Without a doubt, October is my favorite month of the year. The beautiful blue October skies. That hint of cool air amidst the lingering warmth of summer, and the changing of the leaves.
While most Octobers are generally pretty tame weather-wise, in my 42 years as chief meteorologist for WSB, I have seen some significant weather events, especially in the past 20 years.
In 1995 I was tracking a ferocious hurricane named Opal. Northern Georgia, especially northeast Georgia, really took it on the chin with torrential rainfall, fierce winds, and tornadoes.
In 2014 we had a major severe storm outbreak with tornadoes and severe storms from an approaching cold front. In 2018, hurricane Michael weakened from a CAT 5 hurricane to a tropical storm. However, it still brought widespread severe storms, damaging winds, and flooding rains. Agricultural losses were staggering.
It will be getting colder this month. See graphic for the days of the average freeze dates county by county.
Estimated dates for freezing temperatures by county.
We had an unseasonably dry September. It may not have been welcomed by your lawns and gardens, but there is a silver lining. When we have dry weather like that, it tends to make for more vibrant fall color. It won’t be like New England fall color however. Northern states have the perfect recipe for incredible fall color. First, is the trees. Up north we have a higher concentration of maples, birches, and aspens, which produce the most vivid reds, oranges, and yellows.
Southern forests are more dominated by oaks, hickories, and evergreens, leading to less dramatic color. In addition, northern states experience cooler nights and more sunny days in autumn. This temperature contrast slows the chlorophyll breakdown and enhances the pigments that give leaves their brilliant reds and purples. Here in the south, nights stay warmer longer, so colors tend to be less intense.
It is always a fun drive up into the mountains this month. The fall color, the fall festivals, and the great food make it worth the effort.
- Early to mid October:
North Georgia mountains & ridges: towns like Blue Ridge, Clayton, Blairsville, Dahlonega, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls.
- Mid to late October:
Foothills & Piedmont (Atlanta metro, Athens, Carrollton, Macon north).
- Late Oct. to Early Nov.:
Southern Piedmont & Upper Coastal Plain – Augusta, Columbus, Milledgeville, Warner Robins.
- Early November:
South Georgia & Coastal Plain – Savannah, Valdosta, Okefenokee area; colors tend to be less vivid (more yellows/ browns).
Hope you get out and enjoy. Pick a day with that beautiful blue October sky.
Graphic: courtesy of National Weather Service.
