As you know, August was really hot here in the middle of America.
A lot of people were complaining about the weather, including me. I was ready for cooler fall temperatures
I am sorry to tell you this, but September won’t be much better.
Most years, the first couple of days of September can still be hot, muggy, and buggy here where we live, but this year the weatherman is telling us to expect days with weather as we had in August, in the low 90s and high 80s through much of September.
Lake water temperatures will remain fairly high and could affect the good fall fishing. After Labor Day, the summer crowds will be gone from local lakes and rivers, and the waters will be quieter and more enjoyable.
Because of this hotter weather, fish won’t become more active and fatten up for the winter months ahead until the latter part of the month.
The hotter September will be a great time to paddle around the lake or float a river.
Maybe stop for a rest on a shady bank or gravel bar and build a campfire to sit around, relax, and enjoy the flickering flames.
If you’re a hunter, you are ready to go hunting. Dove hunting opened September 1st, and teal season opens September 12th. Deer and turkey archery season opens September 15th. Firearm turkey season runs from October 1st through 31st.
This hotter weather will also affect your preparations for the hunting seasons.
Early mornings will be the best for getting those deer stands up and blinds set, getting in more bow practice, making sure your rifle or shotgun is properly sighted, and getting all your gear inventoried and ready.
If you are not a hunter but love to camp, adjust to the hotter temperatures and go. Campgrounds are a lot less crowded than on summer days. Sometimes you may even have the whole place to yourself.
The hotter September weather this year might affect the great hiking on the multitude of trails Missouri has to offer, but get out there before it gets hot and enjoy.
There’s no better way to get the exercise we all need and enjoy nature’s beauty at the same time.
Summer is almost gone, and come September 22nd, fall officially arrives.
Let’s hope the weatherman’s predictions are not accurate and we can really get out and enjoy this year’s September weather in Missouri’s great outdoors.
(Larry Whiteley can be reached by email at larrywhiteley2@gmail.com or by text at at 417-830-9023.)
