SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Today signifies the official start of fall, with the autumnal equinox occurring at 2:19 PM. On this date, we experience equal hours of daylight and darkness, indicating that the days will begin to shorten. We’ll lose approximately 15 minutes of daylight between now and the end of September.

Appropriately, the weather feels seasonal. In the Savannah area, temperatures will peak in the mid-80s, which is typical for this time of year. Inland areas might reach the upper 80s, although a light breeze should provide some relief. Cloud cover will increase during the morning, helping with temperatures slightly. However, we are also anticipating a few coastal showers early on, with a possibility of isolated showers and storms later this afternoon due to a disturbance just off the coast.

Rain chances will decrease for Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing temperatures to rise slightly above average, reaching the upper 80s to low 90s. A cold front is approaching from the west on Thursday and is expected to pass by Saturday. This front will reintroduce rain chances and slightly lower temperatures behind it.

In the tropics, the Atlantic is becoming more active as we enter the peak of hurricane season. Hurricane Gabrielle is anticipated to strengthen into a Category 3 today. The good news is that it remains a “fish storm,” staying over open water and heading towards Bermuda.

We are also monitoring two other systems in the Atlantic. The first is a tropical wave producing showers and thunderstorms. Although dry air might limit its development in the short term, conditions should gradually improve, potentially forming a tropical depression by mid to late week as it moves west-northwest. The second system is another tropical wave generating disorganized showers and storms. Environmental conditions appear favorable for slow development over the next several days as it moves quickly west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph.