Marking the 15-Year Anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene

Tropical Storm Irene hit the region 15 years ago today, and it will long be remembered by residents of southwestern Connecticut for the number of lives it affected. 

According to Mitch Gross, a spokesman for Connecticut Light and Power, more than 700,000 customers were without power Sunday, August 28, 2011, easily breaking the previous record of 480,000 following Hurricane Gloria in September of 1985. In fact, 98% of Redding and 89% of Weston households were without power on Monday, August 29, 2011.

The shoreline was hit the hardest, especially during the storm surge at the time of high tide late Sunday morning, August 28. Several homes collapsed along the beach in Fairfield, and many residents had to be evacuated due to the flooding. There were 35 streets which were under mandatory evacuation. 

The center of the storm passed through southwestern Connecticut late Sunday morning, August 28, just about the time of high tide, which was 11:10 a.m. in Bridgeport. To make matters worse, tides were astronomically high due to the new Moon. 

Although the storm's effects would be felt for quite some time, it could have been much worse. The highest wind gust reported in the region was 63 miles an hour at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford just before daybreak. 

The highest wind speed was 46 miles an hour, and the average wind speed was 24.9 miles an hour. Fortunately, winds never reached hurricane force, but that certainly was little consequence to the thousands of people who were without power or who suffered damage from Irene.

Rainfall totals ranged from just over three inches to more than a half-foot in Northern Fairfield County. Officially, the Sikorsky Airport set a record of 2.50 inches, bringing the two-day storm total to 3.35 inches. That's not far from the monthly average of 3.75 inches. 

Thus far this year, the Atlantic tropical season has been fairly quiet. However, that was not the case 15 years ago today.

Paul

Wettest Meteorological Summer on Record at Bridgeport

This is the wettest meteorological Summer on record at the Bridgeport climate station. The 21.21" of precipitation since June 1 broke the previous record of 20.23" (1972) for June, July, and August.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 24, 2026 at 8:59 PM

The Bridgeport climate station has recorded 21.21" of precipitation since June 1 --- the start of meteorological Summer --- which is more than double the 10.25" normal through August 24. Last year's total was 3.85" through the same period.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 24, 2026 at 4:54 PM

Paul

Flood Watch in Effect for Fairfield County Through Early Friday Morning

A Flood Watch is in effect for Fairfield County until Friday at 2 a.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 20, 2026 at 2:04 PM

Paul

Marking the 71st Anniversary of Hurricane Connie's Arrival to Southwestern Connecticut

Long-time area residents will never forget August of 1955 when two of the most memorable hurricanes --- Connie and Diane --- battered the Northeast. Hurricane Connie soaked New England with torrential rains on August 13, 1955. Then, just five days later, Tropical Storm Diane followed suit creating massive flooding not seen since the 1930s. 

The combination of Connie and Diane yielded rainfall totals close to 25 inches in some areas, resulting in unprecedented flooding. Nearly all of the major rivers in the lower Connecticut Valley exceeded flood stage. Some rivers rose more than 20 feet over their banks. Read the Valley News archive of daily weather events from August of 1955 to gain a better understanding of the power of those two August hurricanes.

While the two hurricanes affected the entire Atlantic coast, Connecticut suffered the most damage. For example, of the 180 lives that were lost, 77 were in Connecticut. Of the 680 million dollars in property damage, over 350 million dollars occurred in Connecticut. Over 200 dams in New England suffered partial to total failure. Many of these were in the area immediately south of Worcester, in the Thames and Blackstone headwaters. 

If August was not bad enough, two months later, a four day storm dumped an additional 12-14 inches of rain in southwestern New England. This event was not as widespread as the August storms, but record flood levels were achieved in some locations of the Housatonic and Hudson River basins.

Paul

Radio Broadcast from WAVZ-AM in New Haven of The Great Flood of August 18, 1955 in Connecticut (Part II)

Radio Broadcast from WAVZ-AM in New Haven of The Great Flood of August 18, 1955 in Connecticut (Part I)

August 18 Marks Two-Year Anniversary of Historic One-Day Flooding Across Parts of Southwestern Connecticut

A historic deluge delivered more than one foot of rain to parts of southwestern Connecticut Sunday, August 18, 2024, during a heavy rain storm which destroyed many homes, businesses, and roads.

