*** Paul Piorek is editor and publisher of Paul's Local Weather Journal for southwestern Connecticut ... Paul is the on-air meteorologist at WICC 600 AM and 107.3 FM ... Paul is a New York Emmy award winner (2007), five-time Emmy nominee, and four-time winner of the Connecticut Associated Press Broadcasters' Association award for Best TV Weathercast (2006, 2008, 2009, 2012) ... Paul was voted Best Local Television Personality by the readers of Fairfield County Weekly Magazine (2012) ... Paul was inducted into the Housatonic Community College Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Alumni Award (2012) ... The local weather journal is a two-time winner of the Communicator Award of Distinction (2012 & 2013) ... Paul is currently a full-time teacher of Earth Science and Mathematics in Fairfield ... Follow Paul on Twitter @PaulPiorekWICC ...

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Drought Monitor Index Labels the Northeast "Abnormally Dry"

This has been one of the best weeks of weather we've had in a long time, especially after last week's cloudiness and rain. Fair weather will continue through tomorrow before a weakening cold front arrives later tomorrow night. That may trigger an isolated shower or two late Friday night into Saturday, but that's all the moisture we'll be able to squeeze out of this system.

Although the forecast is good news for those who have outdoor activities planned this weekend, the fact is we do need the rain. I'm sure you've noticed the brown patches on lawns, and the gardens could certainly use a beneficial rain. Here is the latest Drought Index Monitor map for the Northeast as of September 11, 2012. Click the map for a larger view.


Thus far this month, we've received only about an inch (1.03") of rain through today. That's below the 1.37" normal for the period. Since January 1, the deficit is much more pronounced. We've measured 26.24" of liquid precipitation at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, which is greater than four inches below the 30.27" normal. The next chance of any rain comes Tuesday and Wednesday of next week when an area of low pressure will affect the Northeast.

There have been just four days with measured rain this month, following a stretch of only two of 13 days with rain to close the month of August. Cumulatively, we've had six days with measured rain in nearly four weeks (26 days). August's total rainfall (3.33") was more than a half-inch below the normal (3.96") for the month. Hopefully, we can begin to make a dent in the rain deficit next week, when most of the rain comes while we are at work or school. For now, though, enjoy the sunshine!

Paul