NORTH SOUND — Tuesday September 1st marks the beginning of Meteorological Fall. Yes, the astronomical summer season continues until the Fall Equinox that this year falls on September 22nd near 5 PM. Yet, the meteorological fall months of September, October, and November better represent what the time of year feels like.
Weather-wise, it will feel like fall starting Tuesday night and the rest of the week. A Pacific weather system tracking southeast from the Gulf of Alaska is set to swing onshore, bringing more widespread rain Wednesday. Scattered showers are expected in the wake of this weather system Thursday tapering off Friday.
Beside the fall like rainfall, high temperatures will also feel like autumn weather. Readings are expected to cool mainly into the 60s to perhaps as warm as 70.
For Monday and Tuesday of this week, more mild summer weather is in store with a mix of clouds and sunshine. High temperatures are expected to be mainly in the 70s, before the cool down begins on Wednesday when a 65% chance of rain is predicted with south winds around 12 m.p.h., lending a typical post-equinox weather day to the early September calendar.
Labor Day Weekend Outlook
Higher pressure aloft is forecast to build over Washington and the North Sound as the Labor Day holiday weekend unfolds. Drier weather with some sunshine and high temperatures close to average for this time of the year – right around 70 degrees.
For those traveling to Eastern Washington, the weather is expected to feel this significant change in the weather pattern later this week. Some rainfall is anticipated with high temperatures cooling into the 60s and 70s. The drying trend for the holiday weekend is forecast to be slower than Western Washington with lingering showers tapering off Saturday into Sunday.
Rainfall east of the Cascades is not expected to be enough to douse the ongoing wildfires. Yet, the rain and cooler temperatures will help dampen fire activity and improve air quality from wildfire smoke.
The mountains this holiday weekend are forecast to dry out over the holiday weekend with freezing levels in the 7000 to 9000 foot range.
For those with holiday camping plans, statewide burn bans remain in place. Use only grated campfire pits, or use gas fueled grills. Ensure any campfires are cold before leaving the campground.
Meteorological Fall vs Winter
Meteorological Fall is September, October and November. The months of December, January, and February mark Meteorological Winter – the coldest months, while June, July and August are the hottest months of the year and are Meteorological Summer.
Astronomical Fall, commonly called the first day of fall, starts with the Fall Equinox on September 22nd and runs through until the Winter Solstice, or the shortest day of the year in late December. So the difference between the Astronomical and Meteorological seasons simply comes down to the start and end dates.
Regardless, fall is just around the corner as the days get shorter, nights grow longer, and cooler wetter weather returns. In the meantime, enjoy what summer weather remains!
