NATIONAL WEATHER SUMMARY

OCTOBER 2025

1-4: The fall vibes are on hold across much of the Midwest this week.  An extraordinary October heat wave could bring record-breaking temperatures to the northern Plains and Upper Midwest in the coming days, with Minneapolis forecast to reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend.  Temperatures across the region are expected to be up to 30 degrees higher than normal on Friday and Saturday. Highs well above 80 degrees will be common from South Dakota east to Illinois. Some places may climb into the low to mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service. “Despite the calendar saying it’s October, it sure will be feeling much more summer-like than fall-like the next few days,” the weather service said Thursday in its short-range forecast. Dozens of new daily temperature records could be set Friday and into the weekend, including in Minneapolis, Bismarck, North Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; Madison, Wisconsin; and Moline, Illinois.

On October 1, most of the U.S. experienced warmer-than-average temperatures and dry conditions, with notable exceptions in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southwest.  Above-average warmth dominated much of the country, especially the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and inland Pacific Northwest, where temperatures ranged from 2°F to over 8°F above normal.  Florida stood out as one of the few regions with below-average temperatures, thanks to increased cloud cover from tropical moisture.  The Eastern half of the country, including areas east of the Rockies, saw a late-season temperature boost, keeping conditions more summery than autumnal. On October 3, 2025, the U.S. experienced widespread warmth and dryness, with notable precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southwest. A weak La Niña pattern was beginning to influence national conditions.  Above-normal temperatures dominated much of the country, especially across the Mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and southern Great Lakes, where dry soils and atmospheric patterns contributed to the warmth.  The Northern Plains and Upper Midwest also saw elevated temperatures, with some areas reaching 8°F or more above seasonal averages. 

5-11: On October 5, 2025, the U.S. experienced widespread warmth and dryness, with pockets of precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. A weak La Niña pattern was beginning to influence seasonal trends.  Warmer-than-average temperatures dominated much of the country, especially across the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Mississippi River Valley, where readings were 2°F to 8°F above normal.  The Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies also saw elevated warmth, continuing a trend from September.  Southern California and the Great Basin experienced slightly cooler conditions due to increased cloud cover from subtropical moisture.  Dry conditions prevailed across the northern tier of western states, the Mid-Mississippi Valley, and much of the Eastern U.S., with minimal rainfall reported.  Subtropical moisture brought thunderstorms to parts of California, the Southwest, and the Great Basin, contributing to localized rainfall. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington State, received above-average precipitation, helping to offset long-term drought deficits.  On October 7, 2025, the U.S. experienced mild to warm temperatures with mostly dry conditions across the country, except for light rain in the evening. The day started clear and sunny before cloud cover increased.

On October 9, 2025, most of the United States experienced warmer and drier-than-average conditions, with minimal hazards reported nationwide. Tropical Storm Priscilla was the main weather concern, bringing rain to parts of the Southwest. 

 On October 10, 2025, the United States experienced clear skies and calm conditions nationwide, with no significant precipitation or severe weather events reported. Temperatures were slightly cooler than average, and the day marked a continuation of the dry, stable pattern seen earlier in the month. 

12-18: On October 13, 2025, the weather was generally cooler than average, with scattered rainfall in parts of the West and dry conditions elsewhere. Inland areas of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies remained warmer than average, continuing a trend from September.

On October 14, 2025, much of the United States experienced overcast skies, patchy rain, and cooler-than-average temperatures, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Eastern U.S. continued cool-down following the nor’easter, with widespread cloud cover and damp conditions.  The western U.S experienced warmer-than-average temperatures that persisted in parts of California and the Southwest, especially inland.

On October 15, 2025, the United States experienced cooler-than-average temperatures and scattered precipitation, with a tropical system developing in the Atlantic.  Scattered rain and thunderstorms were observed across parts of the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast.  Western states remained mostly dry, with fire weather concerns in some areas. No widespread severe weather, but localized heavy rain and flash flooding were possible in select regions.

On October 17, 2025, the United States experienced clear skies, dry conditions, and mild temperatures across most regions. A cold front was approaching from the west, but the day itself remained calm and seasonally pleasant.

19-25: On October 19, 2025, the United States experienced mild temperatures, dry conditions, and mostly cloudy skies, with no significant precipitation or severe weather events reported.

On October 20, 2025, the United States experienced mostly mild and cloudy conditions, with patchy rain in some regions and temperatures hovering around 60°F.  Light rain was observed in some areas, especially during the early morning hours. Total precipitation was minimal, with 0.01 inches recorded at peak. Snowfall was limited to higher elevations, particularly in parts of the Wood River Valley in Idaho, where light accumulation was expected later in the weekend into early Monday.  Lower elevations saw rain showers, but these did not transition into snow until Sunday night or Monday morning.

On October 21, 2025, the United States experienced clear skies and mild temperatures nationwide, with no precipitation or severe weather reported.  Snowfall was observed in several mountainous and northern regions, including parts of the Rockies and northern Plains.

 

26-31:  On October 26, 2025, the United States experienced generally cool and overcast conditions, with temperatures trending below average in many areas.

 

On October 27, 2025, the United States experienced clear and calm weather nationwide, with no precipitation and temperatures trending slightly below seasonal norms. 

 

Jim G. Munley, jr.
http://www.jimmunleywx.com