D.C. may finally see fall weather soon

State of play: The weather could turn more fall-like around Sept. 19 or 20, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s, per Capital Weather Gang.

• Yes, but: We have to sweat through Thursday first, when the high is expected to be around 90. This weekend should be cooler, with highs in the 80s.

By the numbers: Washington kicked off September with four straight days of temps at 90 degrees or higher — the first time that's happened in more than a decade.

• But we're reaching the point when we typically see a reprieve: On average, the final 90-degree day in D.C. occurs around Sept. 11.

Zoom out: Don't pack up your jorts just yet. Washington may still see a slightly warmer-than-average fall overall, like most of the country, per a recent seasonal outlook released by NOAA.

What we're watching: What the lingering heat means for fall foliage. Hot summers, drought and warmer falls can all affect when leaves change and how vibrant they get.

• Last year, fall colors began peaking in parts of the region in mid-October.