Summer 2024 Was the Hottest on Record for These US Cities
Anyone living in the United States can tell you just how painstakingly hot this summer has been. Sometimes, our perception can make us think things are worse than ever, but in this case, it’s actually true.
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More than a dozen US cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Boston, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Pittsburg, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and many more, experienced their hottest summer on record this year.
Meteorologists Predict the Heat Will Carry Through Into the Fall
As September approaches, millions of Americans have been counting the days until the weather turns. However, meteorologists now report that fall will likely be far warmer than usual.
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Of course, it won’t be nearly as hot as it was during the summer, but the average temperatures across the country during this typically refreshing season will be much higher than they were last year.
Why Fall Won’t Be Cold in the United States
Meteorologists who study annual weather patterns have explained that La Nina is to blame, at least in part, for the expected warm weather this fall.
Source: NOAA
La Nina is a weather pattern that refers to the periodic cooling of the ocean’s surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service reports that La Nina occurs only once every three to five years, and when it does, it drastically affects the weather across North America.
La Nina Will Affect the Entire Country
Although La Nina will undoubtedly affect the entire country in one way or another, it will also bring an extremely warm fall season to six states in particular.
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First, Colorado residents should expect a much warmer autumn than usual. NOAA reports a 60% chance temperatures will remain high throughout the season and predicts low rainfall across the state.
50% Chance of Above Average Heat in Utah
According to NOAA, there is also a 50% chance that Utah will see above-normal temperatures during the coming months.
Source: iStock
While the report says Utah won’t be any drier than usual, residents should still be prepared for 80-degree weather well into September, 70-degree weather in October, and even 60-degree temperatures in November.
Arizona Will Be Hot and Dry This Fall
July 2024 was Arizona’s second hottest record, with an average of 112 degrees. The seemingly never-ending heat wave caused several problems for the state and its residents, and many have spent the summer indoors, simply waiting for fall to arrive.
Source: iStock
Unfortunately, for Arizonans, fall will also be hot and extremely dry. Typically, temperatures drop to the 90s in September, but some say they can expect triple-digit days for the foreseeable future.
New Mexico Should Expect Very Little Rain
Alongside Arizona, New Mexico also experienced a punishingly hot summer. Now, experts say residents have a warm autumn ahead of them.
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In fact, New Mexico has a 60% chance of experiencing extremely high temperatures from September to November this year and a 40% chance of less rainfall than usual.
New England: Not One State but Six Will Be Hotter Than Usual This Fall
The fifth state on this list isn’t just one state but six. The entire region of New England is expected to have a much warmer fall than it typically does.
Source: iStock
New England is known for its beautiful autumn months, with its colorful trees and refreshing 60-degree days. But even though the trees will still change, this fall will feel more like summer.
California Will Have a Beautiful Fall
It’s interesting to note that La Nina likely won’t increase California’s temperatures this autumn. The entire West Coast is predicted to have a lovely, crisp fall with temperatures in the 50’s, 60’s, and possibly low 70’s.
Source: iStock
In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washinton will likely see more rainfall than usual, but it shouldn’t be enough to cause concern.
La Nina Will Affect the Weather Throughout the Country During the Fall
Thanks to La Nina, Alaska and states along the East Coast should also expect more precipitation this fall, while Texas will see less than usual. Additionally, the Midwest, specifically North and South Dakota, may be fractionally warmer from September to November.
Source: NOAA
Realistically, every US state will be affected by the weather pattern in some way. However, many argue that La Nina is not the only culprit for the warmer temperatures this fall season.
Climate Change Is Making Us Miserable
There’s no doubt that climate change is playing a big role in the current weather patterns throughout the US and the world. Specifically, climate change is unquestionably increasing global temperatures everywhere.
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Some people still refuse to join the fight against climate change, arguing that it’s either not our fault or it’s simply a problem for future generations. However, the hot summer and now fall temperatures may change their minds.