"Buresh Blog": Average date of the last freeze - Feb. 22nd

Feb. 22, 2017 — The map below shows the avg. date of the last freeze of the season for Jacksonville/NE Fl./SE Ga.  Most of Duval Co. is past the average last date except for extreme Western Duval Co. whre the avg. date of the last freeze is as late as March 1st.  Far interior areas have an average last date of March 10th.  But realize that's just an average & Duval Co. has had a freeze as late as April(!).

Given this winter's pattern & the pattern ahead, another freeze seems borderline at best (worst?).  A hard freeze in March is rare to begin with.  An interesting map below shows the early spring (early leafing plants in bloom) as far north as the Ohio River Valley -- 10-20 days early in many places.  Unfortunately at these latitudes it sets them up for some plant & tree damage as additional freezes are likely over the next few weeks.  But the map (as of Feb. 21st)  is telling - an indication of how warm the winter - & Feb. in particular - has been.  Interestingly -- parts of California & Arizona have been unseasonably cold & are behind schedule.

The countdown is on! for the potentially epic solar eclipse Aug. 21st - we've now passed the 6 month mark.  Action News Jax has dedicated a full web page -- including a countdown -- to the astronomical day (get it??!!) - click here.

Cox Media Group