Fall is just around the corner, and a lot is going on—not just changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. Alex Drummond is expecting her second baby, which means Ree is about to become a grandmother for the second time! Needless to say, it’s shaping up to be a pretty exciting autumn for the Drummond family.
And while we’re all waiting to see what the season has in store, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has already weighed in with its fall forecast. The publication predicts the general weather patterns people can expect across the country, from warm and wet to cool and dry—and everything in between.
The big-picture forecast? Think of it as “a warm interior wrapped in cooler weather,” says The Old Farmer’s Almanac. In other words, the East and West Coasts are expected to be cooler than average, while the Midwest and mountain regions are set to warm. So, strap in, grab an umbrella, and get ready for an eventful fall!
For the few parts of the country that are expected to see extra rainfall, such as the West and New England, those droplets could have another effect, too. Extra rainfall can delay peak leaf color, keeping trees greener for longer and postponing the grand entrance of reds, oranges, and yellows that the season is known for.
Among all the regional forecasts, one state stands out—Ree's home state of Oklahoma. While nearly every surrounding state is forecast to have a warmer-than-average fall, the Sooner State bucks the trend with a cooler and wetter-than-average forecast. Ladd may want to keep his rain boots close by, as it sounds like things could get a little muddy around the ranch. It might even be the perfect excuse for Ree to cook up one of her favorite soup recipes or, better yet, a batch of her famous cinnamon rolls—a push present for Alex, perhaps?
Before planning your fall outings, there's one important thing to remember: Seasonal forecasts aren't an exact science, so it's best not to plan your entire leaf-peeping period around them. The Old Farmer's Almanac creates its long-range outlook using a blend of meteorology, climatology, and solar science, but the publication says its forecasts are accurate about 80% of the time.
Instead, think of the forecast as a helpful guide. It can offer clues about everything from peak foliage and harvest conditions to the best weekends for a fall getaway. Just keep in mind that the Almanac groups the country into 18 broad climate regions—rather than individual cities—so your local weather station is still your best source for a detailed forecast. Whether you're planning a football tailgate, a weekend at the pumpkin patch, or counting down the days until it's cool enough to simmer a big pot of chili, this early outlook offers a fun glimpse into what the season may have in store.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
