U.S. cooling demand falls slightly in September, data shows

U.S. cooling demand fell slightly in September, compared to last year, according to data from the National Weather Service released Friday. 

What’s happening: Nationwide cooling degree days (CDDs) — the primary measure of cooling demand — during the month fell 4.5 percent year-over-year, per the release. 

• The dip was driven by the eastern half of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountain region, and states along the West Coast, which saw CDDs decline by 12, 15, and 14 percent year-over-year, respectively. 
• Meanwhile, CDDs increased by over 20 percent in the Northeast, per the data, and everywhere else saw little to no change compared to last year. 

Looking ahead: Despite the slip, most of the U.S. is set to experience above-normal temperatures from October through December, according to the National Weather Service’s seasonal outlook, suggesting a possible delayed start to heating season.