Oregon residents and farmers alike may find the latest precipitation rankings from Stacker both fascinating and useful. Using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, Stacker compiled a list of the ten wettest Novembers in the state since records began in 1895. The ranking highlights how weather extremes have shaped daily life, agriculture, and community planning across the decades.
Top Ten Wettest Novembers
#1 – November 1973: 10.97 inches of rain, average temperature 36.9°F, high 41.8°F, low 32°F.
#2 – November 1909: 9.61 inches, average 38.2°F, high 45.4°F, low 31.1°F.
#3 – November 1942: 9.54 inches, average 37.5°F, high 44.4°F, low 30.7°F.
#4 – November 1896: 9.16 inches, average 32.3°F, high 38.6°F, low 26°F.
#5 – November 1984: 8.74 inches, average 37.2°F, high 43.2°F, low 31.1°F.
#6 – November 1903: 8.73 inches, average 38.1°F, high 45°F, low 31.2°F.
#7 – November 1910: 8.71 inches, average 37.1°F, high 44.1°F, low 30°F.
#8 – November 1998 (tie): 8.32 inches, average 38.5°F, high 44.6°F, low 32.4°F.
#8 – November 1988 (tie): 8.32 inches, average 37.8°F, high 44.1°F, low 31.5°F.
#10 – November 2006: 8.08 inches, average 38.3°F, high 45.9°F, low 30.7°F.
What the Numbers Mean for Oregonians
These historic totals provide more than a curiosity; they offer insight for families, farmers, and local officials who must plan for water management, flood mitigation, and seasonal activities. The 1973 record, for example, coincided with a broader wet period that strained riverbanks and required extra vigilance from emergency services. Conversely, the relatively milder temperatures in that month helped protect crops from frost damage despite the heavy rain.
Understanding long‑term precipitation trends also supports responsible stewardship of Oregon’s natural resources. When rainfall exceeds normal levels, reservoirs fill, benefiting hydroelectric power generation and municipal water supplies. However, excessive moisture can also lead to soil erosion, landslides, and increased runoff that threatens roads and homes in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Local Perspective
Community leaders across the state have praised the availability of this historical data. “Having a clear picture of past weather extremes helps us make smarter decisions for our schools, farms, and emergency responders,” said a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Water Resources. The department plans to incorporate the rankings into future planning documents, ensuring that infrastructure projects account for the possibility of record‑breaking rain events.
For families who enjoy outdoor recreation, the rankings serve as a reminder to check local forecasts before heading to the Cascades or the coast. Many outdoor clubs already use historical weather patterns to schedule hikes, fishing trips, and camping outings during the safer windows of the season.
Looking Ahead
While the data set stops at 2026, climate scientists caution that warming temperatures could alter precipitation patterns in the coming decades. Some models suggest that the Pacific Northwest may see more intense rainstorms, even as overall snowfall declines. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the National Weather Service and local news outlets, especially as the state prepares for the winter months.
In the meantime, the Stacker ranking offers a valuable snapshot of Oregon’s rainy heritage, reminding us that the state’s climate has always been a defining feature of daily life, agriculture, and community resilience.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
