Who says fall always has to be mild? This time, it seems like the warm summer is here to stay longer, with nearly all 50 U.S. states expected to have a hotter fall than usual. Not good news if you were expecting some relief from the sweltering summer.
We owe our understanding of this heated situation to the brilliant minds of our scientific community. Experts point out that the periodic cooling of sea surface temperatures in the east-central equatorial Pacific, known as La Niña, may be the reason for this unusually warm forecast.
At the same time, we must not forget that global climate change plays a significant role, as average temperatures continue to rise inexorably year after year.
Warm temperatures in autumn
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its seasonal outlook for the months of September through November, painting a rather warm picture for the entire nation when regions typically take a cool respite.
Warm weather is expected in the Four Corner States (Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico) and New England, with a 60 to 70 percent chance of above-average temperatures.
On the west coast, however, parts of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Alaska are unlikely to experience above-average autumn temperatures.
Perspective on the warm autumn
As we travel across the country, our next stop is the Midwest, which is bracing for above-average temperatures. This change in weather presents an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those reluctant to say goodbye to summer.
In the northern states, including North and South Dakota, as well as some Great Lakes states, temperatures tend to be above average, creating the basis for a wonderful, extended summer vacation.
Locals and visitors alike can take advantage of this warm season by participating in a variety of activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and attending local festivals that celebrate the vibrant culture of the Midwest. With the sun shining brightly, it’s the perfect time to enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Now that we’ve said goodbye to the temperature swing, it’s time to shed some light on the rain forecast for our fellow Americans. Several states in the central US can expect a drier than average fall. New Mexico and southwest Texas, we’re looking at you!
However, the East Coast and parts of Oregon, Washington and Alaska are expected to see above-average rainfall.
High temperatures in summer
Our current weather pattern did not develop overnight. Remember El Niño, which was caused by a shift in the distribution of warm water in the Pacific Ocean around the equator?
Yes, the climate phenomenon that normally brings drier, warmer air to the northern United States. El Niño had already made its presence felt in June, and most of the United States had already experienced at least one major heat wave.
July proved to be a relentless month, with average temperatures reaching alarming highs in both the Western and Eastern U.S. Fittingly, July was also the hottest day on record.
This extreme heat not only challenges our comfort levels but also raises critical questions about climate change and its impacts. With these rising temperatures, it is important to recognize the importance of sustainable practices to combat rising global temperatures.
Are we creating a new normal?
According to a report by Copernicus, the European Union’s climate change service, this year is already on track to replace 2023 as the hottest year in Earth’s history. So the question arises: is this the new “normal” we are creating for ourselves and our future generations?
This gives food for thought. The answer may lie in how we respond to this challenge. Remember that the world around us is a reflection of our actions.
As the great American author Edward Abbey once observed, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” It is high time we rethink our actions and their impact. Are we ready to take the plunge before autumn loses its magic and every season turns into a monotonous heatwave?
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