Oxford reported 14.83" of rain, breaking the previous 24-hour rainfall record in Connecticut of 12.77" at Burlington during Hurricane Diane on August 19, 1955. Here are the official rain totals from across the region, including Fairfield and New Haven counties, from the National Weather Service:

Oxford was the hardest hit municipality. Two women lost their lives when they were swept away by the raging floodwaters. The photo below shows the flooding along Oxford Road.

Ironically, the storm happened on the 69th anniversary of The Great Flood of 1955 during Hurricane Diane. The video below shows the incredible rescue of people from the Brookside Inn on Oxford Road. Read the complete story by clicking here.

This home on East Hill Road in Oxford was completely washed into the Five Mile Brook.

Paul

Declination of the Sun Changes Dramatically During August

I'm sure you've noticed that the length of daylight is decreasing across southwestern Connecticut. The mornings are getting lighter later, while the evenings are getting darker earlier. That's to be expected this time of the year. However, have you noticed the subtle change in the length of the shadows? That's due to the lower angle of the Sun in the sky.

It has been nearly eight weeks since the Summer Solstice, and the Autumnal Equinox is just a little more than five short weeks away. The Sun is not nearly as high in the sky today as it was on the first day of Summer. The Sun was 23.26 degrees North of the celestial equator on June 21, which is as high as it ever gets in southwestern Connecticut. The days were at their longest and the shadows were at their shortest.

Today, though, the Sun is just 14.52 degrees North of the celestial equator, meaning that it's nearly four degrees lower in the sky than it was August 1 (+18.10 degrees) and nearly ten degrees lower than it was at the end of June (+23.13). The Sun's lower angle in the sky continues to accelerate through the end of the month. By August 31, for example, it will be just 8.52 degrees North of the celestial equator.

The Sun's rays remain North of the celestial equator through September 23, when the Sun is just 0.10 degrees above it. From that point on, the Sun's rays continue to sink below the celestial equator until December 21, the first day of Winter, when they reach -23.26 degrees. That, understandably, is the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight.

So, what does this all mean? In short, the Sun's angle is continuing to sink lower in the sky, the shadows outside are getting a little longer each day, and the length of daylight is decreasing each day. The midpoint of Summer was a little less than two weeks ago, and now Autumn is staring right at us. I'm not ready for Summer to leave just yet.

Paul

Hurricane Connie Struck Coastal Connecticut 70 Years Ago Today

Many long-time area residents will never forget the deluge which happened 70 years ago today. Hurricane Connie brought nearly four inches (3.92") of rain to the region on Friday, August 12, 1955. Take a look at the front page of The Bridgeport Telegram from Saturday, August 13, 1955.

August of 1955 will be remembered for two of the most memorable hurricanes --- Connie and Diane --- which battered the Northeast. Hurricane Connie soaked New England with torrential rains on August 12 and 13, 1955. Then, just five days later, Tropical Storm Diane followed suit creating massive flooding not seen since the 1930s. Take a look at the front page of The Bridgeport Telegram from Saturday, August 20, 1955.

The combination of Connie and Diane yielded rainfall totals close to 25 inches in some areas, resulting in unprecedented flooding. Nearly all of the major rivers in the lower Connecticut Valley exceeded flood stage. Some rivers rose more than 20 feet over their banks. Read the Valley News archive of daily weather events from August of 1955 to gain a better understanding of the power of those two August hurricanes!

While the two hurricanes affected the entire Atlantic coast, Connecticut suffered the most damage. For example, of the 180 lives that were lost, 77 were in Connecticut. Of the 680 million dollars in property damage, over 350 million dollars occurred in Connecticut. Over 200 dams in New England suffered partial to total failure. Many of these were in the area immediately south of Worcester, in the Thames and Blackstone headwaters. Here is a photo of Winsted, Connecticut, virtually devastated following the flood.

If August was not bad enough, two months later, a four day storm dumped an additional 12-14 inches of rain in southwestern New England. This event was not as widespread as the August storms, but record flood levels were achieved in some locations of the Housatonic and Hudson River basins. The tropical season has been fairly quiet thus far, but things usually stir in late August and September. Tropical Storm Irene (2011) and Hurricane Gloria (1985) are two recent examples.

