“Distinguishing Between Frost and Freeze: Understanding the Contrast and Recommended Actions”

In Orlando, Florida, if you’ve ever gone out in the morning and seen your car covered in frost or your plants looking a bit crispy, you might have wondered about the differences between “frost” and “freeze.”

So, what’s the deal with them? Are they just nature’s way of messing up your garden? Well, surprise, surprise – there is a distinction, and it all boils down to temperature, timing, and the atmosphere.

Let’s start with the basics. The National Weather Service (NWS) explains that although both frost and freeze occur when the air temperature drops low enough to impact plants, they are not interchangeable terms.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is frost?

Frost is the result of dew point temperatures dropping below the freezing point (32°F, or 0°C) during the night. Essentially, it’s the atmosphere’s way of decorating your lawn, car and plant leaves with delicate ice crystals. Much like we’ve seen happening the last few mornings northwest of Orlando and will continue to see through at least midweek.

Frost forms when the air is clear, calm and cool. In these conditions, the heat from the ground escapes into the sky, and the temperature of the air near the ground drops. If this air cools to the point where it reaches the dew point, the moisture in the air will freeze directly onto surfaces like your grass, car, and—yes, if you forgot to cover them—your poor tomato plants.

Basically, think of frost as nature’s version of a delicate snowflake, but without all the fluffy charm. If you’ve ever seen your lawn shimmer in the early morning light, you’ve witnessed the magic (or inconvenience) of frost.

Frost typically occurs during clear, calm nights with light winds, usually when the temperatures dip near or just below 32°F. If the air is too windy or too cloudy, the frost won’t form because the moisture can’t settle on surfaces long enough to freeze. Temperatures 38-42 degrees can lead to patchy frost, 33-37 degrees there will be areas of frost, and 32 degrees or below there will be widespread frost or freeze.

While frost is a beautiful, it of course comes with a downside. If you’re growing tender plants (or have an intense attachment to your car’s windshield wipers), frost can cause damage by freezing the water inside plant cells, leading to wilting, discoloration or death.

While it’s pretty to look at, it’s also a bit of a plant assassin if you’re not prepared.

What is a freeze?

A freeze is when the temperature dips low enough for the air itself to freeze water, everything from puddles to plants to that forgotten cup of coffee on your porch. Technically, a freeze happens when the air temperature drops below 32°F for an extended period, causing frost damage or just the sheer cold to take over.

While frost forms when temperatures hover around the freezing mark, a freeze is more serious. It’s a prolonged period of cold weather, where the entire atmosphere is just done with being warm. This could happen during a cold front moving through, bringing Arctic air that freezes anything in its path. Much like the reinforcing front that was in our Pinpoint Weather forecast.

When temperatures stay below freezing for several hours, a freeze can cause major damage to crops, plants and even pipes. It’s like the weather giving everything the big, cold “nope.”

Freezing temperatures can occur during colder months, often after a cold front has passed through or when high pressure sets in, trapping the cold air in place. Unlike frost, which can form quickly on a cool night, a freeze is a more extended event, lasting at least a few hours with temperatures consistently below freezing.

Frost vs. freeze: The plant assassin face-off

Both frost and freeze can be bad news for tender plants. But here’s the key difference:

• Frost is like a light, overnight prank—plants can often bounce back after a bit of sunshine.

• Freeze is the final boss of cold weather, often causing significant plant damage and possibly killing even the hardiest species if left unchecked.

How do I know if it’s frost or freeze?

Good question! The answer is pretty simple: timing and duration are key. Here’s a handy guide:

• Frost: Happens when the temperature dips below freezing for a short time, usually overnight, with clear skies and calm winds.

• Freeze: Happens when the temperature stays below freezing for several hours or more, creating a deeper cold that could linger for days.

While Mother Nature is the ultimate weather diva, the NWS offers frost and freeze warnings for specific areas, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast (or that trusty Pinpoint Weather app on your phone) if you’re worried about your tropical garden being turned into an ice-cold graveyard.

What can I do about it?

Whether it’s frost or freeze, there are a few things you can do to protect your plants:

• Cover them up! Blankets, sheets, or frost cloths can provide a little extra warmth and shield your plants from the chill.

• Bring plants inside if you can. It’s a no-brainer for potted plants.

• Water the soil before a freeze. Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil, giving your plants a little extra warmth during the cold night.

Whether it’s frost or freeze, weather is sneaky and can catch you off guard. Understanding the difference is the first step in preventing damage to your plants, your car, and even your spirit. So, keep an eye on those Pinpoint weather reports in order to protect your lovely landscape.

Remember, whether it’s frost or freeze, it’s just Mother Nature doing her thing—except, you know, maybe with a bit more attitude than you’d like. Stay warm, and may your plants thrive.

Also, don’t forget to bring in your furry family or make sure they have a warm place to shelter from the cold. If you’re cold, they’re cold.