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It’s August, and while we’re still grilling and swimming, fall is on our minds. The Old Farmer’s Almanac just released its weather predictions for the season. Will fall actually feel like fall? We have the details on those predictions and what they mean. Also in today’s news digest: the latest color trends, rabies cases on the rise, and Target ends a 12-year run.
Ideal Fall Foliage Conditions In the Northeast, But a ‘Steamy’ Fall for Most
Leaf peepers, rejoice! The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a cool and dry fall with below-average rainfall for much of the Northeast, which is the ideal condition for vibrant fall foliage. But the Northeast appears to be an exception to the rule this year. According to the predictions, much of the country is expected to experience above-average temperatures. This area extends from southern New Jersey down to Florida in the east, and westward to California.
Some regions predicted to be warmer-than-average this fall:
- Atlantic Corridor
- Southeast
- Florida and the Deep South
- Heartland
- High Plains
- Pacific Northwest
- Pacific Southwest
- Alaska
Some regions predicted to be cooler-than-average this fall:
- The Northeast
- Appalachians
- The Lower Lakes
- Ohio Valley
- Upper Midwest
- Parts of the Southwest
- Hawaii
More Notable News This Week
It’s the end of an era. Target shoppers will be disappointed to learn that the retailer is ending its price matching guarantee after 12 years. The price match guarantee allowed shoppers to request to pay a lower price on an item if they found the same item for a lower cost on Amazon or at Walmart within 14 days of purchase. A spokesperson for the company cited evidence that “guests overwhelmingly price match Target and not other retailers” as a reason for the policy change. However, Target’s most recent earnings report shows that it’s struggling to lure shoppers: it experienced a three percent decline in sales during the first quarter compared to the same time last year.
First ticks and Lyme, now wild animals and rabies. Public health officials are warning that cases of rabies are on the rise across the United States and are urging people, particularly pet owners, to remain alert. The rabies virus is transmissible from wild animals to humans and domestic animals through scratches and bites, and transmission often comes from bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Vigilance is key: to prevent the spread, officials are asking pet owners to stay up-to-date on their pets’ vaccines. The virus is also deadly in humans and animals once symptoms appear. Read more about the CDC’s guidance on rabies.
The new home color trends are different this summer, depending on who you ask. Paint company Behr recently announced its 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem is a “smokey jade with an air of mystery and sophistication.” Meanwhile, Sherwin-Williams has unveiled its 2026 Colormix Trend Forecast Anthology Volume Two. This is the second edition of its biennial color trend report, and it highlights the 48 shades the company expects to be huge in 2026. With a wider selection, there’s more color to choose from if you want a trendy home. But there’s some overlap between the two selections, with Sherwin-Williams’ selection focusing on more muted and pastel tones, including various shades of green that resemble Behr’s pick of the year.
