October was very much the typical transition month from warmer to cooler air as we certainly got a mixture of exactly that across the Plains.
What was a bit unusual (but not unheard of) was a bout of severe weather that impacted the Southern Plains. Heavy rain was also a concern with that slow-moving, low-pressure system toward the end of the month.
Although there were some delays due to rain, periods of dry weather during the month also helped with harvest progress.
The first of freezing temperatures spread into some of the central Plains during October, but snow held off for most. The exception was in the panhandle of Nebraska where some of the first season’s snow fell.
As we look ahead to November, above average temperatures are forecast from the Southern Plains stretching into southern Nebraska.
Also during November, western Texas is forecast to see below normal precipitation. On the flip side, much of Nebraska into northern Kansas are expected to see the opposite with above average precipitation.
Southern and western Texas will see below average precipitation through the beginning of 2026. During that same time frame, Texas into southern Nebraska will continue to see temperatures above seasonal norms.
The trend of below average precipitation in the coming months will likely lead to expanding drought conditions in Texas into the early part of next year. Unfortunately, this will also likely be the case into southern and central Oklahoma.
In the global view, coupled atmospheric and oceanic conditions show La Niña is ongoing. La Niña is forecast to continue through the early part of 2026 before we should see a transition to ENSO-neutral in the later part of winter or early spring.
I’m always keeping an eye to the sky (and the weather patterns), so watch for next month’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.
