As we neared fall, the transition was evident with a mixture of weather conditions across the Plains. These included rainy days, storms, some cooler mornings and some bouts of lingering heat.
Speaking of that heat, it continued its grip in southern Texas. McAllen notably set a new record for the number of 100-plus degree days in a year. The previous record of 90 days established in 2016 was passed in September. In that same area, Brownsville set a new number for 100-plus degree days in a year too. In the past month, observers noted enough days—40 so far this year through Sept. 16—above 100 degrees Fahrenheit to pass their previous record set in 2019 of 19 days.
Thankfully some beneficial moisture fell during the past month too. San Angelo, Texas, experienced a good change in pace with 2.27 inches of rain on Sept. 12. This was the most rain they’ve seen in one day since August 2021. Other parts of Texas also reported some helpful rain totals during that week with several totals over 2 inches.
Looking ahead, central to northern Texas along with Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska are favored to see above normal precipitation during the month of October.
For temperatures, the next month looks to hold warmer than normal temperatures for the southern Plains. That trend will remain through the next three months for that area along with southwest Kansas.
For precipitation, there are no strong signals for either above or below normal precipitation in the Plains for the entirety of the next three months.
Outside of the Plains, El Niño conditions are in place. El Niño is forecast to continue into the winter months as well.
I’m always keeping an eye to the sky (and the weather patterns), so watch for November’s update.
Editor’s note: Regina Bird grew up on a farm near Belleville, Kansas. The views from the farm helped spur her interest in weather. Following high school, she went on to get a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Kansas. She worked as a television meteorologist for nine years in Nebraska. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaBirdWX
