October 2017 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

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October Climate Recap

Temperatures ended up slightly above average for the month, though the first half of the month featured more above average days, while the second half of the month saw more below average temperatures. In the early half of October, there were several days in the upper 80s and one day reached 92 degrees, which set a record for the date (9th). The tide turned at mid-month with more 60s and 70s, and even a couple of days with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. According to the National Weather Service, the low of 31 degrees on the 29th was the first sub-freezing low temperature in the month of October in 24 years!

How RARE is a freeze for Memphis in October? Well, you have to go back 24 years (1993 ) for the last one. #tnwx #ClimateSocial pic.twitter.com/YGHXn5N5LF

— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) October 30, 2017

Except for two days of the month, October was also dry. However that was offset by a 2.50″ rain event on the 10th and another one inch-plus soaker on the 27th. Those two days totals over 90% of the monthly precipitation. The rain on the 10th was also not evenly distributed, as MWN’s Bartlett weather station only recorded 0.41″, thus ending the month well below normal. There was no severe weather for the month and no warnings issued.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 65.2 degrees (1.1 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 75.8 degrees (1.4 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 54.6 degrees (0.8 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 92 degrees (9th)
Coolest temperature: 31 degrees (29th)
Heating Degrees Days: 128 (8 above average)
Cooling Degree Days: 143 (51 above average)
Records set or tied: Record warm minimum temperature tied on the 8th (72 degrees). Record high temperature set on the 9th (92 degrees).
Comments: Year to date, the average temperature of 68.0° is tied for the fourth warmest on record.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.04″ (0.06″ above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 7
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.50″ (10th)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: 2.50″ of rain on the 10th was the second wettest October 10th on record.
Comments:  Only two days recorded precipitation of more than one-half inch, however those dates accounted for 91% of the rain total for the month. Year to date, precipitation has totaled 42.31″ or 99.7% of normal (average year-to-date: 42.45″).

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/32 mph (24th)
Average wind: 7.9 mph
Average relative humidity: 64%
Average sky cover: 40%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 62.9 degrees
Average high temperature: 76.5 degrees
Average low temperature: 50.5 degrees
Warmest temperature: 91.9 degrees (9th)
Coolest temperature: 27.2 degrees (29th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 1.74″ (automated rain gauge), 1.69″ (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 8
Wettest date: 0.74″ (27th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/22 mph (15th)
Average relative humidity: 76%
Average barometric pressure: 30.07 in. Hg
Comments: None

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.89 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 70%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.79 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 73%

MWN’s forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.

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MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

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