October 2015 is now in the record books as the wettest October across the state of North Carolina. That is based on data from the State Climate Office of North Carolina that goes back to 1895. The average statewide rainfall for last month was 9.30". That surpasses the previous record of 8.61" set in October 1971.
Heavy rainfall early in October combined with additional rain late in the month especially in southeastern parts of North Carolina made for a higher statewide average. The Longwood area of Brunswick County reported 20.72" of rain for the month. Wilmington recorded 14.77".
Several weather reporting sites in the state including Raleigh, Fayetteville, Lumberton, and Greenville recorded rain for 12 straight days from late September through early October. Historic flooding occurred in South Carolina during that time.
Here's how the month broke down for select cities (data from the Southeast Regional Climate Center):
- Wilmington: 14.77" - 2nd wettest October
- Asheville: 6.75 - 7th wettest October
- Raleigh-Durham: 5.06" - 9th wettest October
- Charlotte: 5.57" - 11th wettest October
- Greensboro: 4.24" - 27th wettest October