South Bend, IN – A broad area of high pressure moving in behind this week’s rain system is setting the stage for the first widespread frost and freeze event of the fall season, stretching from Indiana and Michigan through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and into western Virginia early Friday morning (Oct. 24).
According to the National Weather Service offices across the Midwest and Appalachians, temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight Thursday into Friday, with lows dipping into the low to mid-30s for much of the region. Calm winds, clearing skies, and lingering surface moisture will combine to produce ideal conditions for frost development, particularly in sheltered and rural valleys.
Meteorologists at the NWS Northern Indiana office note that much of the Ohio River Valley and lower Great Lakes will experience their coldest morning so far this fall. Areas south of U.S. 24 are forecast to see the lowest readings, where a light freeze is possible. The event comes roughly one week later than the region’s average first freeze, which typically occurs between October 13 and October 19 depending on location.
📍Regional Forecast Snapshots
- South Bend, IN: Morning low around 35°F, with frost possible before sunrise Friday. Clear skies expected afterward with highs near 54°F.
- Fort Wayne, IN: Forecast low of 34°F, likely producing widespread frost across Allen County and nearby areas.
- Ann Arbor, MI: Lows near 33°F, signaling the potential end of the growing season for southern Michigan.
- Cleveland, OH: Temperatures near 35–36°F Friday morning, with patchy frost possible in outlying suburbs.
- Columbus, OH: Clear and cold overnight Thursday, low 35°F early Friday; frost expected in open areas.
- Pittsburgh, PA: Forecast low 36°F, patchy frost forming mainly outside the metro core.
- Blacksburg, VA: Expected to fall to 34°F, with a risk of frost in sheltered valleys and open farmland.
Across these cities, Friday morning will mark the coldest start of the season, with visible frost on windshields, lawns, and rooftops. The temperature drop follows several days of rain and overcast skies, which will clear late Thursday as the cold air settles in.
🌡 What Residents Should Know
The National Weather Service advises residents to take standard cold-weather precautions. Sensitive garden plants, potted flowers, and outdoor plumbing should be covered or brought indoors. Farmers and gardeners should be prepared for potential crop damage if protective measures aren’t taken.
Motorists heading out early Friday should allow extra time for frost removal from windshields, as visibility could be briefly reduced during the morning commute. Pets and outdoor animals should also be provided with shelter as overnight temperatures flirt with freezing levels.
Despite the early morning chill, the region will rebound quickly under sunny skies by Friday afternoon, with highs returning to the 50s and lower 60s across most areas. A warming trend is expected through the weekend, bringing milder daytime temperatures and dry weather into Sunday.
🕐 Looking Ahead
Forecasters say this frost event is a seasonal milestone, signaling a firm transition into late fall weather patterns. Additional frost or light freeze events are possible next week as nighttime lows continue to hover near freezing across the Midwest and interior Appalachians.
While this first frost is considered slightly delayed compared to long-term climatological averages, meteorologists note it’s a reminder for residents to begin preparing for winter conditions as daylight hours shorten and stronger cold fronts become more frequent.
