EAST HARDWICK – The most substantial rain of the season fell in the past week, with a total of 1.25” recorded at this observation station. This was the lowest total when compared to nearby stations in Greensboro and Craftsbury, where amounts totaled closer to two inches. Most stations are still at least an inch behind on rain for the month, with the month expected to close with no additional precipitation.
It appears the foliage colors are starting to pass peak in several places, and it is notable along the immediate Lamoille River Valley. Reports from other parts of the region confirm fading foliage, although some spotty areas of robust color are still visible in places like Greensboro Village. Those leaves will continue to fall through the week. Remember that foliage on the ground can contribute as fuel for fires and given the weather conditions, fires can quickly spread out of control from the smallest ignition source. A statewide burn ban remains in effect.
An area of high pressure associated with a strong ridge over the eastern United States remains in place today. A northerly flow will keep temperatures cool, with highs struggling to reach 60. Anyone with outdoor gardens that survived the last frost will want to consider protecting those plants, especially Wednesday night, as we approach freezing.
As the high slides eastward, we end up with light winds from the south slowly moderating temperatures throughout the forecast period. This high will also serve to deflect the spinning pair of hurricanes (Humberto and Imelda) located between the southern U.S. Atlantic Coast and Bermuda. High pressure stays in control through the weekend with sunny skies and highs reaching the upper 70s by Sunday, which is much warmer than normal for early October.
Our next chance of rain looks to hold off until at least Tuesday of next week when the ridge begins to break down and yield to some unsettled conditions. In the meantime, we’ll dutifully log zeros from the rain gauge. Here are the forecast details:
Wednesday: Sunny. High: 58. Low: 30. North wind at 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 62. Low: 37. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny. High: 69. Low: 44. Light south wind.
Saturday: Sunny. High: 75. Low: 48. Calm wind.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 78. Low: 52. Calm wind.
Tyler Molleur, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, NRP, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Lecturer; Initiative for Rural Emergency Medical Services. He has been reporting on local weather conditions since he was in eighth grade at Craftsbury School.
Tyler is our weather reporter and a community journalist. He works as a nurse and EMT, volunteers with Hardwick Rescue and helps to train new EMTs.
