Autumn arrives cooler, wetter than last year

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 10/27/2011 5:11:13 AM

LAST OCTOBER, TEMPERATURES TRENDED THE second-warmest in more than 19 years, with 84% of the country trending warmer than the year prior. Warmer weather was great for extending outdoor living categories, especially as this was also the driest October in more than 18 years. While most of the nation enjoyed favorable conditions throughout the month, Southern California and Nevada received record rainfall early in the month which may have dampened demand for outdoor categories.
     This month promises to be cooler than last year, with the greatest change toward cooler weather across the middle section of the United States. That cooler and wetter weather across the Central U.S. will increase demand for covers of outdoor grills and furniture.
     The West Coast will be drier and warmer than last year, which will help to bring stronger demand for outdoor categories than last year.
     The East can expect another relatively mild October, which could extend opportunities for outdoor living categories as the country enters the heart of autumn. The tropics will bear watching as this year should be more active than normal for tropical cyclones with the Southeast coast at greatest risk for a storm.

TEMPERATURE
	National October Temperature Index
PRECIPITATION
	National October Precipitation Index