal for Cincinnati this year.
The temperature at the CVG airport reached 28F on Sunday, October 18. This was close to the record of 26F in 1948.
On average, Cincinnati sees its first freeze by October 27. Hamilton and Milford see their first freeze on average by October 11.
The first freeze is when temperatures reach 32F degrees or below causing damage to plants and vegetation.
This signals the end of the growing season and can occur as early as October 12 for Cincinnati and September 28 for Hamilton and Milford.
During warmer years, the first freeze may be as late as November 12 for Cincinnati and October 24 for Hamilton and Milford.
In 2007, when there was triple digit heat in the summer and 2 days of record 90-degree temperatures in October, the first freeze in Cincinnati did not occur until October 29. This was close to average.
Last year, the first freeze in Cincinnati was on October 28, but in 2006, it occurred much earlier on October 13.
With cooler than normal temperatures for the end of September and early October, we will have to keep an eye out to see if this year's first freeze comes earlier than normal.
Regardless, the days are numbered for tomatoes, peppers and other late summer favorites. Enjoy them while they last before this year's growing season is over.
