Frost dates for ZIP 79068 (Panhandle, TX)
Average last spring and first fall frost dates with 10%, 50% and 90% odds, from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the nearest weather station, Panhandle, TX (3 miles away).
- Average last spring frostApr 1550% chance of a 32°F freeze after this date
- Average first fall frostOct 2950% chance of a 32°F freeze by this date
- Growing season (frost-free)196 daysmedian, 32°F threshold
- USDA hardiness zone7a0 to 5°F avg. coldest night
Last spring frost odds
| Chance of a 32°F freeze after this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early: most years still freeze after this) | Mar 31 |
| 50% (the "average" last frost) | Apr 15 |
| 10% (safe-side: only 1 year in 10 freezes later) | Apr 29 |
Most gardeners plant frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) after the 50% date, and closer to the 10% date for less risk.
First fall frost odds
| Chance the first 32°F freeze has happened by this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early: 1 year in 10 freezes this soon) | Oct 15 |
| 50% (the "average" first frost) | Oct 29 |
| 90% (late: most years have frozen by now) | Nov 9 |
Light frost, freeze and hard freeze
| Threshold | Last spring (50%) | First fall (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| 36°F (light frost possible on clear, calm nights) | Apr 26 | Oct 20 |
| 32°F (freeze) | Apr 15 | Oct 29 |
| 28°F (hard freeze) | Apr 3 | Nov 6 |
n/a means NOAA did not publish a date at that threshold for this station (usually because it rarely gets that cold).
This week in Panhandle
Soil temperature now
2-inch depth
54°F 50–55°F
24-hour average · latest 58°F, as of Oct 17, 8:00 PM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Bushland #1 (38 mi).
4-inch depth
58°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 60°F, as of Oct 17, 8:00 PM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Bushland #1 (38 mi).
Fall: Texas A&M AgriLife times fall pre-emergent (for winter weeds such as annual bluegrass) to soil cooling to about 70°F for several days. The 50–55°F band is the spring trigger. Always read and follow the product label.
7-day forecast and frost risk
No frost in the 7-day forecast.
| Period | High | Low | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight | 38° | Mostly Clear | |
| Sunday | 64° | 46° | Sunny |
| Monday | 68° | 52° | Sunny |
| Tuesday | 72° | 56° | Sunny |
| Wednesday | 77° | 58° | Sunny |
| Thursday | 77° | 58° | Mostly Sunny |
| Friday | 75° | 58° | Slight Chance Rain Showers |
National Weather Service forecast, issued Oct 17, 8:28 PM CDT. Frost can form above 32°F on clear, calm nights. Full NWS forecast.
Free frost alerts for 79068
An email when the National Weather Service forecasts a freeze for this ZIP, plus the spring soil-temperature heads-up. At most a few a month.
Alerts open soon. This form is a preview and doesn't send anything yet.
Where these numbers come from
Station: Panhandle, TX (NOAA GHCN-Daily ID USC00416785), elevation 3,463 ft, 3.5 miles from the ZIP's center point. NOAA completeness flag: R (representative, 10+ years).
Nearby stations
| Station | Distance | Last frost (50%) | First frost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo, TX | 16 mi | Apr 13 | Oct 27 |
| Amarillo 7ENE, TX | 16 mi | Apr 15 | Oct 29 |
| Borger, TX | 24 mi | Apr 12 | Oct 28 |
The average last-frost dates of these stations span 3 days, a rough guide to local variation. See data sources & methods.
Questions
When is the last frost in 79068?
The average (50% chance) last spring freeze of 32°F for ZIP 79068 is April 15. For a safer planting date, use April 29, when only 1 year in 10 still sees a later freeze.
When is the first frost in 79068?
The average first fall freeze is October 29. In 1 year in 10 it comes by October 15.
What hardiness zone is 79068?
ZIP 79068 is in USDA zone 7a (0 to 5°F average coldest winter night), per the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP listing.