Epi Week #39 - 2015 General Statements

West Nile Virus activity slowed down even further this week, with only 2 new arbovirus-positive mosquito pools, bringing the total for the season to 161. The first EEEv+ mosquito pool was found this week, in the town of Northbridge (Worcester County). Weather trends continue to produce cooler nighttime temperatures, as mosquito surveillance and treatment end and the 2015 season comes to a close.

Weather

After being on high alert for significant rain followed by the potential arrival of a hurricane, we were lucky to avoid Hurricane Joaquin, though several parts of the state did receive significant rain from the storm that came through earlier in the week. The precipitation map below is a completely different shade compared to previous weeks, finally registering “green,” with Franklin County maxing out at nearly 6 inches of rain.

Temperatures for Epi Week 40 will be mixed with some days still reaching highs at or near 70’F. For Epi Week 41, expect average temperatures to kick in following a warmer than normal Columbus Day, with highs in the low-to-mid 60s and only isolated shower activity. Beyond that, many computer models are hinting at a significant cold-snap for October 17-25. If these models are correct, expect daytime highs away from the coast to be in the mid-40s, making the risk of a widespread frost/freeze event high if the winds go calm over the interior, since dew points are forecast to be in the low 20s.