The wettest October in 35 years has brought the island closer to record rainfall for the year.

The Bermuda Weather Service recorded 12.23 inches of rainfall over the course of last month, the most since 1988, when 13.5 inches were reported and the third most since recording began in 1949.

While the total rainfall for the month fell short of the 1967 record of 14.55in, October 13 proved to be the fifth-wettest day on record, with 5.51in of rain recorded.

The worst of the downpour occurred during the morning rush hour and about the same time as high tides, factors that combined to cause challenges for motorists who faced flooded roads in several low-lying areas.

It came after 2023 set a rainfall record for May, with 12.26in of rain recorded, three times the usual average.

As of yesterday, a total of 63.28in of rain had been recorded this year, well above the year-to-date average of 28.46in.

The figure meant that with two months still on the calendar, 2023 is already the fifteenth-wettest year on record, with yesterday’s rainfall likely to bring it to thirteenth if not higher.

The previous record for annual rainfall was set in 1962, when 75.42in of rain were recorded.