(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Meteorological Summer runs from June 1 through Aug. 31. Those three months are typically the three warmest months of the year here in the United States.

Astronomical Summer (by the calendar) ends on Sept. 21, with fall taking over on the 22.

By the beginning of August, temperatures for Colorado Springs will slowly start to drop with lower to middle 80s becoming more common. Climatologically speaking, the warmest temperatures of the year have generally passed for our neck of the woods.

As far as Meteorological Fall goes, temperatures will see a sharp decline from the beginning of September to the end of November. The temperature swings are usually much more drastic and sudden.

Short Term

The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) uses trends and model data to help put together outlooks for a variety of time periods. They look at temperature and moisture averages, and issue an outlook on whether they believe we will see above or below for both categories.

Here is the CPC’s short-term outlook, which will run from Aug. 9 through Aug. 15.

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The CPC is anticipating slightly above average temperatures with potentially well above average moisture. The above average moisture may indicate a particularly rainy/stormy pattern for early to mid August. In fact, much of the United States is anticipated to see some better chances for moisture.

Medium Range

The CPC also regularly updates monthly outlooks, and this is what they are calling for the rest of August.

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Temperatures may be well above average for the time of year, especially over areas like western Colorado and Utah. Typically during this time of year, a ridge of high pressure develops over the Rockies, keeping the heat in place and conditions rather dry. The lack of moisture anticipated is also reflected on the other side of the outlook.

Long Range

The long range outlook encompasses the next three months, and in this case, includes August, September, and October. At this range, the CPC is already starting to look ahead into mid to late fall.

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This outlook also reflects a very warm pattern taking place with a lack of moisture in the area. The Rocky Mountains may be particularly dry while the East Coast is set up to receive ample amounts of moisture. A bullseye appears to be placed over the Rockies for above average temperatures during this time frame.

Keep in mind, these outlooks are meant to be used as a sort of guide – not necessarily a forecast. Patterns and climatological data are closely analyzed to look at averages throughout the year. A number of variables and considerations go into calculating these products.

These maps are also regularly updated from the CPC, so be sure to check back in with the FOX21 Storm Team throughout the rest of the summer.