Greenville, SC – Most of Upstate South Carolina saw below-average rainfall during October 2025, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg. While a few isolated pockets near the I-85 corridor experienced slightly higher precipitation, much of the region ended the month drier than normal.
The October Rainfall Pattern
Meteorologists reported that most of the Upstate received between 2 and 4 inches of rain during October, with localized areas in Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg Counties picking up heavier amounts. The highest totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches, concentrated primarily along Interstate 85, while the surrounding counties recorded only 50–75% of their normal rainfall.
The NWS Greenville-Spartanburg office noted that the bulk of October’s rainfall came during a three-day stretch from October 27–29, when a slow-moving weather system brought multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
Outside that late-month event, conditions remained mostly dry, extending the region’s drought trend that has persisted through much of the fall season.
Regional Differences and Rainfall Deficits
Rainfall deficits were most pronounced across western North Carolina and northeast Georgia, where monthly totals were less than half of normal. These areas continue to see spotty precipitation, a pattern meteorologists say has become increasingly common across the Southeast this year.
“Most locations outside of the I-85 corridor recorded well-below-normal rainfall totals,” meteorologists explained in the monthly climate summary. “This marks another month of uneven rainfall distribution, with isolated pockets of heavy rain and broader areas staying much drier than average.”
The dry conditions have begun to affect soil moisture and streamflow levels, especially in more rural parts of the region. Local forecasters say these deficits may impact early November planting and water supply trends if the pattern continues.
Temperature Trends and Seasonal Outlook
Despite the dry conditions, temperatures in October remained near seasonal averages, with daytime highs generally in the 70s and overnight lows in the 50s. Occasional cold fronts brought temporary cool-downs, but no major early freezes were reported.
Looking ahead, the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg expects temperatures to stay near normal into November, with increased rain chances by mid-month. The next significant weather pattern could bring more consistent rainfall to the region, helping to offset the recent moisture deficits.
“We anticipate a return to more typical precipitation levels by mid-November,” forecasters added. “This could help stabilize soil and groundwater conditions heading into late fall.”
Outlook for the Rest of the Season
As Upstate South Carolina moves further into the late-fall period, meteorologists will be monitoring the potential development of early winter precipitation patterns, particularly in higher elevations of western North Carolina. However, for now, the region’s primary focus remains on improving rainfall consistency after a notably dry October.
The National Weather Service advises residents to stay updated on local forecasts and monitor drought reports, as extended dryness could influence agriculture and outdoor burning restrictions in some counties.
What are your thoughts on the dry weather trend this fall? Share your experiences and local rainfall observations in the comments below.
