San Antonio’s Sweltering October: A Record-Setting Month
Hey there, San Antonio! Can we just take a moment to talk about October 2024? It was a month for the record books, and not in the way you might expect. With an average monthly temperature hitting a sizzling 78.5 degrees, we can officially say that this was the hottest October we’ve ever seen in San Antonio!
Breaking Records Left and Right
Previously, the spotlight was on October 1931, which held the record with an average run of 78 degrees. But this year, we absolutely smashed that record! With eighteen days of soaring temperatures in the 90s, including Halloween, we not only celebrated spooky season with costumes and candy but also made it the hottest Halloween on record in the Alamo City, topping out at a remarkable 90 degrees.
Rain? What Rain?
Now, typically, October is known as one of our rainier months, usually coming in as the third-wettest of the year. This year, however, the weather had other plans. We only managed to squeeze out a mere one hundredth of an inch of rain recorded at San Antonio International Airport on October 29th. Can you believe it? Just enough to wrap up a staggering 53-day stretch without measurable rainfall—the longest dry spell seen since 1996!
Where’s the Water?
To put it into perspective, with October’s rain total sitting at just 0.01 inches, we find ourselves a significant 3.74 inches below the average rainfall for the month. In fact, this leads us to crown October 2024 as the second-driest October on record overall! When we glance at our year-to-date totals, we find ourselves at 21.31 inches of rain, which is a whopping 6.99 inches shy of where we should be at this point in the year. And let’s not forget that September was also drier than usual, so it seems we’re in a bit of a dry spell.
Drought Woes in South Central Texas
This prolonged dry spell has turned our landscape into a vast canvas of drought conditions across South Central Texas. The difference is quite startling when you compare the drought monitor from the beginning of September to the end of October. The situation is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this unusually hot and dry October, many of us are hoping for some relief. The good news? Meteorologists are optimistic about the potential for cold fronts to start rolling in more frequently this month. Stay tuned to your weather sources for updates as we transition into a new month with hopefully more comforting conditions!
Stay Connected!
If you want to stay informed about weather updates, why not sign up for the “Whatever the Weather” newsletter? You’ll be the first to know about the latest forecasts, tips, and insights into our ever-changing climate here in San Antonio.
As always, it’s a pleasure to share this weather journey with you, San Antonio! Let’s hope that November brings some much-needed relief and a sprinkle of rain our way. Until next time, stay cool and keep an eye on the skies!
