National Weather ServiceKentuckyFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 17 freeze warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 21 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 20th most of any state. 2026 through September: 17, 31% above the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Rowan was covered most often (83 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does Kentucky get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 17 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2018 | 40 |
| 2017 | 35 |
| 2016 | 35 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2008 | 17 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Kentucky get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan | 83 | 15 | May 3, 2026 |
| Lewis | 83 | 12 | April 8, 2026 |
| Greenup | 82 | 14 | May 3, 2026 |
| Elliott | 82 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Boyd | 82 | 14 | May 3, 2026 |
| Morgan | 81 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Menifee | 81 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Lee | 81 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Lawrence | 81 | 14 | May 3, 2026 |
| Johnson | 81 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Carter | 81 | 14 | May 3, 2026 |
| Wolfe | 80 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Kentucky.