Hope you like apple picking in a heat wave.
Coming off one of the hottest summers on record in the U.S., homeowners in most of the country should prepare for the high temperatures to stay put well into the fall season, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
With a few regional exceptions, much of the country -- especially Western states -- can expect a warm, dry autumn. That extended stretch of favorable weather offers a golden opportunity for homeowners who've been delaying outdoor home improvement projects. Whether it's repainting the exterior, repairing the deck, or getting to those gutters, the extended warm season could be your last, best chance to get your home in top shape before winter sets in.
Homeowners along the Atlantic Corridor, across the Southeast, and throughout Florida can expect a warmer-than-average fall this year. These regions, known for their already mild autumns, are likely to see lingering summerlike temperatures well into the season.
Of course, autumn also overlaps with hurricane season -- and August through mid-September is historically the most active stretch. These warmer conditions might align all too well with another seasonal forecast: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of an "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane season in 2025.
Farther inland, the almanac predicts that the warm, dry conditions will continue across the Deep South, heartland, Texas-Oklahoma, and the High Plains.
Out West, areas including the Intermountain region, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest are also forecast to experience above-average temperatures. Even Alaska is expected to see a milder-than-usual fall, with below-normal precipitation in the north and near to slightly above normal in the south.
While the warmer weather might be welcomed in some parts of the country, other regions will begin to cool down quickly as September arrives.
Several regions across the U.S. are expected to see cooler-than-average temperatures this fall, according to the almanac. These include the Northeast, the Appalachians, the Lower Lakes, and the Ohio Valley -- all areas that typically begin to see a dip in temperatures as early as September.
In the Northeast, the dip in temperatures will come alongside a return of significant rainfall. September is expected to average 59 degrees Fahrenheit -- about 2 degrees below normal -- with 3.5 inches of precipitation, bringing wetter conditions to the north and drier weather to the south. October will cool further, averaging 46 degrees (3 degrees below normal) with about 2.5 inches of rain.
The cooler trend is also forecasted to extend into the Upper Midwest and even the Desert Southwest.
Interestingly, Hawaii is forecasted to experience below-average temperatures this season as well. In September, the islands will see an average temperature of 81 degrees (0.5 degree below normal) with 3.3 inches of rain -- much wetter on the eastern and western sides. October will bring an average temperature of 79 degrees (1 degree below normal) and just 1 inch of rain, making it drier than usual.
All too soon, the weather everywhere will turn colder, making any kind of outdoor improvements unpleasant and in some places completely unmanageable.
There's no denying that winter is coming. So before it does, homeowners lucky enough to be enjoying the lingering warmer temperatures should take advantage of being outside as long as possible.
"Check your landscaping for overgrown trees and shrubs, especially if they are hanging over the home, and trim them down," recommends Gregg Hicks, vice president of Modernize Home Services. This is especially important for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas, as trimming back branches can help prevent costly damage when storms roll in.
It's also a smart time to clean out your gutters. Removing leaves and debris that might be clogging your drainage system can help protect the siding of your home -- and your roof.
"Check to see if there are excessive amounts of granules in your gutters, as these can indicate an issue with your roof," explains remodeling expert Cristina Miguele , of Fixr. "Also, look for missing roof shingles or water stains on the underside of your attic, as these may point to roof damage that needs repair."
Finally, give your windows a thorough cleaning, inside and out. While it might seem like a cosmetic task, built-up dirt can lead to long-term wear.
"Window washing doesn't just make your home look better and let the sunshine in," says Tod Colbert, founder of Wisconsin-based Weather Tight. "Neglecting to wash your windows regularly can cause them to wear out and break down faster."