When is the first day of fall 2024? What to know about the autumnal season

With fall menus, decor, and pumpkin spice lattes being released in August, it may seem like fall is just around the corner. 

However, the start of fall doesn’t come until September, when the hot weather pattern of summer begins to change to the cold pattern of winter – bringing us golden leaves, migrating birds, and sweater weather.

The transitional season of fall can also bring large fluctuations in temperatures, severe weather and the first snows of the season. 

Here’s when fall officially begins, and what kind of weather to expect this fall in North America:

First day of fall 2024

The 2024 autumnal equinox happens at 8:43 a.m. ET on Sept. 22, and is the start of astronomical fall. 

Meanwhile, meteorological fall begins on Sept. 1 and makes it easier to keep seasonal weather records, according to FOX Weather.

Fall 2024 weather outlook

FILE - People are seen doing morning sports in front of the trees in autumn colors during autumn season at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, New Jersey, on Nov. 12, 2023. (Photo by Islam Dogru/Anadolu via Getty Images)

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says much of the U.S. will likely experience a warm and dry autumn.

The temperature outlook for the period of September to November shows that few places will see average temperatures, according to FOX Weather. The warmest weather is expected in the Northeast, South Florida, the Four Corners and northern Alaska.

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is Sept. 10, just days after the start of meteorological fall. That means there’s a decent shot that a tropical system could bring heavy rain to the East Coast.

The Northwest is also expected to see above-average precipitation, as is western Alaska. 

Below-average precipitation is likely in much of the central U.S., the Intermountain West, the Southwest and southern Alaska.

The Source

This story was reported using information from FOX Weather and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. It was reported from Cincinnati.