Tips for using the Frost Freeze Members Access Service

We will use the state of Florida to illustrate one way in which this web site can be used to make operational decisions before, during, and after a cold event.

• First, figure out what forecast zone(s) you are interested in by locating your counties on the NWS Zones for FL map. We are using the NWS zone numbers as many Florida growers have been using this way to identify areas for many years.

• Check the Freeze Forecast For Tonight. This forecast refers to the zone number identified above.

If there is NO cold threat:

• Check the Max/Min Temperature Forecast Table for the next 7 days. Find your nearest locations and see if any cold weather is in the future.

If there is a cold threat:

• Check the nearest 10-day Detailed Forecast. For more information about how to use the variables in this forecast check the fact sheets. We have fact sheets on inversions, dewpoints and wet bulb temperature.


• The 10-day forecast can be fine tuned by adjusting the temperature in the 10-day forecast with the AWIS 7-Day Hourly Temperature Forecasts. These are more site specific.


• Check the Duration Forecast as this can also impact the effectiveness of cold protection methods.


• If the 10-day detailed hourly forecast indicates clear skies and light winds (a radiational freeze), check the minimum temperature in the Wallis-Georg Regression Model Minimum Temperature Forecasts. These minimum temperatures tend to be a little cooler and may be more accurate during a radiational freeze. The Wallis-Georg model is available only in Florida, so if you are looking at other locations, keep in mind temperatures may be cooler than expected.


• Don't forget to monitor the progress of the cold event. Check Real Time Weather Monitoring. These maps are updated hourly. Keep an eye on your own equipment. It is very difficult to accurately predict the timing of a cold event. Minimum temperatures may come sooner than forecast, extending the duration of the event.


• After the event you can see what happened to the area by checking the Temperature Verification. All of these weather observations are from weather stations that are maintained and operated by the NWS, FAA, USDA and the military.