Missouri’s First Frost Is Fast Approaching, Here’s When

As I write this, the thermometer outside of my door is expected to top 90 degrees Fahrenheit today. However, statistically Missouri is fast approaching the average first date when the first frost will appear. Truth is stranger than fiction.

My wife is a meteorologist while my ACT score was somewhere in the high single digits. That's why I rely on her expertise and I also trust the fine folks at Farmer's Almanac. It's worth noting that this date will vary slightly depending on exactly where you live in Missouri. You can check your specific Missouri location for the exact date for that first frost, but the average for the state is closer than you think.

What is the average first frost date for Missouri?

The average frost date is October 22, but it's different for every town and city. For example, Kansas City sees frost on or around October 24 while St. Louis can expect frost around October 30. If you live as far south as Branson or Springfield, you might not see conditions for the first frost until early November.

Plant Maps advises that gardeners in Missouri be watchful between October 21 and 31. They do show there are areas in Missouri that could see frost as early as October 11. It's hard to imagine the weather coming anywhere near frost-like temperatures when there's a heat advisory in effect for much of Missouri today. But, that day is coming and Missouri weather can turn on a dime. Frost will be impacting Missouri sooner rather than later.