October is Shaping Up to Be a Dry One in Savannah
Here in Savannah, we’re witnessing one of the driest Octobers on record. It might be time to break out the “It’s too dry” signs because, according to forecasters, this could lead to some serious implications for the area, including heightened drought risks and an increased danger of wildfires.
What’s Going On with the Weather?
As of now, we’re looking at a measly 0.02 inches of rain recorded at the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. To put that into perspective, if we don’t see some unexpected showers, this month could tie for the second-dryest October since record-keeping began back in 1948. The only October to have been even drier was back in 2000, when we didn’t even get a measurable amount of rain; just a trace!
Historically, October delivers an average of about 2.5 inches of rain. It’s generally considered the second-driest month of the year, topped only by November. In fact, the record for the wettest October was set in 1994, with an astonishing nearly 20 inches of rainfall. But alas, this year is proving to be quite the opposite.
What Lies Ahead?
So, what can we expect for the remainder of the month? Meteorologists suggest that the dry weather will **persist**, mainly because we’re currently under the influence of a ridge of high pressure. This setup often leads to extended periods of below-normal rainfall. As meteorologist Blair Holloway puts it, “This is a common setup for extended periods of below-normal rainfall.”
It seems like we’re entering a stage that is typified by dry conditions and limited moisture. Bill Murphey, Georgia’s state climatologist, echoed this sentiment, noting that there could still be some moisture sneaking in along the coast towards the end of October. Fingers crossed!
What Does This Mean for Farmers?
As for our local agriculture, the impact of this dry stretch varies. According to Pam Knox, director of the University of Georgia Weather Network, it can be a mixed bag. “For many producers, a dry fall is beneficial because it aids in the defoliation of cotton and concentrates sugar in wine grapes,” she explained.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. “The most detrimental impacts are for those planting winter grains like wheat and forage, which need moisture to germinate,” Knox added. Peanut growers, in particular, are keeping their fingers crossed for some moisture as well, as the soil can harden and make harvesting quite difficult.
A Look Towards Winter
Looking ahead, the Georgia coast is predicted to experience warmer and drier conditions through the winter. That comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center. But don’t pack away those raincoats just yet; there’s still a chance for wetter or cooler pockets throughout the winter months, according to Ron Morales, an NWS meteorologist.
With all of these changes, it’s important to be aware of what could crop up next. Murphey indicated that we “could see another rapid onset drought developing this fall or winter.” Should it stay this dry, we might be in for a more active wildfire season later this winter and into next spring.
Final Thoughts
So as we wrap up October, let’s keep an eye on the skies. With dryness in the forecast, it’s essential to stay informed about potential drought conditions and the implications for our beloved local agriculture. Hopefully, we’ll see some rain before the month is over, but only time will tell. Stay tuned, Savannah!
