EVERETT — October is headed toward one of the driest on record in Everett going back over a century.
The driest October on record was in 1987 when only 0.08 inches of rain fell that month. The next driest month was back in 1936 with just 0.64 inches of rain.
2002 was another drier than average October – only 0.89 inches fell while going back to 1917, that October had just under an inch of rain with 0.97 inches.
Everett normally gets 3.39 inches of rain in October. The wettest October on record was 8.53 inches of rain in 1975.
So far this month at Everett – Paine Field, only a third or 0.33 inches has fallen and that included this past Saturday morning’s light rain measuring but 0.01 of an inch. The rainfall deficit this month is just over 3 inches. However for the year and thanks to a wet spring, Everett – Paine Field is about three quarters (0.76) of an inch over average.
With less than half the month to go, longer range weather forecast charts show only one significant weather system on tap, arriving this coming weekend. After that, the longer range guidance shows more dry weather to likely finish the month.
Rainfall from this weekend’s weather system could push the month’s amount past the dry 1936 total. How much rain is anticipated to fall is to be better determined as the weekend draws closer.
In the meantime, more fall sunshine is expected at times through much of the rest of the month. Temperatures though will tend to be cooler. The latest 2-week weather outlook that extends to the end of the month reflects good odds on cooler than average temperatures.
On nights with fewer clouds, low temperatures will dip into the 30s and 40s. The usually cooler locations like Arlington, Darrington, and Gold Bar will likely drop near or below freezing and frost conditions are quite possible. Any plantings in those colder places will need protection or move indoors.
Average high temperatures at Everett – Paine Field have cooled into the mid-50s. Forecast high temperatures this week are expected to hover around average.
Nights are also getting longer. The last 6 p.m. sunset in Everett will be on Sunday, October 25th.
Yet, many days left in the month are expected to have dry conditions and some fall sunshine. Before the end of the month though, the question will be how much more rain will fall and where this October will rank among the driest on record.
