October recap and a look ahead

October is in the books, Daylight Savings Time has ended, and Election Day is tomorrow!

October Recap
Temperatures at Memphis International Airport were slightly below normal for October with an average high of 73.8 and an average low of 53.2. Precipitation was above normal by just over an inch. The airport received 4.34" during what is climatologically the driest month of the year.

As for WXLIVE! in Bartlett, the average temperature was 59.7, which is almost 4 degrees cooler than the airport, thanks in large part to much cooler morning lows that we experience out in the suburbs. Precipitation was almost identical to the airport at 4.32", though my CoCoRaHS "official" rain gauge pulled in an impressive 5.78." It is located right next to the WXLIVE! station. Overall, October really was a great weather month. The pleasant days and cool nights are just what I like!

The week ahead...
The very mild weather of the past several days will continue for a few more as high climb well into the 70s. Low temperatures the past couple of morning have been lower than I expected, even dropping back into the 30s this morning in Bartlett. This is thanks to the very dry air in place and no wind or clouds overnight. As the next storm system draws closer, moisture will increase and a wind of a couple miles per hour will be steady through the night, which should help to keep those lows up a little higher than in recent mornings. Bottom line... great weather is on tap for Election Day 2008 on Tuesday, so make sure you exercise your right to vote, despite the expected crowds. Every vote counts!

The next cold front is due to arrive late Thursday evening. This front will likely bring a round of showers and thunderstorms to the region Thursday afternoon or evening, followed by much cooler temperatures. Highs behind the front will once again be back into the low to mid 60s as we head into next weekend.