Paul

"Dog Days of Summer" Officially End Today

The Dog Days of Summer officially come to an end today. In case you’re wondering, the "dog days" last for 40 days, from July 3 to August 11. They are directly related to the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major, or the big dog. Sirius is known as the Dog Star, and we see it clearly illuminating the night sky from early Autumn through early Spring.

However, during this time of the year, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. During late July, Sirius is in “conjunction” with the Sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the Sun, creating a stretch of very hot, humid, and sultry weather. Actually, the conjunction of Sirius with the Sun varies slightly with latitude, and a gradual drifting of the constellations over time means that they are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome.

Although this is typically the warmest time of the year in southwestern Connecticut, the added heat is not due to the added radiation of a far-away star, regardless of how bright it is. The heat of Summertime in the Northern Hemisphere is a direct result of the Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. Today's normal high temperature is 82 degrees, just one degree shy of the normal high for late July.

Paul

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Fairfield & New Haven Counties Through This Evening

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Farirfield and New Haven counties until 8 p.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 8, 2026 at 3:09 PM

Paul

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Fairfield County Through This Evening

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Fairfield County until 9 p.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 7, 2026 at 3:40 PM

Paul

Heat Advisory Issued for Fairfield & New Haven Counties

A Heat Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Thursday at 11 a.m. until Friday at 8 p.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 5, 2026 at 3:38 PM

Paul

Weather Affects Mood

How do you feel when the weather turns hot and humid? Tired? Lethargic? Sleepy? What about the heavy rainstorms we've experienced over the past month? Does it affect your mood? The heat, humidity, and seemingly-constant rain may affect you more than you think. If you feel "out of it," you're probably not alone. 

According to the Web site Science Daily, “The positive impact warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood are real,” are the findings of a University of Michigan study. “It should not be surprising that weather and seasons affect human behavior, given that humans have evolved with seasonal and weather changes since the dawn of the species.” 

Researchers found that pleasant weather improves mood, memory, broadens our creative ability and our openness to new information. “Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to re-set your mindset,” said Matthew Keller, the University of Michigan post-doctoral researcher who led the weather-related psychological study. “We found two important variables: how much time you spend outside and what the season is.” 

Ten mood variables were related to eight weather variables in a multidimensional study on weather according to pubmed.org. Data was collected for 23 male subjects over 11 consecutive days. Mood variables included concentration, depression, sleepiness, optimism, and skepticism. The weather variables included hours of sunshine, precipitation, and temperature. “Humidity, temperature, and hours of sunshine had the greatest effect on mood,” the study found. 

“High levels of humidity lowerered scores on concentration while increasing reports of sleepiness. Humidity was the most significant predictor in regression.” Our humidity was especially high yesterday. Were you feeling tired or having trouble concentrating? 

The study adds that the implications for school and work performance are critical, and it highlights the importance of humidity as a weather variable. I am sure the extremely high humidity and recent rains have played major roles in the way we feel.

Paul

Heavy Rain Christens August & Follows Soggy July

Here are the latest rainfall totals from across southwestern Connecticut as of Monday evening:

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) August 4, 2026 at 2:12 AM

Paul

Bridgeport Climate Station Measures More Than One Foot of Rain for July; Nearly Sets Record for the Month

The Bridgeport climate station measured 12.33" of precipitation this month, which is approximately one-half inch short of the July record of 12.84" set in 1971. Last July featured only 1.15" of precipitation.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) July 31, 2026 at 12:26 PM

Paul

Heavy Rain Pushes Monthy Precipitation Total to Nearly One Foot at Bridgeport Climate Station

The second heavy rainstorm in one week delivered more than one month's worth of precipiation to several communities across southwestern Connecticut Wednesday. 

According to National Weather Service reports, Fairfield received the most amount of rain from the storm, with more than three-and-a-half inches (3.61") through early Wednesday morning.

However, heavy showers and thunderstorms continued through much of the day into Wednesday night, producing up to one inch of additional rain. 

Shelton (2.89"), Westport (2.87"), Stamford (2.64"), and Newtown (2.57") measured more than two-and-a-half inches of rain.

Most municipalities across southwestern Connecticut reported between one-and-a-half and three inches by Wednesday morning.

