A few days after Hurricane Milton ravaged through our area, we woke up to a surprising chill in the air as we put our ties and skirts on and headed out the door. As we walked outside and onto campus, we could smell the Maxwell House coffee factory smell just a bit more than normal.. could Jacksonville be in for a cool fall and cold winter? The weather right now says otherwise.
Temperatures have been rising into the 70s and 80s again, with considerable humidity. With the weather outlook now, it looks like the Jacksonville metro area will not be getting a break of summer temperatures and humidity levels any time soon. On Halloween, it is forecasted to be 81 degrees during the day, and summertime temperatures forecasted at night, with a low of only 68 degrees. Additionally, going into November, it seems as if the summer temperatures are not going anywhere either. On day of the Homecoming Dance, it felt like temperatures soared to over 90 degrees.
Although this may seem like a normal part of living in Florida, these temperatures are actually extremely above average for this time of year. For instance, according to the Weather Channel, our average low for this portion of October is a brisk and pleasant 57 degrees.
Ultimately, this places a damper on some of the many fall activities throughout Northeast Florida, such as the Amazing Grace farm in Middleburg, a hit with corn mazes, and other fun, traditional fall activities to get in the spirit, leading to less pumpkin spice and more Jacksonville Beach and strawberry acai.
As someone who loves the fall temperatures, I say that it is time for a change in season. It has been difficult for me to “get into the spirit” of doing exciting fall activities in our area, instead having to opt for the beach or pool. Also, I feel conflicted when I come home and see pumpkins and delicious fall candles, yet feel like I have a sunburn still, with all of this happening just days away from November 1, a day where many put their Christmas trees up for all to see.
For the foreseeable future, it looks like we are going to have to keep the fleeces at home.
