ARKANSAS, USA — Parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma are expecting to see the first frost of the fall season later this week. This comes on the heels of record-breaking high temperatures just this past weekend. Daytime highs this week are expected to be at comfortable levels, anywhere between the low-to-mid 70s.
Wednesday and Thursday morning provide the best chance for at least patchy frost across the region.
Is this normal?
This potential frost is coming, for the most part, right on time for the time of year. It's just slightly late for Northwest Arkansas, where the average first frost date is October 11th. In the River Valley, it's a bit early for a frost. Some data suggests that the River Valley may avoid a frost Wednesday or Thursday, as temperatures may hover around the upper-30s and low-40s.
The average time for a freeze across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley is still a few weeks out. The first average freeze comes from late October into early November.
Wednesday or Thursday frost?
Wednesday looks to pose a large threat for widespread frost across Northwest Arkansas. The River Valley is expected to stay into the upper-30s and low-40s Wednesday morning.
Thursday provides another chance for some patchy frost, but I think for the most part it's just going to be a chilly morning.
Cool air from Canada will continue to sink down to the surface over the next few days, resulting in cooler temperatures. Skies are also expected to be mostly clear through most of the workweek, which will allow all the surface heat to escape overnight.
If you have sensitive plants outside, you may want to cover them up or bring them inside during the overnight hours. Also, you might need to dress a bit warmer in the morning hours, even start the car earlier than usual.
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