ORLANDO, Fla. — It is mid-October, and this is the average start of dry season.

While it may seem like dry season has started, it technically has not.

Rain has become significantly less frequent since September, but we have yet to see the stronger cold fronts roll in with heavy rain followed by drier air and cooler temperatures.

Most of the dry weather we’ve been experiencing has not been due to frontal passages, but instead from high pressure systems that sit and park over Florida and the Southeast.

During September, the dry air was being wrapped in around the hurricanes from the likes of Dorian and Humberto.

While the humidity seems to have slightly lowered, temperatures continue to run warmer than average with the lack of stronger cold fronts so far this fall.

Since September 1 through October 14, there have been 28 days when Orlando has hit 90 degrees or hotter.

October normally averages three 90 degree days, but this year there have already been eight.

In October 2018, there were six, and in 2017, there were only four 90 degree days in October.

Through mid-October, this fall is the fourth warmest on record to date for Orlando. It was the first warmest during this same time last year.

Forecast models are suggesting that there could be stronger fronts that bring in more rain followed by cooler temperatures for the end of this month.

For now, it looks like we may see weak fronts move in from time to time, but these fronts may not be strong enough to scour out all of the moisture or the warm temperatures. This will likely change closer to Halloween.

Here’s a look at average starts date of dry season across Central Florida:

Daytona Beach

  • Average Start Date: October 15
  • 2018: October 12
  • 2017: October 24
  • 2016: October 19

Melbourne

  • Average Start Date: October 17
  • 2018: October 12
  • 2017: October 25
  • 2016: October 21

Sanford

  • Average Start Date: October 15
  • 2018: October 12
  • 2017: October 24
  • 2016: October 19

Orlando

  • Average Start Date: October 15
  • 2018: October 12
  • 2017: October 24
  • 2016: October 19