‘False fall’ arrives, but don’t get too cozy, meteorologist says
By Jennifer Gray, CNN meteorologist
Editor's note: A version of this article originally appeared in the weekly weather newsletter, the CNN Weather Brief, which is released every Monday. You can sign up here to receive them every week and during significant storms.
(CNN) - WOW! Can I get a hallelujah for these temperatures? After what seemed like a summer in the furnace, I think we can all get on board with some fall-like temperatures for a few days.
Unfortunately, it won't be for everyone. The tiny cool blast will only be for portions of the country. And as much as my heart wants to tell you it's here to stay, it won't. Sadly, it's going to be such a quick shot of amazing air, if we blink, we might miss it.
But I'm going to rejoice in the fact I won't be wiping upper lip sweat for a few days and believe it's a sign we are turning the corner and better weather lies ahead for those of us who have been sweating it out with me during the last few months!
The first significant cold front of the season is in progress across the midsection of the country today, and it's leading the charge in bringing temperatures AND dew points down. The dew point is responsible for the humidity, so when temperatures fall along with the dew points, it's a wonderful combination.
"Today will be a spectacular fall day with plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and highs in the 70s," the National Weather Service in Nashville wrote. "Tonight will be on the cool side with lows in the low to mid 50s."
While the front has made it all the way to portions of the South this morning, there are still some lingering showers and storms across the Midwest.
"The flood threat should be diminishing with time but given how saturated conditions are from the record rainfall yesterday, it won't take much to result in some renewed flooding concerns," explained the weather service office in Chicago.
Rockford, Illinois recorded 4.34 inches of rain on Sunday, breaking a daily record for rainfall, prompting concern for flooding today. Any additional downpours falling on already saturated soils will create flash flooding potential.
The showers along the front will ultimately be responsible for the taste of fall.
"Tuesday should be the first in a string of consecutive days of some very pleasant early fall/late summer weather," the weather service office in Chicago added.
While the cool changes will be short-lived, they will be dramatic.
"High pressure builds on the backside of the cold front moving across the Midwest and Ohio/Tennessee Valleys today, sending high temperatures falling dramatically into the 60s, which will be 15-25 degrees below average," the Weather Prediction Center noted.
For places like Atlanta, which endured temperatures in the low 90s to start the month, many will welcome cooler temperatures with open arms.
"As the front starts to work its way through north Georgia today, a very fall-like airmass will filter in behind the front," the weather service Atlanta wrote.
Temperatures will only make it up to the mid- to upper 70s this afternoon, in combination with lower humidity levels. By Tuesday morning, lows will be in the mid-50s to mid-60s for much of the region, something the South has not experienced for quite a while.
If Atlanta's updated low forecast of 57 verifies, "it would end a 125-day stretch going back to May 10th of minimum temperatures at or above 60 degrees, the 11th longest stretch within the period of record," the Atlanta weather service office explained.
The cooler air will reach portions of New England by the end of the week, and they are already excited about it.
Check the forecast temperatures in your city
"Well, hello there fall. That's what you'll be thinking Thursday morning when you wake up and notice temperatures in the upper 30s to upper 40s across the North Country," said the weather service office in Burlington, Vermont. "A blast of early season colder air will bring fall-like temperatures to the region Thursday through Saturday."
It will be a refreshing change for even the northern tier of the country, a region where the taste of fall could get many excited about pumpkin spice and beautiful fall colors. However, the Northeast has been in the midst of a flash drought this summer, and it could have an effect on the fall color.
The drought has improved a little compared to last week, though nearly 20% of the Northeast is still in drought conditions.
As we said in the headline, this is a "false fall," and it cannot be trusted.
False fall is nothing more than just a tease, with a few days of fall-like temperatures before we return to warmer temperatures in the blink of an eye.
For much of the Midwest, temperatures will already be moderating by midweek. So, for the next few days, enjoy your break from summer.
By the way, the fall equinox is on September 22 (even though meteorological fall began on September 1), and we all know it means nothing when it comes to Mother Nature, so if you are one of the lucky ones experiencing this false fall, ENJOY!
Summer continues for many
We aren't trying to brag about the cooler temperatures too much because many of you will be baking in the summer sun this week as temperatures soar well above normal, especially for the Rockies and Plains.
"Highs in the 80s over the Northern/Central Rockies/Plains will be anywhere between 10-20 degrees above average today, then highs in the 80s to low 90s in the Northern/Central Plains will be 10-15 degrees above average on Tuesday," the Weather Prediction Center outlined.
Places like Dodge City and Lincoln will be in the 90s to start the first half of the week. Even Bismark will be flirting with 90 this afternoon.
But just like the false fall for the midsection of the country, the heat in will be mostly short-lived as temperatures fall to more seasonal norms by midweek.
Next week doesn't look much better. The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above-average temperatures for much of the country.
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