| Frost forms in much the same way as dew forms. Frost usually forms when a surface cools
through loss of infrared radiation to a temperature
which is colder than the dewpoint of the air next to the surface, AND the temperature of that surface is below freezing
(32 deg F, or 0 deg. C). The source of this moisture is water vapor contained in the air.
The heaviest coatings of frost usually do not occur at the coldest temperatures because very cold air can not hold very much
water vapor. Instead, thick deposits of frost usually occur when the air temperature is close to 32 deg. F (0 deg. C).
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