After a string of unseasonably cool days, Georgians woke up this morning to what might be the last gasp of the state’s first “false fall” of the year. With temperatures in the 80s and a crispness in the air that hinted at the changing seasons, it was just a brief reprieve before the heat is set to return, reminding residents that summer isn’t over yet.
A Deceptive Chill
The phenomenon known as “false fall” is familiar to many in the South, where the climate often plays tricks on those eagerly awaiting cooler weather. Typically occurring in late August or early September, false fall brings a brief respite from the oppressive summer heat, offering a glimpse of the autumn weather to come. However, this cooler spell is often short-lived, as warmer temperatures and humidity soon make a comeback.
This year, the first “false fall” hit Georgia earlier than some expected, with temperatures dipping the past few days. But forecasters warn that this fall-like weather is set to fade, with the mercury expected to make a steady climb back into the 90s starting tomorrow.
A Tease for Autumn Lovers
For many, this brief cool-down is a tease—just enough to spark dreams of pumpkin spice lattes, football games, and the rustle of leaves underfoot. Social media has been abuzz with Georgians celebrating the cooler temperatures, with some even going so far as to decorate their homes with fall-themed décor, as if willing the season to arrive early.
The Real Fall Is Still Weeks Away
Despite the current cool snap, experts caution that true fall weather is still several weeks away for most of Georgia. Historically, consistent autumn-like temperatures don’t settle into the region until late September or even early October. Until then, residents should be prepared for the rollercoaster of temperatures that define the transitional period between summer and fall.
As the sun sets on this first taste of fall, many Georgians will likely spend the evening outdoors, savoring the cool breeze and the illusion of an early autumn. But by the time the next week rolls around, the reality of Georgia’s lingering summer will return, bringing with it the familiar warmth that the South is known for.
Thom Chandler
The Georgia Sun is a news and infotainment website devoted to all things Georgia.