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Unusual Fall Season For Almost All US States Predicted

Autumn
Autumn. Image by Aaron Burden via Unsplash

Fall in the United States is taking an unusual turn this year. Forecasts predict warmer-than-average temperatures across almost all 50 states. If you were hoping for cooler, crisp days, you might be disappointed. The weather experts point to La Niña and ongoing climate change as significant factors behind this unseasonal warmth.

La Niña’s Influence

Old tulip tree with bright autumn leaves.
Old tulip tree with bright autumn leaves. Image via Depositphotos

La Niña, a recurring climate pattern marked by cooler sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific, plays a key role in this forecast. It typically leads to warmer and drier conditions in many parts of the U.S. This fall, La Niña is expected to dominate, pushing temperatures above normal in several regions.

Climate Change Factors

Walking along the path in the leaves in autumn.
Walking along the path in the leaves in autumn. Image via Depositphotos

While La Niña is a natural phenomenon, the influence of human-driven climate change cannot be ignored. Rising global temperatures contribute to higher baseline conditions. Each year, the average temperature climbs, making unusual warmth more common. This fall, many states will see the direct effects of this ongoing trend.

Regional Impacts

Bison in the autumn forest.
Bison in the autumn forest. Image via Depositphotos.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the Four Corner states—Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico—will experience some of the highest temperature deviations. These areas could see a 60 to 70 percent chance of above-average temperatures, making it feel more like summer than fall.

New England’s Unusual Warmth

Bear hidden in yellow forest. Image by: OndrejProsicky via Depositphotos.

In New England, known for its cool, crisp autumns, the warmth is expected to persist. With a similar 60 to 70 percent likelihood of above-average temperatures, residents may find the usual fall foliage accompanied by an unexpected warmth. This could impact everything from heating costs to outdoor activities.

The West Coast Exception

White (wheaten) scottish terrier in Autumn.
White (wheaten) scottish terrier in Autumn. Image via Depositphotos.

Interestingly, not all regions are expected to follow this warm trend. Parts of the West Coast, including Washington, Oregon, and California, along with Idaho and Alaska, are not predicted to see the same degree of warming. These areas may experience typical fall temperatures, ranging from the 20s to 70s Fahrenheit.

Midwest Heat

Hot sunny landscapes.
Hot sunny landscapes. Image by Federico Respini via Unsplash

The Midwest is another region likely to experience above-normal temperatures this fall. States like North and South Dakota, along with several Great Lakes states, are leaning toward higher-than-average temperatures. This could extend the summer feel, delaying the onset of the cooler weather many anticipate.

Drier Conditions in Central U.S.

Hot texas sun.
Hot texas sun. Image by K. Mitch Hodge via Unsplash

In addition to warmer temperatures, several central U.S. states are expected to see drier-than-average conditions. New Mexico and southwest Texas, in particular, are forecasted to experience below-average rainfall. This could have implications for agriculture and water supply in these typically arid regions.

Rainfall in the East and Northwest

Raindrops.
Raindrops. Image by Noah Slliman via Unsplash

Contrary to the central U.S., the East Coast and parts of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska are likely to see above-average rainfall this fall. This could lead to a mix of warmer temperatures and wetter conditions, creating a unique weather pattern that could challenge typical fall expectations.

Summer’s Lingering Heat

Autumn leaves on display.
Autumn leaves on display. Image by Jeremy Thomas via Unsplash

The fall forecast follows a summer that was already record-breaking in terms of heat. Many states across the Northeast and Midwest experienced temperatures well above normal, driven by El Niño. This summer warmth is expected to carry over into the fall, extending the unusual weather conditions.

Record-Breaking Year

Autumn leaves.
Autumn leaves. Image by Aaron Burden via Unsplash

2024 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, surpassing previous records. The consistent rise in global temperatures, combined with the effects of El Niño and La Niña, makes this fall’s forecast part of a larger, more concerning trend. The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident.

Conclusion

Autumn mountains.
Autumn mountains. Image by Federica Galli via Unsplash

This fall season, almost all U.S. states can expect unusual warmth. The combined effects of La Niña and climate change are driving this trend. While some regions may experience typical temperatures, the majority will feel the lingering heat of summer. As we move into the fall, the need to adapt to these changing conditions becomes more pressing.

Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)