After a record-breaking span without rain, measurable rain finally fell in the greater Baltimore area on Sunday.
Between a 10th and half an inch fell across the state Sunday, with Western Maryland receiving the higher end, according to the National Weather Service.
For the entire month of October, the Baltimore area recorded 0.36 inch of precipitation total, with the last measurable rainfall coming on Oct. 2. On Sunday night, 0.22 inch of rain was measured in the area, per data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ending 38 days without any precipitation.
That dry spell broke a record set more than 60 years ago in October 1963, when 32 days passed at the BWI Marshall Airport monitoring station without rain.
October in Maryland averages 3.94 inches of rain, according to the NOAA, and the lack of it increased fire risks throughout the state, prompting a statewide burn ban.
On Saturday, an 18-acre wildfire tore through Harford County, and smoke still lingers from another fire at Aberdeen Proving Ground on Nov. 2.
Sunday’s rain doesn’t necessarily tame the state’s fire risk, however. A cold front coming into the area Tuesday could bring higher winds and lower humidity, with higher elevations at greater risk. The NWS will continue to monitor wildfire risk in future forecasts.
As for future precipitation, the forecasts remain guarded. There is a 30% chance Thursday will see showers in the afternoon and similar odds for before 1 a.m. Friday. In addition to unusual patterns in precipitation, the area will face higher-than-average temperatures, in the 60s and 70s.
Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.