Meteorological Fall Arrives Amid Storm Alerts Across Regions

NEW YORK - Meteorological fall officially began today, September 1, 2025, marking the transition into the autumn season even as forecasters warn of lingering warmth and the risk of severe weather.

Meteorologists note that meteorological fall-which divides the year into equal three-month segments-runs from September 1 through November 30. While the astronomical start of autumn will not occur until the equinox on September 22, the meteorological definition provides consistency for tracking seasonal climate statistics and forecasting trends.

Today’s shift into fall comes as federal and private forecasters predict a varied seasonal pattern. Long-range models indicate that much of the eastern United States will experience below-normal temperatures in early September, with some regions seeing daytime highs up to 15 degrees below average and overnight lows plunging into the 40s and 50s. At the same time, warmer-than-normal conditions are expected to persist in parts of the Southwest and Pacific Northwest, sustaining above-average wildfire risk in western states and the potential for late-season tropical storms along the Atlantic Coast.

In Europe, Météo-France has issued a yellow thunderstorm alert for Paris and the Île-de-France region today, cautioning residents and travelers to avoid parking under trees, steer clear of electrical conductors, and seek shelter if lightning approaches. The agency emphasized that while such storms are typical for the end of summer, they underscore the volatile nature of early autumn weather.

Looking ahead, forecasters advise the public to prepare for a “second summer” scenario in many areas, where summerlike heat and humidity may linger well into September, followed by more pronounced cool snaps in late October and November. This oscillation between warm and cold spells is expected to define fall 2025, with notable hurricane potential persisting through November due to elevated ocean temperatures.

Travelers planning Labor Day weekend activities should monitor local forecasts for sudden temperature swings and heed any severe-weather warnings. As schools reopen and outdoor festivals ramp up, meteorologists stress the importance of consulting up-to-date forecasts and having contingency plans for both heat and storms.