Oh So Close

Everybody grab a ruler. Take a good look at one-eighth of an inch. That's how much more rain we needed yesterday for our very rainy October to become the very rainiest month ever. A lousy 0.12 inches. We knew we were doomed to fail late yesterday afternoon, but Gothamist kept hoping for one more burst of rain. Unless an unforeseen storm arises, or a watergun fight breaks out in Central Park (and Gothamist is not suggesting one should break out) before the end of the month October's total rainfall is going to stop at 16.73 inches. Impressive, but still…

What do we talk about now that the rain has gone? Overlooked in all the attention to the rain was that, until last weekend, this month was also shaping up to be one of the warmest Octobers on record. That chance has been shot to hell as well. While it will gradually warm through the weekend, much cooler than normal weather should prevail through the end of the month. It will be cool enough for patchy frost in the pine barrens of Long Island tonight.

Water vapor satellite image from the National Weather Service.