Frost/Freeze in Southeast Utah, Utah

The lowest temperature recorded across the Southeast Utah zone, as well as the lowest temperature recorded at the KBDG AWOS in Blanding, UT, was 20F. A total of 9 out of the 11 available temperature sensors in the zone recorded at least 3 hours of temperatures below 32F. The average time below 32F was 8 hours, with a maximum of 13 hours and a minimum of 0 hours. Additionally, temperatures across the zone were at or below 28F for on average 4 hours, with a maximum of 11 hours and a minimum of 0, qualifying this as a hard freeze event. However, no reports of crop damages or losses were received.

In the wake of a strong spring storm that pushed a potent cold front through the area, clear skies and calm winds allowed temperatures to drop below freezing across much of eastern Utah. This cold air stuck around for a few days, with good radiational cooling conditions allowing for several nights with below normal temperatures, particularly across southeast Utah. With several periods of much above normal temperatures punctuated by near-normal temperatures, the growing season in the area was well underway. Therefore a widespread freeze at this time of the year could have a detrimental effect on fruit crops and other agriculture in the area.