Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RALPH ANSAMI
Ironwood — Monday’s temperatures in the 70s gave way to the lower 50s on Tuesday as fall arrived early across the Gogebic Range.
Summer doesn’t officially end until Saturday, but the cool weather proved otherwise.
On a warm Monday, several dogs and their owners romped through Ironwood’s Norrie Park, while a pair of competitors tried out the new disc golf course there.
A half-dozen boat trailers parked at the County C boat landing on the Gile Flowage, near Hurley, were a sign fishermen were out after walleyes and other gamefish.
Tuesday brought cloudy skies and drizzle, however.
The 15-day forecast doesn’t call for any more temperatures in the 80s and only one day above 70, on Tuesday, Sept. 25, when thunderstorms are expected.
Heavy rain is forecast for Thursday — as much as 1.7 inches — with a high of 60 degrees.
The low overnight reading for the next 15 days is predicted at 37 on Saturday.
While next week is expected to bring clouds, the following week, heading into October, will be mostly sunny, with comfortable highs in the low to mid-60s.
Past the mid-point of September, precipitation for Ironwood totals 1.41 inches, below the long-term average of 2.27 inches.
Up until Tuesday it had been a warm month, with the average temperature of 63.9 degrees well above the long-term average of 58.2 degrees.
For the year, the average temperature of 43 degrees through Sept. 18 was nearly identical to the 119-year average of 43.1 degrees.
Precipitation is well above average, however, at 31.29 inches, compared to the norm of 24.35 inches.
The crummy weather can bring on late summer blues.
“Among the dip in temperatures, shorter days, work and family demands, it’s no wonder people feel sad to part with summer,” Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist at Columbia University in New York City, said.
“A lot of people expect to hit the ground running immediately after Labor Day. Allow yourself a solid two weeks to a full month to get back into the swing of your fall routine. You can’t expect to go from a more relaxed summer mindset into a rushed pace,” Hafeez said. “A lot of people make the mistake of going from summer ease to fall hustle and they end up running themselves down, leading to a cold,” she said.
She advises carrying on summer activities such as barbecuing, reading in a lounge chair or going for walks. “Get outdoors and avoid spending weekends in hibernation, which only makes people feel lethargic and depressed,” Hafeez said.
She has been featured on national TV talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Hafeez said tending to things like auto repairs, home projects, pet care, medical visits and financial assessments can help. “When we make a decision to accomplish things we’ve put off and then follow through, we feel more in control and this reduces stress,” she said.
Planning for next summer can also help the mood, she said.
“You really want to move into a forward-thinking mindset, instead of longing for the past. This summer is over and another one will come. Brainstorming with the family on where to go next is a fun way to get excited about what’s ahead,” she said.
