Wet summer, above average fall, what's in store for the new season?

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- While hot temperatures returned to end August, by comparison, this summer was mild and finished right around average. Precipitation totals, however, exceeded expectations. This summer was the 9th rainiest on record with 16.06 inches. 

The reason behind all this rainfall activity is due to jet stream shifting and creating a large ridge or area of high pressure. This brings periods of hot and humid conditions, later resulting in strong storms and heavy rain. 

Michiana experienced extreme examples this summer:

• June 11: Northeastern Michiana tornado outbreak preceded by high heat and humidity
• Mid-summer heat wave - June 29 – July 3, followed by storms that brought over a half inch of rainfall 
• Aug. 11 - 13: Derecho and extreme flooding, intense tornado-level winds, and extreme flooding in southern counties 

The atmosphere was primed and juiced by strong storms and heavy rain. Should we expect these conditions as we transition into fall? Starting off, potentially; and El Nino could partially be to blame. 

Climatologists say El Nino is present now and could be the strongest in decades. What makes this El Nino so strong, or “super” are the ocean temperatures near the equator staying abnormally warm for an extended period of time. The potential impacts are hotter temperatures to start fall—something Michiana saw back in 2015 when the last “super” El Nino was present. 

For the first few weeks in September, high temperatures finished in the 80s with several days in the 90s. Towards the end of the middle and end of the month, temperatures finally became more seasonable. 

The seasonal outlook shows an indication of slightly warmer temperatures for September this year. So, while many were hoping to bring out their pumpkin spice and apple cider, autumn-lovers might have to wait a little longer for cooler temperatures.