By Rod Hill on 2013-04-16
Wednesday morning's chance of near freezing temperatures in the metro may be for much of the area, the end of freezing temperatures until next fall. I will remind those of you that live in out-lying areas, such as Battle Ground or Hillsboro, the average final freeze for your area is roughly May 1st. The average final spring freeze for the Portland city center is closer to April 1st.
The current batch of cold air overhead will exit Wednesday. As much warmer air builds this weekend and much of next week, it appears the threat of freezing temperatures for the majority of the metro area will end. The green light will be illuminated this weekend for the planting of annuals and other tender vegetation.
If PDX stays above freezing this week & the remainder of spring, the period of freezing temperatures will hold at a short 71 days. PDX did not freeze last fall, in fact the first freeze occurred on Dec. 29th. As of right now, the final early spring freeze was back on March 9th. The average growing season for Portland is 223 days. The above dates would give the past 12 months a growing, meaning frost-free period of 294 days.
Oregon City Peaks At 52 mph