Warm Weather to Persist Into Fall Harvest

By Jim Noel

After a drier June and wetter July, August is shaping up to be the tail of two months with the first half normal to slightly wetter than normal followed by drier for the second half of August. Temperatures are forecast to be above normal but nothing extreme (limited days at or above 95). Going toward the end of growing season and the start of harvest in September, it still looks warmer than normal with below normal rainfall. The warmer and potentially drier patter will likely persist into October as well.  It would not be surprising if harvest season gets going in late September again this year. Early indications are the first frost and freezes will either be normal or later than normal much like 2021. Overall, much of the information indicates an August to October period not a lot different than last year thanks in part to our ocean patterns. In the short-term, rainfall in the attached graphic for the first half of August is projected to range from 1-3 inches. This means most places will be normal or slightly above except in those areas that only receive an inch. You can see a comprehensive seasonal outlook on the Ohio River Forecast Center website including autumn and winter anytime at:https://www.weather.gov/ohrfc/SeasonalBriefing