BY JACKIE TOTH 

Many people consider fall as the time to bundle up in coats and scarves, rake leaves, and drink hot chocolate as early signs of winter increasingly show. This, however, does not seem to be the case this year.

The summer heat wave was greatly appreciated in the usually-chilly state of Ohio, but it has overstayed its welcome.

For the first time on record, the forecast predicted higher-than-average fall temperatures in every square inch of the United States.

However, the high temperatures aren’t completely new this year. The national average late summer and early fall temperatures have been higher this decade compared to earlier decades.

One reason for this could be man-made climate change. Scientists believe increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses have contributed to the rising climate on Earth. Some believe this change in climate to be “global warming.”

Those who believe in the concept of global warming claim it is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other human activities.

On the other hand, many people believe global warming is a hoax. The reasons behind this view include record colds, record snow, and the lack of progression of ocean levels.

Overall, however, scientists can agree that the temperature of our planet does appear to be rising.