Vriezen Vannacht: The Icy Prelude to Autumn

Vriezen Vannacht: An Icy Awakening

Friday morning requires a warm jacket as temperatures have dipped significantly. At the Twente weather station, temperatures fell to -0.1 degrees by 6:30 AM, confirming the first frost after summer. Typically, the average first ground frost occurs around September 28, but last year it was delayed until October 16.

The Chill in the Air

During this time of the year, nights lengthen and temperatures can descend rapidly, particularly on clear nights when the wind subsides. This cold air settles at ground level, making conditions colder than at standard measuring heights. In Twente, at 1.5 meters above ground, the coldest reading was 2.5 degrees.

A Historical Perspective

• Historically, notable early frost events happened in 2018 and 2012, with initial frosts recorded on September 1.
• In 1973, Soesterberg and other stations recorded frost as early as August 22.
• The average date for the first frost has shifted due to climate change, with the median date between 1971 and 2000 being September 22.

What's Next?

In the coming days, nights will warm slightly with a reduced chance of frost. Expect nighttime temperatures around 10 degrees after the weekend, transitioning to pleasant weather with daytime highs of 20-25 degrees next week.