With back-to-school shopping on the rise and vacation days running out, many are hoping the current ideal weather will hold out long enough to squeeze in at least one last summer trip… and according to the National Weather Service, chances are good.

This morning, early risers were greeted by cool temperatures around 4 degrees, a reminder that things often change quickly this time of year, but for now, nothing drastic is in sight. By the weekend, warm, humid weather should be back and water temperatures will have reached their seasonal high, with Lake Michigan currently reaching 21 degrees. Long-range forecasts suggest that warmer than usual air temperatures and near-normal precipitation will be the norm over the next three months.

Whether it’s property maintenance, construction or agriculture, there are positive forecasts for those who rely on good weather to do their jobs. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture reports that soil moisture in fields is good, corn is ripe 2 days earlier than the 5-year average, and 95 percent of soybeans are flowering. 79 percent of oats have already been harvested, while the winter wheat harvest is 97 percent complete. And finally, hay condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Overall, we can speak of a good to excellent end to the summer season.