I know, it seems like we just got started with summer and now we're talking about autumn. It's only the first week of August, but if you're already dreaming (or dreading if you're a hot weather lover) about football, apple cider, colorful leaves, and sweatshirt weather, you're not alone. The first long-range forecasts for fall have arrived, and while nobody can guarantee what Mother Nature will do months in advance, several well-known weather sources are seeing some common themes for Northern Illinois for our upcoming autumn season. So, if the long-range outlooks are on the right track, Northern Illinois could be in for a classic fall with comfortable temperatures, relatively dry conditions, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing leaves before winter eventually takes over. Although in Illinois it's probably wise to keep both a light jacket and a pair of shorts handy.