Warmer temperatures hunker down through weekend in central US before autumn chill returns

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Autumn chill returning after Sunday in central US

Fall has taken a pause as a blocking pattern helps send temperatures soaring across the central U.S. this weekend into early next week.

Much of the country has put a pause on the fall favorites like pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters as summerlike heat returns this weekend - though don't give up on fall just yet. 

Thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure, temperatures are baking in the central U.S., making it feel more like early August rather than early October, with temperatures 10-20 degrees above average.

"Long story short, that big ridge is going to mean and spell some really nice air, summer's maybe last hurrah, if you will," said FOX Weather meteorologist Michael Estime. "Its last tango throughout the Central Plains certainly being the scene."

In the Plains, for example, that means highs in the 90s for the next couple of days. After reaching 92 Friday, Kansas City will again reach into the low 90s through the weekend, two weeks past the city's typical last 90-degree day of the year.

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On Monday in the Northeast, temperatures will push 80 degrees in New York City. In the Midwest, Chicago will be another spot that's going to be very warm for the next five days.

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The FOX Forecast Center said the heat should remain below dangerous levels.

"I will let you know the temperatures that we're expecting for the Northeast next week; it's probably going to be our last week of warm weather," FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "The long-term forecast is showing that it might be the last week, consistent week, of warm weather and sunshine and no rain. So do not let it pass you by."

How warm will it get?

Here's a look at forecast high temperatures across the Lower 48 through Monday.

Saturday

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Sunday

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Monday

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But don't fret if you're eager for fall temperatures. Long range forecasts suggest a significant cool down in the Plains toward the end of the week as a front pushes through the heartland.

Autumn outlook: Above average temperatures for much of US 

While hot weather days may be numbered, NOAA's long-range outlook suggests it'll be a mild autumn for much of the nation.

"That doesn't mean it's going to be 90 degrees for all the country. No, that's not going to happen," Merwin said. "Average temperatures in places like Wisconsin, you're looking at afternoon highs in the 60s possibly. It just means that we're going to see some parts of our country that are warmer than what they typically feel in October."

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The precipitation outlook also coincides with what we're expecting for fall, Merwin said, and it looks like we're in for some wet weather for the Southeast. 

"So maybe a continuation of what we've seen for the state of Florida, the North Carolina region," Merwin said. "We will see how things hash out, but it looks like we are in for some stormy weather this fall if you live across the Southeast."