When is the first day of fall? Western NC's fall weather forecast by Old Farmer's Almanac
Though the dog days of summer are still hanging overhead - along with some heavy clouds in the Western North Carolina area - the beginning of fall isn't too far off.
The Old Farmer's Almanac has been predicting weather since it was founded in 1792. The Almanac's long-range weather forecasts offer 12-month predictions for the entire country. With the beginning of fall approaching, here's what to know about fall precipitation, heat, the equinox and more.
More: 90-degree days coming to Western NC, 'flirting with the record': Best air conditioner settings
When is the first day of fall?
The first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, is Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8:44 a.m. ET.
While the equinox is known as the astronomical start of the season, there is another method used to measure the change in seasons. The meteorological beginnings of seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle and the 12-month calendar.
With this definition, each season begins on the first of a particular month and lasts for three months. This means that meteorological summer will end on Aug. 31 and fall will start on Sept. 1, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
What is the autumnal equinox?
The Almanac explains that, during the autumnal equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length, lasting around 12 hours each.
More: Asheville brewery receives outpouring of community support following 'devastating' flood
What does equinox mean?
The word equinox is derived from Latin. Aequus (equal) and nox (night) directly describes the occurrence seen twice a year during the start of fall and spring.
When will it get cooler in North Carolina?
The Almanac predicts below average temperatures in Western North Carolina, and the entirety of the state. As for specifics on the forecast, Accuweather's month-long forecast for September in the Asheville area shows high temperatures beginning in the mid 80s and dropping toward the end of the month into highs as low as the low 70s.
October temperatures are steadily cooler, with highs ranging from low 70s at the beginning of the month into low 60s by the end.
More: Answer Man: weather fronts miss Asheville, Hendersonville? Near-record dryness, heat
How much rain will North Carolina get this fall?
As for precipitation, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts above average amounts in WNC this fall. So far, Accuweather has predicted rain during three days in September and seven days in October.
As for the rest of the state, the Almanac is predicting near average precipitation. As always, this look-ahead forecast can change as weather events happen.
How does the Old Farmer's Almanac make predictions?
The Old Farmer's Almanac employs a "secret formula" to predict the weather. Its website says it uses solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity to make its predictions. It also says it uses three disciplines to make long-range predictions:
Solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity.
Climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns.
Meteorology, the study of the atmosphere.
More: Beat the summer crowds at this Western NC town, a top 5 under the radar vacation spot
How accurate is the Old Farmer's Almanac?
The Old Farmer's Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate for its predictions.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Old Farmer's Almanac 2024 fall weather forecast for North Carolina