A late frost occurs when temperatures drop below zero after crops have begun spring budding or flowering. It is especially devastating for stone fruit (peach, cherry, almond), vineyards, and sensitive vegetables.
Protection
Farmers use various techniques: sprinkler irrigation (freezing water releases latent heat protecting buds), fans (mixing air to break the temperature inversion), paraffin candles, and anti-hail netting that also retains heat. Minimum temperature and dew point forecasts are critical for activating these measures in time.