Frost/Freeze — Southern Berkshire, Massachusetts

2023-05-18 · Southern Berkshire, Massachusetts

Event narrative

Note: Damage estimates will be determined in the Fall of 2023 based on actual crop harvest.

Wider weather episode

An anomalously strong upper low and surface high overhead resulted in a major cold snap across western Massachusetts the night of May 17th into the morning of May 18th. Strong radiational cooling from clear skies resulted in widespread overnight low temperatures in the mid 20s to lower 30s. This resulted in significant impacts to crops/vegetation across the area. A disaster declaration was made for western Massachusetts due to the extreme cold and crop damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1101573. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.