Prepare for Autumn: The Old Farmer’s Almanac September Forecast
As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn begins to creep in, many are looking for a reliable glimpse into the future. The Old Farmer’s Almanac September forecast provides a comprehensive long-range outlook, offering a region-by-region breakdown of what the United States can expect throughout the month.
Unlike daily forecasts, the Almanac focuses on broad regional patterns, predicting whether temperatures and precipitation will trend above or below historical averages. But how do they do it? Their unique methodology blends solar science, climatology, and meteorology, analyzing solar patterns and large-scale climate signals like El Niño and La Niña to paint a picture of the month ahead.
Eastern US & The Atlantic Coast
The East Coast is looking at a month of transition. From the Atlantic Corridor to the Appalachians, expect a mix of sunshine and scattered instability.
- Atlantic Corridor: Expect scattered thunderstorms early in the month, transitioning to cooler weather. Precipitation is projected at 3 inches (about 1 inch below average) with an average temperature of 68°F.
- Appalachians: A sunny start will lead to scattered showers between September 7-12. The month should end with a mix of sun in the south and showers in the north, averaging 63°F.
- Southeast & Florida: The Southeast starts mild and sunny, though thunderstorms will periodically interrupt. Florida will see a divide: the north remains drier and sunnier, while the south may experience higher precipitation (up to 7.5 inches total).
The Midwest & Heartland
Central America’s weather will be a tug-of-war between late-summer heat and early-autumn chills.
- Lower Great Lakes & Ohio Valley: Both regions will experience a sunny start followed by periods of rain. The Ohio Valley can expect average precipitation in the east but drier conditions in the west.
- Upper Midwest: Very warm conditions will dominate until September 6, followed by a shift toward chilly weather and rainy periods toward the end of the month. Average temperature: 57°F.
- The Heartland: Expect volatility. Warm sunshine will be interrupted by chilly showers (Sept 6-9) and thunderstorms (Sept 16-19), eventually closing with cooler conditions.
The West, Plains, and Southwest
From the High Plains to the Pacific, the weather remains varied with a strong emphasis on sunshine, though some regions face higher-than-average rainfall.
- High Plains & Intermountain Region: Mostly sunny and warm. The High Plains will likely be 2 degrees above average (65°F), while the Intermountain region will see a distinct temperature divide between the north and south.
- Desert Southwest: Predominantly sunny and very warm through September 22, with a brief period of rain and cooling between September 23-26.
- Pacific Northwest: A very warm start will give way to rainy and chilly conditions from September 18 onwards. Precipitation is expected to be significantly high, around 4.5 inches (3 inches above average).
- Pacific Southwest: A largely sunny month with average temperatures around 72°F.
Alaska & Hawaii: The Outliers
The edges of the US have their own unique challenges this September.
Alaska will feel the bite of winter early, with rain and snow showers in the north and cold conditions persisting throughout the month. Meanwhile, Hawaii should prepare for scattered showers and warm temperatures, with a specific tropical storm threat flagged between September 23 and 25.
Quick Summary Table: September Trends
| Region | Temp Trend | Precipitation Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Corridor | Below Average | Below Average |
| Upper Midwest | Below Average | Above Average |
| High Plains | Above Average | Below Average |
| Pacific NW | Below Average | Above Average |
For more detailed and personalized forecasts, you can visit the official Old Farmer’s Almanac website to stay ahead of the weather!
