September throws out rule book for cooling temps

As I've mentioned in previous months' weather summaries, one can always be assured of the fact that at the moment you think you have it all figured out, you don't.
On a personal level, that is probably what drives my fascination with weather. It is constantly changing and seldom does what I expect.
In last month's column I mentioned that it was likely a dream that we would see any future 90-degree days.
Wrong. Not only did we reach 90 on Sept. 5, we came very close as mid to upper 80s occurred on five other days as well.  In fact, September was downright warm. 
Average highs topped 4 degrees above normal while average lows soared to over 7 degrees above normal. 
September's overall average temperature was pretty near August's average where, in a normal year (whatever that is), average temperatures between the two months are nearly 10 degrees different.
I also stated that the average first frost occurs around Sept. 28. In my defense this is the average, but this year the weather appears to be thumbing its nose at averages.
We have yet, as of Oct. 11 (the writing of this report), to really even come close, although Sept. 12 did record a low of 37 (still a good 5 degrees or so from frost potential).
While September temperatures were soaring, precipitation was near normal.  The month was primarily comprised of eight to nine small rains with a significant rainfall event on the 23rd and 24th.
In fact, the 2.12 inches that officially fell these two days accounts for nearly three-quarters of the rainfall for the month.
Looking into October, we appear to be heading into a dry streak, allowing for a significant number of days for farmers to get out into the fields. 
Will the above-normal temperatures continue?  Will the spigot stay turned off for most of the month?  The next few weeks will tell the story, but one thing you can be sure of is that nothing can be assured. 
 
A blog of daily summary and other interesting weather events for the Luverne area is at http://luvernemnweather.blogspot.com. Thone can be reached at tathone@gmail.com.