September weather was wet

September ushered in the beginning of fall with average temperatures and some much needed rain.

"We finally got some decent rainfall," said local weather watcher Charlie Worsham on Monday.

Typically a dry month, September saw double the average rainfall this year.

"September averages 3.17 inches. This year we got that much in the first four days," added Worsham.

In fact, Sept. 18 broke the record for rainfall on that day, with 1.94 inches. The previous record was 1.1 inches in 2003.

September now joins May as the only two months showing above average rainfall for the year.

The rainfall was much needed after an uncharacteristically dry summer.

In fact, with September's rainfall, the area is only 0.32 inches below the normal yearly rainfall.

Despite the rainfall, September's temperatures barely strayed from the average.

"The average high was 76.6 degrees, just a degree or so below normal, and the average low was almost exactly the same," said Worsham.

September saw its highest temperature, 94 degrees, on the very first day, said Worsham.

However, in typical September fashion, temperatures began dropping lower throughout the month.

September's overnight low was 42 degrees, recorded on Sept. 20, 23 and 25.

According to Liz Sommerville, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Charleston, W.Va., October will start off with rain and some above average temperatures. Some rain showers are possible tonight and again starting Friday and lasting throughout the weekend.

Warm weather will coincide with the early October rains, but don't expect that to last, warned Sommerville.

"It is going to go from being a little warm to a little bit cool," said Sommerville of the trend for October.

Despite a week of possible showers, Worsham does not see the October exceeding its average rainfall like September did.

"October is normally the driest month of the year," said Worsham, who predicted that this year will be slightly drier than normal.