Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Fall officially arrives Monday afternoon, and with the change of season, we'll see increased chances for beneficial rainfall, while still holding on to summer-like warmth.
"We are going to see some beneficial rain over the next few days," National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Kenyon tells WBEN. The rain will come in rounds and will vary in coverage across the region.
"We could see a quarter to a half inch, on average, across the area," Kenyon says. "Some areas are going to see less. Some areas are going to see more."
It has been unusually dry, for weeks actually, heading in to the seasonal change Monday. Parts of the Buffalo-Niagara region are experiencing 'moderate' drought conditions, Kenyon notes. "We'll likely need to see a little more to get us out of the dry conditions."
The good news as we begin the new season is that temperatures will remain warm, in the mid to upper 70's, Kenyon notes. "We're going to be above normal, with respect to temperatures."
Of course, all good things must come to an end, at some point.
"It does look like we could see a pattern shift next week, to bring some cooler air into the region."
AccuWeather forecasters say, the prolonged dryness has stressed many trees, causing leaves to change color prematurely and drop quickly. Those planning road trips to view fall foliage may need to move their trip forward or shift their travels farther south as the leaf change is ahead of average in many areas due to drought conditions.
The lack of rain is becoming serious in parts of the northeastern and central United States, with some small streams drying up and larger rivers reduced to a fraction of their usual flow.
The lack of rain is affecting hay production, which many farmers rely on to feed their livestock during the winter.
The deepening drought is affecting agriculture and fishing, and it may soon impact drinking water supplies as water tables drop and levels in wells and reservoirs decline in the region.