An Orange October

October temperatures ranged from near normal to 8°F above normal.

The October temperature map showcased shades of orange as average temperatures were above normal across the entire Northeast. The greatest departures of 6°F to 8°F above normal were in parts New York and northern New England. October average temperatures at the 35 major climate sites ranged from 1.1°F above normal in Beckley, WV, to 6.6°F above normal in Caribou, ME, with this October ranking among the 20 warmest on record at 28 of the sites.

This October ranked among the 20 warmest for 28 major climate sites.

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

The October precipitation map also featured lots of orange as much of the Northeast experienced drier-than-normal conditions. The driest locations such as southeastern Pennsylvania, southwestern New Jersey, northern New Jersey, and central Maryland saw less than 25% of normal precipitation. At the 35 major climate sites, October precipitation ranged from 18% of normal in Washington, D.C., and Dulles Airport, VA, to 167% of normal in Burlington, VT, with 28 of the sites being drier than normal. This October was among the 20 driest on record for six major climate sites but among the 20 wettest for two other major climate sites. With below-normal precipitation, drought and abnormal dryness persisted in multiple areas.

This October ranked among the 20 driest on record for six sites but among the 20 wettest for two other sites.

Additionally, whether it was a trick or a treat, a handful of sites saw their first measurable snow near or on Halloween. While it wasn’t much, it was enough to make this October one of the 20 snowiest on record for Erie, PA, Caribou, ME, and Buffalo, NY. However, most of the Northeast remained free of snow, which is pretty typical for October.

This October ranked among the 20 snowiest on record for three major climate sites.

There is a tilt toward below-normal temperatures for northeastern New York and much of New England for November.

A change in conditions may be in store during November, at least for northeastern New York and much of New England where NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center favors cooler-than-normal temperatures. Equal chances of below-, near-, or above-normal temperatures were forecast for the rest of the Northeast. As for precipitation, interior areas including most of West Virginia, western Maryland, western and central Pennsylvania, and western, central, and part of northern New York are expected to see a drier-than-normal November. The rest of the region falls into the “equal chances” category.

Below-normal precipitation is favored for November for interior locations from West Virginia to northern New York.