Does this October (so far) seem different than the last few Octobers, temperature-wise, to you? If you’re thinking that perhaps something does feel a little odd, you may be correct.

In stark contrast to roughly the last 6 years, the Eastern US has been cooler than average. While the Western US fluctuated a bit more in past years, there’s no denying that they’ve been significantly above average – much more so than recent years.

The culprit has been persistent ridging in the west which, of course, has allowed for repeated troughing in the east. More of the same is on tap in the short term.

Endless summer continues for the Northwestern US while a deep digging trough could bring the first freeze to parts of the Southern US.

Temperatures from the early part of next week through mid-next week will be staunchly below average with frosty nights and chilly days.

By Tuesday morning, as the coldest air settles in, chances for a daily low temperature at or under 32 degrees increase – especially in/around the Central and Northern Appalachians and into the Midwest. If you’re a farmer or even a hobby gardener, get all your crops harvested before Tuesday morning or take measures to protect your plants, if need be.

As we approach the latter half of the week, however, a change begins.

The Pacific-North American Pattern (PNA) is forecast to become distinctly negative.

What does this mean? Well, when the PNA is negative, it indicates troughing in the West and ridging in the East. In other words, the Northwest US may finally see an end to endless summer. Below-average temperatures will creep back in as will the chance for widespread rain.

In fact, by next weekend, this region could be receiving almost daily rainfall. This is great news for a region that has recently been falling back into drought.

So, over the next week:

If you’re in the East, prepare for much cooler temperatures to start the week, including the possibility of a hard freeze (depending on your location). Toward the end of the week, temperatures warm once again.

If you’re in the West, endless summer is indeed coming to an end. Hold on a little longer and by next weekend, you’ll hopefully be seeing that chilly, dreary weather this part of the country is so famous for.