Autumn Arrives: Experts Warn of Continued Heat This Season
If you’re still clinging to summer as it officially comes to an end on Sunday, you might be in luck. The forecast for the U.S. from October to December suggests warmer-than-usual conditions for 46 out of 50 states, according to the Climate Prediction Center’s announcement on Thursday.
AccuWeather is also agreeing with this hot autumn prediction. Paul Pastelok, a leading long-range expert at AccuWeather, stated, “This fall will feel more like an extended summer for many Americans. The country will experience a delayed shift to cooler temperatures after an intensely hot summer.”
Regions most likely to experience above-average warmth include eastern New England, southern Florida, and large parts of the Southwest, as indicated by the Climate Prediction Center. Notably, the Phoenix area is still recovering from an unprecedented 113 consecutive days of 100-degree temperatures this summer.
In total, sections of 46 states fall within the “above-average temperature zone,” which even includes parts of Alaska and Hawaii. The only exceptions without expected above-average temperatures this fall are Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where temperatures may be equally likely to be above or below average, according to forecasters.
What About Rain and Snow?
The Climate Prediction Center has forecast a wetter autumn for the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Northwest, indicating above-average precipitation is expected, although they did not specify if this will be rain or snow.
In contrast, the Southwest and southern Plains are anticipated to have a drier-than-normal fall, which could worsen existing drought conditions in those areas, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
Is La Niña Returning?
Forecasters have also indicated that La Niña is projected to develop later this fall. This climate phenomenon, characterized by the cooling of surface water in the tropical Pacific Ocean, plays a significant role in shaping weather patterns in the U.S., particularly during late fall, winter, and early spring. It acts oppositely to the more recognized El Niño.
Typically, during a La Niña winter, the southern part of the country experiences dry and warm conditions, while the northern part becomes wetter.
The CPC has outlined the following:
∎ There is a 71% chance that La Niña will form between September and November.
∎ La Niña is expected to continue through January-March 2025. However, a strong event is not anticipated.
∎ “Neutral” conditions are expected by spring.