A high pressure system originating out of Canada settled into the region on April 10-12, 2012 providing clear skies, light winds and cold temperatures. The result was a hard freeze for three nights in a row as minimum temperatures plummeted into the 20s. Most locations saw readings dip into the mid to upper 20s but a few spots reported temperatures in the lower 20s. Stanley, Iowa in Buchanan county was the coldest location with 21 degrees on April 11. After a record warm March which caused vegetation growth to be at least 4 weeks earlier than normal, the cold weather damaged sensitive crops. According to Radio Iowa, widespread frost and freezing temperatures for three nights in a row caused significant damage to crops including apples, grapes and strawberries. At least 50 to 70 percent of these crops were lost especially where temperatures fell to 25 degrees or lower. However, it is unknown the amount of damage in dollar amount.

Frost/Freeze in WARREN, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Frost/Freeze in WHITESIDE, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Frost/Freeze in HANCOCK, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The minimum temperature at Bentley was 27 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Frost/Freeze in CARROLL, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Frost/Freeze in HENDERSON, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Frost/Freeze in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The minimum temperature at Kewanee was 27 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in JO DAVIESS, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The minimum temperature at Galena was 27 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in MCDONOUGH, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 00:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The minimum temperature at Macomb was 30 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in MERCER, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The minimum temperature at Aledo was 29 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in PUTNAM, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Frost/Freeze in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 02:00:00 to 12-APR-12 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The minimum temperature at the Quad Cities International Airport near Moline was 28 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in STEPHENSON, ILLINOIS
From 12-APR-12 03:00:00 to 12-APR-12 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The minimum temperature at Freeport was 31 degrees.