Autumn officially began on Sept. 22 with the fall equinox, which occurred at 2:19 p.m. in Michigan. The fall equinox is the time when the sun is directly above the equator and day and night are almost equal in length. However, if you’ve been outside during the last week, you may have noticed it seems the weather forgot to check the calendar. The beginning of fall was marked with unseasonably warm temperatures that are expected to continue over the next several days. Predictions released in mid-September by the National Weather Service expect above-average temperatures for much of Michigan from now through December.
I’ve been enjoying the warm weather, because I struggle with the simultaneous transition to a new school year and a new season (I have walked outside wearing shorts because I forgot to check the weather). Meanwhile, summer isn’t everyone’s preferred season, and many of my friends are eager for their favorite time of the year to begin. Though the season may be a bit delayed and it may not feel exactly like usual, the warm weather this late in the year presents a unique opportunity to experiment. You may not feel like having a bonfire yet, but here are some other ways to bring in the fuzzy fall feelings.
Decorate Your Space
The trees may be lagging behind in their transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Embellish your space with autumn colors, pumpkins, and warm lights. Add a spice-scented candle (or air freshener if you’re a dorm student) to set the ambiance.
Mix and Match the Seasons
Enjoy iced drinks with a fall twist. See if you can find an iced version of your favorite seasonal beverage to get into the autumn mood with some fall flavors. It will cool you down from the heat outside while also capturing the essence of fall. Growing up, apple cider slushies were a favorite on camping trips when the weather was not too cold. I know I’ll be using this heat spell as an excuse to revisit a childhood favorite.
Go on an Adventure in Search of Fall
Calling all my outdoor friends in search of fall weather, this record-setting heat offers an opportunity to explore Michigan. Fall break is right around the corner, and it is the perfect time to take a trip in search of fall colors. A few years ago, I went on a fall break camping trip to the Upper Peninsula with some friends. While the fall colors were breathtaking and the trip was worth it, the low temperatures meant there were some uncomfortable moments amid the beauty. On one of the last nights we camped, the temperature was below freezing. Northern weather can be unpredictable, and you should prepare for cold temperatures, but the warmer weather means this might be the perfect time to camp in the Upper Peninsula among fall foliage that will make it feel more like autumn. Websites like The Upper Peninsula regularly report fall colors to help plan your trip.
Attend Fall Events
Because it doesn’t naturally feel like fall when you walk outside, you might need to invest extra effort into attending fall events to truly capture the autumn mood. Go apple picking or to a pumpkin patch with friends. Throw in a corn maze or hayride if you are able. And if the weather outside makes all the outdoor events feel off, plan an indoor, cozy, fall-themed reading night with friends. One final suggestion: Plan a scavenger hunt specifically looking for all the new fall-themed items you’ve never seen before.
We can’t control the weather, so we have to adapt to the changing seasons as they come. However, with a little free time, creativity, and adventurous spirit, the autumn feeling will arrive.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.