Fall is officially upon Michigan, which means cooler temperatures won’t be far off.
On average, cities in the Lower Peninsula see their first freezing temperatures —below 32 degrees — in October while the Upper Peninsula experiences frost earlier, typically in September, according to historical frost data from the National Weather Service.
This year, the Upper Peninsula was a bit ahead of schedule, recording below-freezing temperatures in late August. On Aug. 28, Baraga Plains recorded temperatures at 27 degrees overnight. It’s not clear, though, whether frost formed in the area.
Frost in late August is not considered as normal, but it’s also not record setting; northern areas tend to get some early, cold days, explained Sean Christensen, meteorologist for the NWS office in Gaylord.
The Gaylord NWS office has issued two frost advisories since July, and the Marquette NWS office has issued one.
The National Weather Service’s 6-10 day and 8-14 day outlooks issued Sept. 24 continue to call for warmer temperatures across the Upper Midwest and Michigan through Oct. 8.
With October nearing, though, frost will become more likely (especially in northern areas) as low temperatures stick around.
Here’s a look at the average first frost dates across Michigan:
When will it be ‘cold, cold’ in Michigan?
According to the NWS, here’s the average first frost dates for major cities in Michigan with earliest and latest dates recorded:
Detroit
Ann Arbor
Lansing
Grand Rapids
Battle Creek
Traverse City
Alpena
Sault Ste. Marie
Marquette
First freezing temperatures: What do other forecasters say?
In addition to the NWS, the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, a program between the National Centers for Environmental Information and Purdue University, provides climate data with interactive maps for the Midwest — of which shows the average freeze dates for the spring and fall seasons from 1950 to 2024.
On average, Michigan begins to see freezing temperatures in mid-September to early November, the Center said.
Counties is the Upper Peninsula and in northern Michigan typically see the first freeze on average in early September, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center.
In the Lower Peninsula, the average first freeze dates range from late September to late October.
Is there a difference between a frost and a freeze?
Yes. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, frost forms at temperatures near or above 32 degrees, while a freeze is when temperatures drop to or below 32 degrees.
The Almanac provides first and last frost dates for select cities across the state.
When did fall officially start?
The autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere fell on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, marking the first official day of fall.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: It’s been warm in September, but frost isn’t far off. Here’s when to expect it
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Detroit Free Press
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