October 2009 Climate Summary - North Carolina
Wet In the West
Ryan Boyles, State Climate Office of North Carolina
Wet In the West, Dry in the East, A Bit Cool Everywhere
Temperature and Precipitation by Climate Division
Departures from Normal for October 2009
Based on Preliminary Data
October 2009 continued the same story told the previous month. Heavy rains fell in the western half of North Carolina, while conditions in the eastern half were generally much drier. Temperatures in most of North Carolina near-normal to slightly below-normal in October. The Northern Coastal Plain was the warmest and driest region for the month.
Localized flooding was observed in western NC in October, but damages were not widely reported. Wet conditions in western NC in September and October did contribute to the muted colors of fall foliage in that region.
Impacts to Agriculture
In eastern parts of North Carolina, drier conditions helped some growers with harvest. Period of rainfall delayed harvest for some growers, especially in western parts of the state. Harvest for most crops is similar or ahead of last year.
Impacts to Water Resources
Drought concerns in eastern NC continue. Water restrictions were implemented in Siler City and Rocky Mount in response to low stream flows. Similarly, Jordan and Falls reservoirs are below levels typical for this time of year. Moderate Drought (D1) conditions expanded in October to include much of the eastern Piedmont region in central NC. The NC Drought Management Advisory Council continues to hold weekly monitoring meetings to closely monitor for drought impacts.
Precipitation for October 2009
Based on estimates from NWS Radar, Data Courtesy NWS/NCEP
Precipitation for October 2009: Percent of Normal
Based on estimates from NWS Radar, Data Courtesy NWS/NCEP
Change in US Drought Monitoring Status during October 2009
Provided by DENR Division of Water Resources
