October ties 90 year old record with zero rain

Zero rain fell in October, tying a 90 year old record set in 1934. The month fell short of its normal average of 4.37 inches and took over as the year’s driest.

October is one of the wettest months of the year and the total lack of precip has put the area in severe drought.

To date Hallettsville has received below normal rainfall in February, April, May, June, August and September. The rainfall shortage amounts in those months total better than 12 inches.

Normal rainfall averages 36.17 inches for the 10 month period, but thanks to heavy rain in January, March and July the city has a slight surplus of one inch.

All time record high rainfall of 14.05 inches was set in 1998.

High temps averaged 92.4 degrees (normal is 83.4) while lows dipped to 65.3 degrees (normal is 71.4). The month’s high of 100 degrees was recorded on the 14th, with a low of 53 degrees was hit on the 17th.

Temperature records include 102 degrees on Oct. 4, 1929 and a low of 20 degrees on Oct. 28, 1931.

Fog blanketed the county on 14 mornings and no thunder was heard. 

- Larry Rothbauer, NWS Observer