For as long as I can remember, October has been my favorite month. Mild, dry, sunny days and clear, cool nights have been the norm, augmented by colorful foliage and energized wildlife.
Will climate change alter this scenario? Today, we expect a high temperature in the 90s F here in central Missouri. Fall colors have been muted by excessive heat and, in some areas of the country, by excessive precipitation. While songbirds migrate in response to the solar cycle, most waterfowl move south as lakes, ponds and wetlands freeze over up north; exceptionally warm weather will likely delay that autumn spectacle and, eventually, cancel it altogether.
In other words, November may become the old October as global warming slows the progression to winter. For now, once the heat abates, we'll enjoy this glorious month.
