This week, intense heat is sweeping across the country, particularly affecting the Northeast, where temperatures in parts of Pennsylvania are anticipated to soar into the mid- to upper-90s by Friday and Saturday. AccuWeather forecasters note that this heat wave will create a “real feel” temperature in the lower 100s, but a cool front is expected to sweep through the region over the weekend, potentially bringing severe thunderstorms.
In a broader outlook, the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warmer-than-average fall season for the United States overall in 2025. However, it indicates that much of Pennsylvania, along with the Appalachians and Lower Lakes, may experience cooler-than-average temperatures and drier conditions, leading to lower precipitation levels. Specifically, average temperatures in the Northeast are expected to be around 59 degrees in September and 46 degrees in October, with anticipated precipitation levels of 3.5 inches in September and 2.5 inches in October.
The Almanac forecasts “scattered showers, brief warm spells, and overall chilly weather,” which could contribute to beautiful fall foliage in Pennsylvania. The fall foliage season, when leaves transition from green to vibrant colors, typically begins in mid-September and can last through early November, peaking in color around mid- to late-October, although these timings can vary by location and weather conditions.
Mark your calendars: the first day of fall, known as the autumnal equinox, will arrive on Monday, September 22, at 2:19 p.m. Eastern. The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims an accuracy rate of around 80% for its weather predictions, often citing that anomalies in forecasting can arise due to abnormal weather patterns.
This mixture of expected heat followed by cooler temperatures and changing foliage heralds a transition into a vibrant fall season, reminding us that nature’s cycles can bring surprising beauty even after heat waves.