Why icicles from sprinklers at about 40 degrees?

DJ in WA · Oct 11, 2009

Past few nights we've had record cold around 15 degrees. Things pretty dry still, and it will get warmer, so thought I'd better water during day. Thermometer on shady side of house says 38 degrees, and one on sunny side (thermometer in shade) says 48 degrees. Even in direct sunlight, there are icicles forming at 2 PM from sprinklers running. Please explain.
Edit: Just realized I started at 10 AM when was still 28 - wouldn't it thaw later?

GoldenCityMuse · Oct 11, 2009

There might be some evaporative cooling cuasing it to drop below freezing, and/or your thermometer is off.

ronbre · Oct 11, 2009

ice forming is good as it protects the plants from a hard freeze..yes they will thaw..your thermometer is likely NOT at ground level and frost runs downhill like a river and will collect in hollow areas like a lake will

Why icicles from sprinklers at about 40 degrees?

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