MikJournal Moment 10/23/2019

As of October 22, a new leader has emerged in the region I cover for annual precipitation. Memphis TN replaces Paducah KY for now with an impressive total of 58.78". Paducah does come in at a close second with 58.74", coming closer to a top ten annual precipitation induction, possibly replacing 2018's top ten appearance.

The month of October has brought beneficial rains for many residents after a record dry September. Some areas in Kentucky have received over 5 inches this month, while others have recorded just over an inch. But, we should see an overall reduction in drought in the next report updated tomorrow morning.

The coldest air of the season is still on track to arrive by the end of the month or the first of next month. It is looking increasingly likely that the growing season will effectively end for most of the remaining region that has not already experienced a killing frost. Widespread 20's for low temperatures and possibly upper teens in the normally colder locations might threaten a few records. Lexington's daily low temperature records for October 31 and November 1 is 22 degrees. Right now, I'm predicting 25-28 degrees. Even Louisville could see its first freeze of the season, earliest freeze since October 29 and 30, 2017.

It's been a long time, but the NAO, the North Atlantic Oscillation, has been persistently negative over the last several months. If this trend continues into the winter months, look for more opportunities for an interesting winter season, especially if you're a fan of snow and cold weather. Of course, the other major alphabet teleconnections must play their parts as well (AO, PNA, EPO).