When will fall weather arrive in SC? What about autumn leaves? Farmers’ Almanac has predictions

Patrick McCreless
·2 min read
4

Summer has outstayed it’s welcome.

Well, with September now here and temperatures still blazing in South Carolina, some at least may feel that way. Still, fall is fast approaching the Palmetto State.

But when will temperatures start to drop and leaves really start to change to their glorious orange and yellow colors? And what kind of weather can South Carolina expect for Halloween and October?

The Farmers’ Almanac has possible answers to those questions and more. The Almanac has offered extended weather forecasts every year since 1818 and the one recently released for 2022-2023 is no different.

Here’s what the Almanac has to say about fall weather this year in South Carolina.

Overall fall predictions from Farmers’ Almanac

  • The first day of fall this year for the Northern Hemisphere — called the autumnal equinox — will be on Sept. 22. Fall will officially end on Dec. 21.

  • September will likely bring plenty of warm, rainy weather to South Carolina and the Southeast, Almanac’s website says.

  • By mid October, there should be chilly rains from the deep South to the north and east and into the Carolinas. From the 20th to the 23rd, expect unseasonably cold weather and even an early frost for some.

  • Trick-or-treaters can expect fair skies on Halloween.

  • The Almanac’s website forecasts mainly fair weather and skies and cool temperatures for the first half of November. However, by the 16th, expect much colder temperatures and frosts that will reach down to the Gulf Coast.

  • Thanksgiving Day and the following weekend is expected to be cold but have mostly fair weather conditions.

Fall foliage for South Carolina

  • According to the Almanac’s website, South Carolina residents can expect peak fall foliage from Oct. 19 through Nov. 4, around the same time temperatures start noticeably dropping.

  • Fall colors could be particularly vibrant this year in many parts of South Carolina. Weather plays a role in the intensity of fall foliage colors. “Drought is the enemy of a good fall,” biology professor Howard Neufeld of Appalachian State University in North Carolina told The Farmers’ Almanac. “The trees have to be in a healthy state, not water-stressed, heading into the season.” According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the state has avoided drought conditions all summer. Only the most northern counties are currently under any drought conditions, and even then they’re at the lowest end of the scale.