Hastings, Neb. – Residents across central and south-central Nebraska, along with north-central Kansas, should prepare for their first freeze of the season as temperatures dip toward freezing by mid-October. The change could impact gardens, late crops, and morning travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, average first freezes typically arrive between October 3 in Greeley and October 17 in Plainville, Kansas. This year, cooler nights are setting in on schedule, with many communities likely seeing their first 32-degree reading between Friday and the middle of next week.
Cities including Kearney, Holdrege, and Grand Island usually record their first freeze around October 10–12, while Hastings, Hebron, and Osceola trend closer to October 14–15. In Kansas, Beloit and Smith Center average October 16, with Plainville often following a day later. Homeowners should plan to cover sensitive plants, disconnect outdoor hoses, and check heating systems before colder air takes hold.
Roadways may not see significant icing yet, but patchy frost can create slippery conditions on bridges and overpasses during the early morning commute.
Frost and freeze advisories are likely to be issued in the coming days as colder air arrives, with updates continuing through the weekend.
