More Than Two Inches of Much-Needed Rain on the Way for Southwestern Connecticut

More than two inches of rain are expected across much of southwestern Connecticut through Friday at 7 p.m. EST.

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— PaulPiorekWICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) November 19, 2024 at 5:08 PM

Paul

Much-Needed Rain on the Way for Southwestern Connecticut

More than one inch of rain is expected across southwestern Connecticut through Friday at 7 a.m. EST.

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— PaulPiorekWICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) November 18, 2024 at 5:53 AM

Paul

Drought Continues Well Into November Across Southwestern Connecticut

Halfway through November, the Bridgeport climate station has recorded a paltry 0.21" of precipitation, which is more than one inch below normal (1.45") through Friday. Slightly more than one inch (1.05") has been recorded since September 1, 2024.

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— PaulPiorekWICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) November 16, 2024 at 2:55 PM

Paul

Most of Southwestern Connecticut Experiencing a "Moderate Drought"

Most of southwestern Connecticut is in a "moderate drought," according to the latest Drought Monitor Index released Thursday, November 14, 2024.

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— PaulPiorekWICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) November 15, 2024 at 12:51 AM

Paul

Classic Nor'easter Dumped More Than a Half-Foot of Snow on Region 12 Years Ago Today

Just nine days after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of southwestern Connecticut, especially shoreline communities, a classic Nor'easter brought gusty winds, cold temperatures, and record-breaking snow to the region, Wednesday, November 7, 2012. The snow began falling late-morning as the storm exploded, causing bands of moderate-to-heavy snow to fall the rest of the day and through the night.

Officially, Sikorsky Memorial Airport recorded 8.3 inches of snow from November 7 through early November 8. The six inches that fell November 7 was a record for the date and the second snowiest November day on record. More than a half-foot of snow (6.2 inches) fell on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 1989. Three inches of snow fell on November 27, 2002. 

Here are some of the snow totals from across southwestern Connecticut:

• Monroe: 11.5"
• Danbury: 9.9"
• Bridgeport: 8.0"
• Ridgefield: 8.0"
• Darien: 7.9"
• Greenwich: 6.0"
• Trumbull: 6.0"
• New Canaan: 6.0"
• Norwalk: 5.8"
• Stamford: 5.3"

A strong North wind continued to pull colder air into much of New England throughout the day. The high temperature of 39 degrees November 7 happened at 10:21 a.m. By mid-afternoon, the mercury had dropped into the low-to-mid 30s, causing the precipitation to fall as heavy wet snow. The low temperature fell to 31 degrees at 8:24 p.m. The normal high and low temperatures for November 7 are 56 and 40 degrees, respectively. The average temperature of 35 degrees on November 7 was 13 degrees colder than the normal average of 48.

Initially, it appeared the storm would be more of a wind-maker rather than a snow-maker, as computer models pushed the center of the storm farther to the East. However, the winds never reached the 50-mph forecast gusts which were anticipated. The highest wind gust at Sikorsky Airport was 36 miles per hour out of the North, and the highest wind speed was 29 miles an hour. The average wind speed during the storm was 19.2 miles an hour.

Paul

Recalling the Historic Nor'easter of October 29 and 30, 2011

The historic Nor'easter which happened the weekend of October 29 and 30, 2011, was one for the record books. An unusual early Autumn storm delivered record-breaking October snow and massive power outages across Connecticut the last weekend of October 12 years ago. By the time the storm pulled away, over a foot of snow fell across much of Northern Fairfield County, and four inches blanketed Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, making Saturday, October 29, the snowiest October day on record.

Many trees and tree branches came crashing down due to the weight of the heavy, wet snow, the leaves still on the trees, and the gusty winds. The snow totals were unbelievable for October. Danbury reported 17 inches of snow, while Ridgefield (15.5") and Shelton (12.8") received over a foot. Locally, Wilton (10.8"), New Canaan (6.0"), Norwalk (5.5"), and Bridgeport (4.0") also had record-breaking snow. Viewer Ralph Fato of Norwalk sent this photo of the Route 7 connector Saturday afternoon.

The normal average monthly snowfall for October in southwestern Connecticut is just a trace. Prior to that weekend, the only measured snow in October fell on Sunday, October 4, 1987, when a half-inch coated the region. That's what made this Autumn snowstorm historic. Take a look at this photo of an ice- and snow-covered lake along Route 7 Sunday afternoon, October 30.

In the wake of the storm, skies cleared, the wind abated, and the temperature dropped like a rock. The mercury fell into the 20s inland and lower 30s along the shoreline, causing icy roads and cold homes for those without power. Take a look at these photos, including a picture of a downed tree and snow-covered Route 7 in Danbury. Was it really October?

Paul