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🍂 First Frost Dates for Red Oak, Iowa 51566

The first 36°F frost date is 30% likely to be on Sep 21. (See detailed probabilities below.)

The first 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Sep 28. (See detailed probabilities below.)

(See also 🌷 Last Spring Frost Dates.)

First frost date probabilities for Red Oak, IA are based on historical climate data.

Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.

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What is a First Frost Date?

The first fall frost signals the end of your local growing season. This date serves as an important deadline for gardeners and farmers. You'll need to complete harvesting before this point. Annuals and other tender plants will die back when frost hits, and perennial plants will enter their dormant phase for winter. Meanwhile, it's time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy sweater—and start planning your spring garden!

How to use the First Frost Date?

Watch your local weather forecasts in early fall to predict the first frost date. Harvest tender crops and protect vulnerable plants before frost arrives. For late-summer plantings, count backward from your area's average first frost date. This ensures your crops have enough time to mature. Keep track of when frost actually occurs in your garden each year. This helps you identify protected spots where the growing season might last longer.

First Frost Date Probabilities

Probability of frost (36°F) on or before...
10% chanceSep 12
20% chanceSep 18
30% chanceSep 21
40% chanceSep 24
50% chanceSep 27
60% chanceSep 29
70% chanceOct 2
80% chanceOct 5
90% chanceOct 9
Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or before...
10% chanceSep 19
20% chanceSep 25
30% chanceSep 28
40% chanceOct 1
50% chanceOct 4
60% chanceOct 7
70% chanceOct 11
80% chanceOct 14
90% chanceOct 19
Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or before...
10% chanceSep 27
20% chanceOct 2
30% chanceOct 8
40% chanceOct 12
50% chanceOct 15
60% chanceOct 19
70% chanceOct 22
80% chanceOct 26
90% chanceOct 31
Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 6
20% chanceOct 14
30% chanceOct 19
40% chanceOct 22
50% chanceOct 26
60% chanceOct 29
70% chanceNov 1
80% chanceNov 4
90% chanceNov 10
Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 19
20% chanceOct 25
30% chanceOct 31
40% chanceNov 2
50% chanceNov 5
60% chanceNov 8
70% chanceNov 11
80% chanceNov 16
90% chanceNov 21
Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 31
20% chanceNov 4
30% chanceNov 8
40% chanceNov 12
50% chanceNov 15
60% chanceNov 19
70% chanceNov 23
80% chanceNov 28
90% chanceDec 3

Agricultural climatic data from weather station: RED OAK (USC00136940)

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