Fall gives Huntsville a break from the heat
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Tuesday marked the first day of fall, and the temperatures are finally starting to follow suit.
Why it matters: Temperatures are forecast to drop over the next week or so, falling back in line with normal conditions for the start of autumn after weeks of abnormally high temperatures.
Zoom in: A cold front coming in from the east is bringing cooler and dryer air starting Wednesday night, Dan Dixon, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville, told Axios.
- The forecast calls for a slight chance of storms Sept. 23, then mostly sunny conditions through the weekend. Highs will drop to the mid-80s, with lows dipping to 59 starting Friday night.
What they're saying: "We've been well above normal for about the past two weeks," Dixon said Tuesday. "Over the next couple of days, we'll be dropping back down … very close to normal for this time of year."
By the numbers: September highs in Huntsville, which haven't yet dipped below 88, have averaged 95 so far, with lows averaging 71.1.
- The normal average high in September is 86.5, and the normal average low is 63.4.
What we're watching: October. It's normal next month to see temperatures fall back into the mid-70s, Dixon said, with lows in the lower 50s.
- But warmer-than-normal temperatures could come back in October, too, even if it is the month when the area typically begins to see stronger cold fronts, he said.
- NWS data lists the average October high at 76 and the average low at just under 52.
Yes, but: It does look like temperatures are set to gradually warm back up early next week following this weekend's cooldown, Dixon said.
The bottom line: "I would just tell people to take advantage of the nice break from the heat we're about to have," Dixon said. "Try to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts."