This Is When It’s Supposed to Get Cold This Fall (It’s Earlier Than You Think)

After a summer of scorching temperatures across the country, some cool, crisp fall weather sounds especially refreshing this year. And with the days getting shorter and the season inching closer, you may be wondering when, exactly, sweater weather (and stink bugs) will arrive.

Fortunately, the experts at the Farmers’ Almanac have, once again, made their predictions for the months ahead. Here’s what to know.

When to expect a drop in temperatures this fall

The arrival of the Autumnal Equinox—which happens this year on Thursday, September 22, at 9:04 p.m. EST—marks the official start of fall. And according to the Farmers’ Almanac, the season will bring lower-than-usual temperatures across the country.

This cooler weather will then give way to cold, winter-like temperatures starting sometime between the end of October and the second-half of November, depending on your location. And once the temperature drops, we can expect the thermometer to stay put for the rest of the year.

Before we move on to the Farmers’ Almanac’s precipitation predictions, here’s a map providing their extended forecast for fall 2022:

Precipitation predictions for fall 2022

Though much of the country is currently experiencing drier-than-average conditions, the experts at the Farmers’ Almanac predict that fall will bring some much-needed rain—at least to some areas.

In fact, the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Midwest, Texas and surrounding states, Rockies, and Great Plains will likely see more precipitation than usual this year. Those regions can expect quite a few cloudy, windy, and showery days throughout October.

The combination of low temperatures and precipitation means that snow will be making an appearance this fall—including as early as Halloween. And in some parts of the country, it could be a lot: The Farmers’ Almanac predicts an unusually early heavy snowfall in the northern Rockies and Plains in late October.