Fall's not in the air yet

Summer-like conditions expected to continue

September 24, 2007|By ERIN JULIUS

HAGERSTOWN - Though sunshine and warm temperatures this weekend felt like an extension of summer, Sunday ushered in autumn.

Wendy and Katie Saylor celebrated the change in seasons this weekend with their annual fall ritual - a stop at a local farmers market.

"We wanted mums and apples and pumpkins," Wendy Saylor said.

Seasons officially changed Sunday just after 5 a.m., an Accuweather meteorologist said.

Apples and chrysanthemums are the most popular fall farm-fresh items at Lewis Orchards and Farm Market near Smithsburg, said Valerie Sumner. Sumner and Tina Creamer quickly rang up customers and replenished produce baskets Sunday afternoon.

"Peaches are over now. We have several varieties of apples and pears and fresh apple cider," said Shirley Lewis. On an average weekend day in the fall, her business receives a couple hundred visitors, Lewis said.

About half of her customers are local and half stop while driving through from Montgomery County, Md., and Virginia, she said.

Amy Schmersal and Ed Paradise spent the afternoon on a motorcycle, with a quick stop at the farmers market.

"The fact that it's a nice day did figure into it," Schmersal said as she selected apples for the coming week's lunches.

An Accuweather meteorologist predicted a "nice stretch of weather" this week.

Fog will roll over the area in the mornings, but this week should otherwise be mostly sunny with temperatures up around 80 degrees in the afternoon Tuesday and Wednesday, Tom Kines said Sunday morning.

A cold front should come through the area Thursday, bringing with it the threat of rain, Kines said. Friday and Saturday temperatures should be closer to average, around 75 degrees, he said.

Kines expected temperatures to remain above average well into October, and possibly all winter long, he said.

"Enjoy the nice weather," Kines said. "This is awesome."

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