First Full Month Of Fall Set To Be Warm

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Temperatures in October most likely won't feel very fall-like as the forecast calls for above-average warmth for much of the country.

F​all temperatures are put on hold for millions. October temperatures are expected to be above average for much of the country, with the most anomalous warmth extended from the Southwest to the Midwest and Great Lakes, according to an updated outlook issued Saturday by The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2.

The temperature outlook has trended warmer than a previous outlook issued earlier this month, which shows that confidence is growing that October will remain warm.

The rest of the country is also forecast to experience above-average temperatures, with the only exceptions in the Pacific Northwest and South Florida.

T​his doesn't mean we won't have cold fronts and cooler days. There will still be pumpkin spice and sweaters but overall temperature trends will lean warmer than average for the month.

O​ne thing forecasters are watching for is the possibility of some intrusions of colder-than-average temperatures arriving in the central and eastern states during the back half of the month, but it's too early to be certain.

O​ctober could remain dry for drought-stricken areas. Much of the U.S. is forecast to remain drier than average through the first full month of fall. There could be little relief for places like West Virginia and southern Ohio, where drought conditions continue to worsen.

(​MORE: 5 Weather Changes To Expect During Fall)

Nationally, nearly one-half (45%) of the rangeland and pastures were rated in very poor to poor condition on Sept. 22, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, up from an early-summer minimum of 19%.

"The central Appalachians remained at the center of a drought that has devastated agricultural interests and has led to several communities in West Virginia – including the Nicholas County town of Richwood – running perilously low on drinking water," according to the latest U.S. drought monitor.

T​he only area of the country forecast to experience above-average rainfall is the Pacific Northwest. Parts of this region have also been suffering from drought conditions and would benefit from a wetter pattern.