October 2013 Revisited

October 2013 was different, like this:

Above average: Solar radiation
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Temperature, wind, rainfall

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.   After 13th consecutive months of above average temperatures, the streak ended in October.  My station's average temperature of 50.0° was cooler than the long term October average of 51.2°, and cooler than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 51.3°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 49.2°. 

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 75°, and the low temp was 29°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 74° and 28°. 

Solar radiation averaged 269 Ly/day, compared to an average October of 242 Ly/day.

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 1.3 mph, compared to an average October wind speed of 2.1 mph.  The peak wind gust was 30 mph on the 27th.  This was the least windy October since at least 2001.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher. 

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.52", and the low barometric was 29.80".

Regarding rainfall, the month started out with a bang, and fizzled out from there.  The high daily amount was on October 1st:  0.49" at my station, and 0.53" at HOXO.  For the month, my station received 0.98", while HOXO only managed 0.84"  An average October receives 2.24", so this was a very dry month.

However, even though it was a very dry month, it was a very colorful one.  The fantastic Indian Summer weather provided a nice display of Fall foliage, as evidenced here.

There were no local weather records set in October.

These monthly summaries use data from my weather station located near May and Rand Streets in Hood River. To view my weather station's data for October 2013, click here.

For official Hood River data, and historical averages/records, the data comes from both the manually read NOAA station at MCAREC, and HOXO, the automated station located right next to MCAREC.

October... travel season begins to kick into high gear, as many locals decide they would rather be somewhere warmer.  I can increasingly relate...

And speaking of traveling, especially by air, the above video was produced by Virgin America Airlines, apparently as an onboard safety video.   Definitely over the top, but pretty entertaining... at least for the first few viewings...