Unseasonably Warm October Brings Near-Record Highs to Savannah

Unseasonably Warm October Awaits Savannah Residents

Hello Savannah! Are you feeling that warmth in the air? Well, you’re not imagining things. This Saturday promises to be a near-record warm day as temperatures are predicted to soar, potentially reaching close to the Oct. 26 record of 87 degrees set back in 2010. Can you believe it? It’s time to soak in the sunshine while it lasts!

Six Straight Days of Sunshine

From the beginning of the month, Savannah has enjoyed a taste of summer in late October, with temperatures climbing into the 80s for an impressive six consecutive days. That’s quite a contrast from the average high of just 76 degrees this time of year! We’re definitely experiencing the warmest October this decade, which is something to chat about over coffee.

Dry Conditions Ahead

Now, while we’re basking in these sunny rays, it’s important to note that our lovely area is taking a hit in the moisture department. As of now, Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport has recorded a meager 0.02 inches of rain this month, making it one of the driest Octobers ever. The records go all the way back to 1948, and only once—back in 2000—did we see a drier October. Now that’s something to keep in mind when watering those garden plants!

An Unusually Dry October

Typically, October averages about 2.5 inches of rainfall, sitting snugly as Savannah’s second-driest month of the year right after November. But don’t forget about that rainfall record from October 1994! That month went wild with almost 20 inches of rain, which we wouldn’t mind, right? But this year, we could be heading toward another very dry situation. Right now, our neighboring counties such as Chatham, Bryan, Bulloch, Effingham, and Liberty are already marked as “abnormally dry” according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn into a more serious situation.

What Does This Mean for the Rest of October?

Looking ahead, the forecast for Saturday includes some patchy fog in the morning before the skies clear up and bring us that lovely warmth. Expect a high of around 85 degrees! As for Sunday? Clear skies again, but with a slight cool-off, tipped to hit the upper 70s. And for all you Halloween fans, get ready for those spooktacular nights, as lows are expected to stay in the mid-60s—a whole 10 degrees above average for this time of the year!

Keep That Thermostat and Watering Can Ready!

As nighttime temperatures drift from warm to warmer, it’s a reminder of our changing climate, and it’s a trend we’re seeing right here in Savannah. Since the 1970s, October nights have warmed by more than 2 degrees on average, a shift that many attribute to human-induced climate change. So before you go reaching for that thermostat or thinking of your garden, keep in mind that this warmth is part of a broader picture.

In Closing

So Savannah, enjoy these gorgeous warm days while they last, but don’t forget to hydrate those plants! Happy October, and let’s hope for some rain soon to balance things out a bit. Stay tuned to the weather and take care!