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What Does The Old Farmer's Almanac Predict For Fall 2026?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its fall forecast, predicting a season marked by a sharp divide across the United States. The dominant weather pattern this fall will be a warm interior and cooler coasts. Much of the Northern Plains, Heartland and Deep South are expected to experience warmer-than-average temperatures, while cooler air is forecast across much of the eastern United States and along the Pacific Coast. Most regions are expected to be drier than normal, although wetter conditions are forecast for portions of the West Coast, central and northern Rockies, Texas, southern Florida and parts of the Northeast. Residents across the nation's interior may have to wait a little longer for traditional sweater weather, with above-average temperatures forecast from the Plains into parts of the South. Meanwhile, many coastal regions could experience a more classic autumn feel thanks to cooler-than-normal weather expected in September and October. The Northeast is one of the regions expected to be cooler and wetter than average this fall. Forecasters predict below-normal temperatures along with an increase in precipitation compared with seasonal averages. While long-range forecasts can provide an early glimpse of seasonal trends, weather patterns can change significantly over time. The Almanac notes that these projections are intended as planning tools rather than substitutes for regularly updated local forecasts.

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies and Their Look-Alike Cousins

One of the most annoying things about summer is the persistence of fruit flies. Don’t worry, you don’t have to stop buying apples and bananas to keep your unwanted house guests away. Fruit flies are often mistaken for drain flies and fungus gnats. While they may look like fruit flies, they’re technically different beasts with their own preferred breeding and feeding grounds. The good news is that the methods of preventing and treating all of these pests are pretty much the same. Fruit flies get into your house by simply flying in. Though they’re not small enough to squeeze through a typical screen, they often come in when you do. They’re so tiny that you probably don’t even notice, but now they’re there. Whether it’s fruit flies, drain flies or fungus gnats, they’re all looking for a food source. Control the source, eliminate the problem. To get rid of drain flies, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Immediately cover the drain with a plug and let it fizz for 10-15 minutes. Then, flush it out with a second pot of boiling water. As for the fruit flies, they’re drawn by any fruit you have sitting out. Always put fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator, but for those that shouldn’t be refrigerated — like bananas and tomatoes — place them in brown paper bags and tightly seal them with a clip. If you already have an infestation of fruit flies, fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a couple of drops of dish soap, wrapping the mouth of the jar with plastic wrap and poking a few holes in it. The flies will be attracted to the smell, crawl in, and not be able to get own. The soap will cut the surface tension so they drown. Finally, fungus gnats are drawn to damp potting mix in house plants. Eliminate the contaminated soil and re-pot the plant. To prevent a recurrence, water your plants less frequently so the top 1-2 inches of soil stays dry.

The Costco Rotisserie Chicken Red Flag You Shouldn’t Ignore

Costco’s rotisserie chicken is so famous it has practically become a generic term like “Kleenex” or “Band-Aid.” Because they’re relatively inexpensive, convenient and tasty, their popularity is well earned. They’re also a good source of lean protein, and the meat is relatively low in calories, even if you do eat the skin. That being said, there’s one red flag you shouldn’t ignore. A 3-ounce serving of Costco rotisserie chicken contains 460mg of sodium. The American Heart Association advises that you should consume no more than 2,300mg of sodium a day, but suggests that 1,500mg is a healthier goal to aim for. While you would have to eat a fair amount of rotisserie chicken to put you over the top, when that chicken is combined with other high-sodium foods like barbecue sauce, salad dressing, or tortillas, you could easily find that you’ve maxed out your day’s allowance in a single setting. Most of the sodium in the rotisserie chicken doesn't come from the seasonings sprinkled on the outside. That means that while removing the skin may reduce the fat content, it won't do much to lower the sodium level. The real culprit lies in the fact that most rotisserie chickens are injected with liquid to help them stay juicy. This liquid usually includes flavor enhancers, with one of them being — you guessed it — salt. So, if you’re intent on enjoying one of Costco’s biggest sellers, make sure you only do it occasionally and in moderation.

Finland Is Redefining What a Library Can Be

Helsinki is home to a remarkable new library concept that’s proving to be hugely popular. The Oodi Library is more than a repository for books — it’s an alternative working and learning space. While visitors can work or relax in the building’s third floor Book Heaven, where they have access to over 100,000 books and magazines in over 20 languages, there are also consoles and board games, making the space like a giant community living room. On the second floor is the Urban Workshop, a space with sewing machines, traditional craft equipment, 3D and photo printers, music studios, video editing, and an electronics workshop, where everything can be used for free. All of these resources are operated by the city and are available across multiple libraries in Helsinki.