A Soggy, Cool Start to October for Many

October 1-15 precipitation ranged from less than 25% of normal to more than 200% of normal.

Precipitation during the first half of October ranged from less than 25% of normal in parts of western/central New York to more than 200% of normal in multiple locations including coastal areas from Maryland to Massachusetts and parts of West Virginia. October 1-15 precipitation at the 35 major climate sites ranged from 44% of normal in Rochester, NY, to 325% of normal in Atlantic City, NJ, its wettest first half of October on record. In fact, this October already ranks as the ninth wettest October on record for the site with half the month left to go. Similarly, Kennedy Airport, NY, with 272% of normal precipitation, had its second wettest October 1-15 period and this October already ranks as the 11th wettest. An additional 18 major climate sites experienced one of their 20 wettest first halves of October on record.

In coastal areas from Maryland to New York’s Long Island, much of the precipitation was associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ian, which stalled off the East Coast the first few days of October. The storm’s greatest rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches were reported in coastal New Jersey, which also experienced wind gusts in the 50 to 70 mph range. Atlantic City, NJ, set back-to-back daily precipitation record on October 2 and 3, with the 3.01 inches of rain on October 2 becoming the site’s fourth wettest October day on record. The rainfall also chipped away at drought conditions.

This October 1-15 period was record wet for Atlantic City, NJ, and among the 20 wettest for 19 additional major climate sites.

October 1-15 average temperatures ranged from more than 6°F below normal to 2°F above normal.

The first half of October was cooler than normal for much of the Northeast, with the largest departures of more than 6°F colder than normal in parts of West Virginia. The areas that were warmer than normal were mostly confined to New England and were less than 2°F above normal. October 1-15 average temperatures at the 35 major climate sites ranged from 6.3°F colder than normal in Beckley, WV, to 1.3°F warmer than normal in Caribou, ME, with 30 sites experienced below-normal temperatures. This first half of October ranked among the 20 coldest on record for eight major climate sites.

This first half of October ranked among the 20 coldest on record for eight major climate sites.