A late start to summer weather does not mean an extension of warm weather to make up for it.

The Northern Star interviewed NIU meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste to discuss upcoming fall weather.

Northern Star: How much longer will we be seeing summer temperatures?

Gilbert Sebenste: Meteorological summer ends on Aug. 31 and this year astronomical summer ends Sept. 21, making the first day of fall Sept. 22. I think we’ll see about two or three weeks and probably a little longer of warm temperatures. After that, the temperatures should drop rapidly as we head toward winter.

NS: When are we going to start to see a colder front coming in?

GS: Well, not for at least the next week or so. The pattern has finally started to turn summer-like. Temperatures should be in the 80s for the next seven to 10 days for the most part, although it may start to cool off by next weekend due to clouds and rain.

NS: When are the leaves going to begin changing colors and falling off trees?

GS: This year we have had decent amounts of rainfall but because of the cold weather earlier this spring, it might be a little later than usual this year. Within the next two or three weeks we should see the leaves changing noticeably. Changes will peak during late September through early October.

NS: What will be the average temperature during the fall months?

GS: We do think that temperatures may average near normal with near average precipitation. In September, temperatures will generally range from 70s to low 80s. In October, on average it drops to the 60s and then in November it will drop to the 40s and 50s.

NS: When will we begin seeing frost? Snow?

GS: Typically the first frost here is the second week in October, with the first snow flurries expected on average the first week of November. The average first inch of snow occurs around the first week of December.