Northwest Florida’s fake fall has arrived, and apparently that means it’s hoodie weather now.
There comes a magical moment every year in Northwest Florida when the temperature drops just enough for all of us to completely lose our minds and declare that fall has arrived.
My kids recently proved this while we were on a trip to St. Augustine. The temperatures cooled down just a little, and suddenly they were freezing. Before I knew it, I was buying hoodies like we had somehow crossed the Florida state line and ended up somewhere in the mountains.
Apparently, after surviving a Northwest Florida summer where temperatures climbed into the triple digits in some areas, anything that doesn't feel like the surface of the sun now requires a sweatshirt.
And honestly? I kind of get it.
After months of 90-plus-degree days, high humidity, scorching playground equipment and stepping outside only to immediately start sweating, even a small temperature drop can feel HUGE.
Our bodies have gotten used to the heat, so when mornings suddenly dip into the 70s or the afternoon temperature drops several degrees, it feels much cooler than the thermometer might suggest.
Add in a breeze, a few clouds and that slightly different September sunshine, and suddenly everybody is opening windows, drinking coffee on the porch and pretending fall has officially arrived.
We survived sweat season!
Well…
Maybe.
Because those of us who have lived in Northwest Florida for more than five minutes know exactly what this is.
Fake fall.
This is the part of the year where you leave the house in a hoodie at 7 a.m. and regret every life decision you’ve ever made by lunchtime.
So please — do not pack away the swimsuits and water shoes just yet.
Keep the hoodies handy, sure.
But keep the swimsuits closer.
There is still plenty of time for beach days, splash pads, springs, pools and afternoons where the temperature suddenly decides it is July again.
Northwest Florida isn’t finished with summer until Northwest Florida decides it’s finished with summer.
And if there’s one thing we know about Florida weather, it has never been particularly good at making up its mind.
So, enjoy that cool morning.
Buy the kids the hoodie.
Open the windows.
Drink the coffee outside.
Just don’t be surprised when you’re looking for the sunscreen again by 2 p.m.
Welcome to fake fall, Northwest Florida. We’ve missed you.
