Summerlike warmth to usher in the start of fall next week in eastern US
Highs in the 80s are expected as far north as the upper Midwest and Northeast
Fall is Cancelled
Millions of Americans will have a bit of seasonal dysmorphia as warm weather creeps into into the Eastern United States
The autumnal equinox might usher in the start of fall next Wednesday, but the weather has other plans for the eastern United States.
Summerlike warmth will likely stick around into late September, according to a long-range forecast from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.
The CPC's 6- to 10-day temperature outlook issued Tuesday highlights the entire Northeast and mid-Atlantic for an 80% chance of above-average temperatures during the period from Sept. 20 to 24, or next Monday through Friday.
The 6- to 10-day temperature outlook valid Sept. 20-24, 2021.
(NOAA's Climate Prediction Center)
In fact, the entire eastern half of the nation into much of the South has 50-50 or better odds of warmer-than-average temperatures next week.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX
Highs on Monday are predicted to reach the 80s as far north as the upper Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast, with 70s reaching the Canadian border in the Northern Plains and northern New England.
Forecast high temperatures (numbers) and departures from average (colored contours) on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.
(NOAA/NWS/WPC)
This general pattern of above-average warmth in the East also shows signs of lingering into the final week of September.
The CPC's 8- to 14-day outlook for Sept. 22 to 28 shows a 60% chance of warmer-than-average temperatures from New England southward to North Florida.
If you're anxious for the cooler temperatures more typical of fall, you'll likely have to wait a few more weeks in the eastern U.S.
The 8- to 14-day temperature outlook valid Sept. 22-28, 2021.
(NOAA's Climate Prediction Center)