Weather
New York Weather: Dry October Raises Concern Ahead of Thursday Rain
Albany, NY – November is beginning with significant rainfall shortages across eastern New York, western Massachusetts and southern Vermont after an unusually dry October left several communities more
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-11-01T18:15:54.313Z
Albany, NY – November is beginning with significant rainfall shortages across eastern New York, western Massachusetts and southern Vermont after an unusually dry October left several communities more than 2 inches below normal precipitation levels. Unfortunately for residents hoping for relief, meaningful rainfall may still be several days away.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, October 2026 brought near normal average temperatures but substantially below normal precipitation across the region. Forecasters indicated the next opportunity for appreciable rainfall is not expected until Thursday into Friday, Nov. 5 6.
Albany, Pittsfield Among Hardest Hit by Rainfall Shortages Albany recorded just 1.32 inches of precipitation during October, finishing 2.53 inches below normal.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, received 2.08 inches, approximately 2.48 inches below average, while Bennington, Vermont, measured only 1.41 inches, a deficit of 2.20 inches.
Other communities experienced similar conditions.
Glens Falls, New York, recorded 2.09 inches, or 1.59 inches below normal, while Poughkeepsie received 2.08 inches, approximately 1.65 inches below average.
Despite the widespread rainfall shortages, temperatures remained relatively close to seasonal averages.
Albany averaged 51.7 degrees, just 0.3 degrees above normal, while Poughkeepsie finished 1.1 degrees warmer than average.
When Could Rain Return to the Region? The National Weather Service indicated that the next opportunity for appreciable rainfall may arrive Thursday into Friday.
Until then, the region enters November carrying substantial precipitation deficits from October.
Extended dry conditions can affect soil moisture, vegetation and local water resources, although the October climate report does not establish specific drought impacts or water restrictions.
Residents across the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Berkshires and southern Vermont should monitor updated forecasts as the late week rain opportunity approaches.
The biggest takeaway from October wasn't unusual temperatures — it was the widespread lack of rainfall across the region.