Fall officially begins on Monday in Atlanta, but early leaf drop and above-average temperatures suggest a delayed arrival of traditional autumn weather. Climate predictions from NOAA indicate a 40-50% chance of higher-than-normal temperatures through November, with no immediate relief from ongoing drought conditions that are causing early browning of leaves. Despite the seasonal shift, weather forecasts predict mostly dry conditions with some stray showers and clouds, and temperatures starting in the low 70s, rising to the 90s by mid-afternoon. Rain is expected to increase Thursday and continue into the weekend with temperatures in the low 80s. Meteorologist Meredith Wyatt notes that cool days may still occur, especially with cloudy weather in October, but overall, the season is expected to be warmer than usual. Drought and dry conditions persist, and the region faces a long, warm fall with occasional cool days and intermittent showers.