Farmer's Almanac: Ember days predict next 3 months of weather

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Fall is quickly approaching as the uncertainty of weather remains a mystery over the next few months.

The Farmer's Almanac leans in to the folklore of fall's possible weather outlook. The Embertides are based on religious beliefs meaning four times or four seasons according to the Farmer's Almanac. These are typically a round of three days that occur around the start of a new season.

The autumn Embertides falls on the "Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the Feast of the Holy Cross (September 14),  to give thanks for the grape harvest," stated the Farmer's Almanac.

If the folklore holds true, then Portland should expect to see near average temperatures or even a slight warming trend. This is based off of the low- to upper-70s experienced around the Rose City on this year's autumn Embertides. A trace of rain was observed on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, but no more rain is expected in the forecast for Friday and Saturday. So, that might mean that the Pacific Northwest could lean more towards mild and drier for the next three months.

Scientifically speaking, the Climate Predication Center (CPC) expects the next three months to be slightly wetter in the Pacific Northwest. That is not in line with Embertide folklore. However, CPC's temperature outlook falls under the equal opportunity to see below, above, or average temperatures from now through December. That prediction more closely falls in line with this year's Embertide outlook.

The seasonal transition from summer to winter can be some of the most active weather the Pacific Northwest experiences during the year. These outlooks have to be taken lightly as it remains impossible to predict weather extremes months in advance.

Stay with the KOIN 6 Weather Team as the autumn season gets underway here in the Pacific Northwest.