Freeze warnings issued across multiple US states, including New York and Pennsylvania, as cold winds are likely to trigger frost​, drawing curtains on the growing season

There is a definite change in the season, which has started to reflect on weather maps across the northern US this week. Following a stretch of mild and comfortable weather, parts of America are set to witness the real arrival of fall (autumn). Frost and freeze alerts are in place stretched across multiple US states including New York and Pennsylvania. These weather alerts largely suggest that the growing season is set to end for millions of farmers and gardeners.

In New York State, the weather service in Binghamton said "a much colder high pressure system will drop south over the region Wednesday (Oct. 8) and last into Friday (October 10, 2025). The potential exists for widespread frost and freeze conditions Thursday morning (October 9, 2025) and especially Friday morning.

Minimum temperatures both mornings could be close to or below freezing. Friday morning could have many locations minimum temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s," as quoted by USA Today.

Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, says NWS

In Pennsylvania, a freeze warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Thursday (October 9, 2025) which will remain valid from 11 p.m. until Friday 9 a.m. for Carbon, Monroe and Northampton counties, according to Lehigh Valley Live. The weather service comments, "Sub-freezing temperatures as low as the upper 20s to low 30s expected."

"Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the weather service said, as quoted by Lehigh Valley Live. "Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold."

Meanwhile, freeze warnings and watches, as well as frost advisories spanned multiple states, including:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Michigan
• West Virginia
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Vermont

Subfreezing temperature likely in Minnesota and Wisconsin

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the NWS said widespread subfreezing temperatures are anticipated to mark the end of the growing season, according to Newsweek.

Several areas including Crow Wing, Aitkin, Pine, Koochiching, Cass, Itasca, Carlton, St. Louis, Cook and Lake Counties in Minnesota and Price, Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties in Wisconsin are expected to see lows dropping into the 20s.

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the freeze warning said, as quoted by Newsweek. The NWS also stated that Pennsylvania’s McKean County could see temperatures dip into the mid-low 20’s Wednesday and Thursday night.

Freeze Watch vs Warning and Frost Advisory

Freeze Warning: Take Action! A Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are forecasted to go below 32°F for a long period of time. This temperature threshold kills some types of commercial crops and residential plants, while temperatures below 28°F for an extended period of time can kill most types of commercial crops and residential plants.

Freeze Watch: Be Prepared. A Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours. A Freeze Watch is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season and in the spring at the start of the growing season.

Frost Advisory: Be Aware. A Frost Advisory means areas of frost are expected or occurring, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation.