Oklahoma experienced a month of sharp contrasts in October, with early summer-like heat giving way to the season’s first freezes. However, significant rainfall was confined to the northeast, leaving much of the state with dry conditions that are expected to continue into November.
Quiet Forecast Ahead
The near-term forecast shows little to no significant rainfall expected over the next seven days, and no major winter cold outbreaks are on the immediate horizon.
A Look Back at October
Temperature: The first three weeks of October were dominated by warmth, with highs frequently reaching the 80s and 90s. The pattern shifted in the month’s final 10 days, bringing more seasonal highs in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
- The season’s first freeze occurred on October 19 in the Panhandle, followed by a more widespread freeze in the month’s final four days.
- Overall, it was the 8th-warmest October on record (since 1895), with a statewide average temperature of 66.2°F, which is 4.9°F above normal.
- The month’s high was 95°F (recorded at Goodwell and Grandfield), and the low was 24°F (at Boise City and Beaver).
Precipitation: Rainfall in October was starkly divided.
- The northeastern third of the state received widespread totals of 4 to 8 inches, representing a surplus of 2 to 4 inches for the area.
- Conversely, the southwestern third of the state saw deficits of 2 to 4 inches.
- The highest total was 7.93 inches at Stigler, while the lowest was 0.32 inches at Altus.
- Statewide, the average precipitation was 2.63 inches, which is 0.73 inches below normal.
Drought Conditions: The rainfall pattern directly impacted drought. Statewide drought coverage improved from 29% in mid-October down to 19% by the month’s end. However, this relief was mostly in the northeast. In areas that missed the rain, reports indicated severely stressed winter wheat, dry farm ponds, and persistent wildfire concerns.
November Outlook
Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) outlook for November indicates increased odds of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation across the entire state.
The CPC also notes that drought development is “likely” across much of the southern half of Oklahoma by the end of November.
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