x
Breaking News
More () »

VERIFY: Yes, A Dry Fall This Year Can Indicate A Wetter One Next Year

You ask; we VERIFY. A dry fall this year could indicate a closer-to-average fall next year, in terms of rainfall.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Finally, we have found fall temperatures and are enjoying cool, crisp air. But, where's the rain? Isn't it hurricane season?

VERIFY QUESTION

VERIFY SOURCE

  • Meteorologist Terran Kirksey

VERIFY PROCESS

Meteorologist Terran Kirksey said the answer is, perhaps surprisingly, true. He explained, "Historically, after a very wet or very dry fall, the next season has been closer to average, in general. In other words, after an unusually dry fall, the next fall has been wetter, and after an unusually wet fall, the next fall has been drier."

To VERIFY, he looked at rainfall totals at Piedmont Triad International Airport during meteorological fall (September 1 - November 30). He found the historical average (normal) rainfall for the fall season is 9.71 inches.

The average precipitation of the top-10 driest fall seasons was 3.44 inches. The average precipitation of the year after those dry seasons was 10.94 inches.

Kirksey noted from 2015 to 2018, there were two above-average rain years and two below-average rain years. 

VERIFY CONCLUSION

Yes, if our dry fall continues, we can expect a wetter fall next year.

Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Submit a post or selfie video to Meghann Mollerus via:

Facebook: Meghann Mollerus News

E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com

Twitter: @MeghannMollerus

Before You Leave, Check This Out