Map: Average first freeze dates have shifted later for most of the US since 1970

Over the decades, the first freeze dates have shifted later for most of the U.S., according to a new report.

Climate Central analyzed how the first fall freeze date , which is the first day with minimum temperatures at or below 32°F, has changed since 1970 in 204 U.S. cities.

First freeze is later for most of US

By the numbers:

According to the data , the first freeze now arrives later in 88% (179) of cities analyzed — 12 days later, on average, than in the early 1970s.

In addition, the first freeze is arriving at least two weeks later in 70 cities — especially cities across the Northeast, Ohio Valley and Upper Midwest.

Climate Central explained that a warmer fall will usually delay the first freeze of a season, and the data found that the fall season has warmed in every co