October finished slightly above average temperature-wise for most across the area. That said, the first two-thirds of the month were much warmer than the last third. A late large scale pattern change ushered in several clipper systems and cold air funneled in behind each one. Though not a daily record, Aberdeen bottomed out at a low of 5 degrees on the morning of the 28th, which was the coldest temperature in the lower 48 states! This was also one of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in Aberdeen in October (6 below in 1919 also on the 28th). This pattern led to increased winds as well, making it feel colder than it actually was. Wind gusts near or over 50 mph were not uncommon during this time.

Precipitation-wise, the general theme that has persisted for several months, of wet conditions along/near the South Dakota/Minnesota border while dry across central South Dakota, continued in October. Thus, there was little to no observed change in the drought across central South Dakota. These areas finished between one and 2 inches below average on precipitation for the month. While few low pressure systems brought an abundance of moisture across far east-central and southeastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota during the first week of the month, dry conditions became the norm for the second half of the month generally speaking.

The final week of October brought a few rounds of light snow as well, the first of the season. Around an inch of snow over the course of the month is typical, but no measurable snow was recorded this year.

Image courtesy of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center: http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/

Image courtesy of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center: http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/

Current US Drought Monitor: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/