The leaves are already changing color, though we will have another push of warm weather today before cooler temperatures settle in. Much-needed rain chances also come back into the picture, which is great as Eau Claire is nearly an inch and a half below average for precipitation in September.

We’ve enjoyed 11 days full of sunshine, dry weather and summer-like temperatures, but like all good things, this will come to an end. An upper level disturbance will be crossing the eastern Great Lakes on Saturday,

First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Bureys says our drier weather pattern has arrived. Only a few isolated showers this evening then brief isolated showers Saturday will be near the coast in the morning and well inland in the afternoon but most areas will stay dry with highs in the low 80s at the beaches to mid 80s inland.

The consecutive streak for 80° highs could continue on Saturday in Wausau, which a chance of strong storms later in the day

Summer is going out with a bang! Our 9th heat wave of the year will last through the weekend and into the start of the fall season.

Breezy onshore winds are expected later today, which will lead to a high risk of rip currents at area beaches. Those heading to the coast should use caution.

Both days this weekend will feel more like the middle of summer as opposed to the end of summer or beginning of fall. Autumn begins Sunday at 7:43 am. Temperatures both mornings will begin in the mid-upper 60s and low 70s. Afternoon highs will largely be in the low 90s. Some spots will hold in the 80s, however.