October Climate Recap
Temperatures for the month of October in Memphis averaged just below normal, though the number of above and below average days were fairly equal. Most of the above average days were in the last third of the month, while a cold spell mid-month (highs in the 50s) helped to skew the monthly average down. Despite the swings in temperatures, there were no days that reached 90 degrees.
The temperature anomaly map for the month of October shows slightly below average temperatures across the Mid-South. (PRISM temperature data via WeatherModels) |
Drought conditions continued early in the month with no precipitation until mid-month, when a couple of wet systems moved through dropping a couple of inches of rain as well as producing thunderstorms. After another dry spell, rainfall returned again in the past week of the month, including the wettest day in over 18 months at the airport on the 29th with 2.37″ of rain. The thunderstorms on the 12th resulted in a couple of reports of hail in northwest MS. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued on the 15th for storms moving through Tipton County though there were no reports of severe weather.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 63.2 degrees (1.4 degrees below average)
Average high temperature: 74.5 degrees (0.6 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 51.9 degrees (2.1 degrees below average)
Warmest temperature: 85 degrees (6th, 12th)
Coolest temperature: 35 degrees (19th)
Heating Degrees Days: 102 (14 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 54 (48 below average)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: No days reached 90 degrees this month, which is 0.9 below the average October.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.82″ (0.84″ above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 6 (1.5 days below average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.37″ (29th)
Snowfall: 0.0″
Records set or tied: Daily maximum rainfall set on the 29th (2.37″)
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/46 mph (12th)
Average wind: 7.9 mph
Average relative humidity: 58%
Average sky cover: 31%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 60.6 degrees
Average high temperature: 75.0 degrees
Average low temperature: 48.4 degrees
Warmest temperature: 87.9 degrees (12th)
Coolest temperature: 29.3 degrees (19th)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 2.77″ (automated rain gauge), 2.90″ (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 5
Wettest date: 1.60″ (29th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 0.0″
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southeast/29 mph (29th)
Average relative humidity: 66%
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: 1.78 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 78%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.98 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 81%
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 |