After months of humidity and high temperatures, Iowans are finally catching a break from the relentless summer heat.
Iowa and other areas of the Midwest and the Northeast get a feeling of fall to end August, according to Accuweather. Temperatures in Des Moines dropped below the 80s, with evening temperatures reaching the 50s. Even though it may feel like fall, it doesn’t mean autumn has officially started.
When is the first day of fall?
The first day of fall for the northern hemisphere is at 2:19 p.m. on Sept. 22. This is also known as the autumnal equinox. It marks when the sun crosses what is known as the celestial equator, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
After the autumnal equinox, days become shorter than nights, ending with the winter solstice.
Meteorologists sometimes refer to fall as September through November.
Why does it feel like fall in Iowa already?
Temperatures in Iowa are below average for this time of year because of an air mass from Canada and Hurricane Erin, according to reporting from the Washington Post.
Southern Iowa will see lows ranging from 50 degrees to 60 degrees, while northern Iowa could see temperatures as low as 50 degrees to 40 degrees. These low temperatures will last until Aug. 28.
How long will the fall weather continue in Iowa?
By the end of August, temperatures will return to the 80s. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the Heartland will see a warmer-than-usual start to fall. Similarly, the Old Farmer’s Almanac expects the average temperature for September to be 69 degrees, and for October to be 57 degrees.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When’s the first day of fall? Why it feels like fall in Iowa
