GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — We are eight days away from the Autumnal Equinox, but it might feel more like the dog days of summer. Our average high temperature for this time of year is 75° with an average low of 54°.
While the next 48 hours will be near average in the mid to upper 70s, we have a warm-up heading our way. Temperatures are trending into the mid to upper 80s by early next week. Making it feel more like the dog days of summer than fall.
This is great news if you are looking to soak up every last bit of summer-like conditions. Not so great news if you are eagerly awaiting brightly colored fall foliage. The two main reasons that leaves change in color are the amount of sunlight they receive in a day and the drop in temperature.
Thus, with warmer temperatures sticking into the start of Autumn, we may just have to wait a little longer to see the beloved red, orange, and yellows on our trees. That could also end in a shorter foliage season.
Not only will we see warmer afternoon highs but we will also have warmer overnight lows. This doesn't just delay you pulling out your sweaters and warm apple ciders, but it also could delay when we see the first frost of the year.
This prompts a longer growing season, extends the season that disease-carrying pests live before dying off from cold temperatures, and also causes allergy season to last longer.
The next 8 to 14 continue to call for above average temperatures and near average precipitation. Beyond that, we will have to wait and see.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
