Weather

Fall is here: Here's how temperatures have changed throughout the years

WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch compares this fall to last fall and provides insight into how our temperatures are changing.

Posted Updated
September 2019 vs. September 2020
By
Zach Maloch
, WRAL meteorologist

So far, meteorological fall (September, October and November) has been quite pleasant. Some days have been cool and dry while others have been mild and humid, but we know that’s fall in North Carolina.

Honestly, this September has been quite amazing compared to what we experienced last September…

September 2019 can be summed up in one word – hot. Afternoon temperatures averaged an astounding 87.6 degrees, or 5.5 degrees above normal. We had many days in the 90s, and fall was truly nowhere in sight.

Here's a look at average fall afternoon temperatures in 2019 vs. 2020.

When we compare daily temperature averages (both morning and afternoon temperatures) between September 2019 and 2020, we see that last September was far warmer than the pleasant September we are seeing now.

Here's a look at September 2019 vs. September 2020 temperatures.

Even though September 2020 is seeing temperatures below daily and afternoon temperature normals, fall temperatures are gradually rising.

Climate Central, an independent organization of leading scientists and journalists that research and report the facts about our changing climate, show that fall temperatures are trending in an upward direction. Since 1970, our area's daily average temperature has increased by 2.2 degrees.

Since 1970, our area's daily average temperature has increased by 2.2 degrees.

When analyzing that further, the warmer average temperatures translate into more total days above normal. In 1970, we had roughly 40 days above normal from September to November. Now, we are roughly seeing 50 days above normal in that same time period.

Here's a look at our average fall days above normal between 1970 and 2019.

The data shows that the climate is changing, and it is important to point out the changes taking place here in central North Carolina. Our team of meteorologists will continue to analyze and compare our daily weather to our climatological normals and will update you as we learn more.

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