ARKANSAS, USA — September 1 is the start of meteorological fall, while astronomical fall is still a few weeks away.
So, what's the difference between the two?
Meteorological fall is used for weather record keeping when it comes to climate and precipitation.
All this means for you, is that the average temperature for the year has now reached it's peak and temperatures will start to trend cooler. Meteorologists and forecasters use these specific timelines to keep precise records of temperatures trends, and precipitation amounts throughout the year.
Meteorological fall runs from September 1 through November 30, before we enter into meteorological winter.
Astronomical fall or Autumnal Equinox starts on September 23, and it has to do with where the Earth is in relation to the sun. Typically, this is when you'll usually start to notice cooler temperatures and the leaves starting to change.
The fall season lasts until December 21, before the Winter Solstice. The amount of daylight has already started to get shorter, and we'll continue to get darker earlier has we get into the autumn season.
You can find an hour-by-hour forecast for your location by tapping here.
ARKANSAS FALL FOLIAGE OUTLOOK
We have had an abnormally wet summer, to the point where we haven't had any significant drought concerns. We've also been particularly lucky and haven't had any burn bans this summer, another sign that we've had some significant rainfall.
All signs point to potentially some very vibrant fall colors as the temperature gets cooler.
Whenever we have a dry summer, with significant drought concerns, typically the leaves show minor color then fade to a darker color and die.
You should start to at least notice the leaves starting to change color in mid-October. Peak season in 5COUNTRY is usually mid-to-late October, and if we're lucky into early November. Places of higher elevation will start to see the Fall colors earlier.
You'll start to notice the cooler days of the next few weeks!
