The long-range forecasts are starting to show the possibility of frost across a lot of Georgia next week Thursday and Friday. While a 7-day forecast does not have a lot of skill, by seven days away some general trends can be seen. The latest GFS forecast model shows the possibility of a cold outbreak coming into Georgia by late Wednesday into Thursday morning March 8, bringing cold and dry air into the state from the north. Temperatures in at least the northern half of the state are predicted to be below freezing according to this particular model run. With winds of about 10 mph and dewpoints in the low 20’s, that would make this an advective-type frost, which is difficult to protect using standard freeze protection equipment. On Friday morning, March 9, the cold expands to cover most of Georgia except the southern two rows of counties, but with lighter winds and high pressure it is likely to be a radiative frost which generally responds better to frost protection measures like fans.
At this point a freeze is not certain, but any producer who has frost-sensitive crops should be preparing now to make sure frost protection equipment is in good repair and that you have fuel available if needed. Better to be ready and not need it than to be unprepared for the worst case! You will want to watch the forecasts as the week progresses to see how the freeze probability evolves over time.
