Now 23 days into the fall season, temperatures are beginning to drop across West Michigan.

According to weather models and various forecasts, the next two weeks are expected to be transitional in terms of temperatures and precipitation.

The region is forecast to see a period of rain and cooler overnight temperatures between Oct. 16 and Oct. 17. Winds are also expected to be gusty over this two-day period, with gusts potentially reaching as high as 35 mph. A rebound of warmer temperatures is projected over the weekend into early next week, with highs possibly reaching the mid-60s through the week of Oct. 18–24.

A cooling trend, accompanied by moderate chances of precipitation, is forecast to begin the week of Oct. 25. This could bring high temperatures down into the 50s, with overnight lows in the upper 30s. Winds are expected during this period but are not projected to be as strong as those earlier in the week.

Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center indicate temperatures running on the warmer side of historical averages for November. This is consistent with a strengthening El Niño, which often favors drier conditions and a later first snowfall, though outcomes can vary.

Big Rapids historically sees its first measurable snowfall sometime in early November. The earliest on record occurred Oct. 11 during an Arctic air outbreak in 2006. Current projections suggest the first snowfall this year may occur slightly later into the middle of November, but outlooks aren't certain at this time.

For more daily weather information, visit https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/forecast.