The Bridgeport climate station recorded nearly three inches (2.90") for the day, bringing the monthly total (11.93") to just about one foot, which is nearly four times the normal climatological average (3.06") through July 29.

Paul

Flood Watch Issued for Fairfield and New Haven Counties Through Wednesday

Two-to-four inches of precipitation are expected across southwestern Connectiut through Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) July 28, 2026 at 3:22 PM

Paul

Full Buck Moon Occurs This Wednesday, July 29, at 10:36 a.m. EDT

The Full Buck Moon occurs this Wednesday, July 29, at 10:36 a.m. EDT. Named for the Summer regrowth of deer and elk antlers shed in the Winter, this month’s Full Moon is also called the Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Mead Moon, and the Rose Moon. 

July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer rush out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon since thunderstorms are common during this time of the year. 

Full Moon names date back to Native Americans in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names but, in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. 

A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. The Full Moon will rise later and set earlier this time of the year. In addition, the Full Moon will appear lower in the sky since it won’t be visible nearly as long as during the mid-Winter nights. The Moon will be visible for about nine hours and 45 minutes. 

Conversely, six months from now in January when the amount of daylight is at a minimum, the Full Wolf Moon will appear higher in the sky and be visible for about 17-and-half-hours. That’s over eight hours longer than this time of the year! 

Paul

A Summer Reality Check

Believe it or not, the days are indeed getting "shorter." In fact, we have lost exactly 40 minutes of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 21 happened at 5:19 a.m. EDT. This morning's sunrise was at 5:44 a.m., 25 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:16 p.m., 15 minutes before the latest sunset, at 8:31 p.m., in late June.

By the end of the month, sunrise occurs at 5:47 a.m., while the Sun sets at 8:10 p.m.. Two weeks later, by mid-August, the shorter days become even more pronounced, with sunrise and sunset times at 6:02 a.m. and 7:51 p.m., respectively. 

The "shorter" days have to do with the Earth's revolution around the Sun and the 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. By the end of September, the Autumnal Equinox begins a six-month period of "longer nights" and "shorter days" in the Northern Hemisphere.

Paul

Flooding Rain Creates Havoc Across Southwestern Connecticut

A series of storm systems and a warm front delivered more than four inches of rain to several southwestern Connecticut communities Tuesday, causing flooded roads, parking lots, and basements.

In fact, a Tornado Watch was issued for Fairfield and New Haven counties from mid-afternoon through late evening. 

The rain totals were quite impressive. Five southwestern Connecticut communities --- Stamford (4.92"), New Canaan (4.63"), Norwalk (4.58"), Greenwich (4.56"), and Westport (4.34") received more than four inches of rain. 

The Bridgeport climate station recorded more than two-and-a-half inches of rain Tuesday, bringing the monthly total to slightly more than nine inches (9.03").

Paul

Today Marks 57th Anniversary of First Moon Landing and First Human Steps on the Moon

Some dates naturally carry more significance than others. Birthdays and anniversaries come to mind instantly. One such "anniversary" happened 57 years ago today. Those of you old enough to remember Sunday, July 20, 1969, no doubt can recall watching Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong descending the steps of the lunar module’s ladder and setting foot on the Moon for the first time. I was mesmerized by what I saw that night on the black-and-white Zenith television set in our living room.

Apollo 11, the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo program, launched from the Kennedy Space Center four days earlier. As a young child of 10, watching the late Armstrong walk on the lunar surface was probably the most significant news event of my youth. I can still remember the late Walter Cronkite on CBS television describing the landing, and the bundle of nerves I felt for the Apollo astronauts, Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins.

I was fascinated by the space program in the 1960s. Naturally, I couldn’t wait for the landing of Apollo on the Moon. As I recall, while on the far side of the Moon, the lunar module, called the Eagle, separated from the Command Module, named Columbia. Collins remained alone in Columbia, while Armstrong and Aldrin used Eagle’s descent engine to right themselves and descend to the lunar surface. The wait seemed interminable for this youngster, who couldn’t believe that we would actually see LIVE images from the Moon later that night.

I kept asking questions of my Mom and Dad all day and evening. “What will it look like on television?” “When will the astronauts climb out of the Eagle?” “How are we able to see it if they’re so far away?” They couldn’t answer most of my questions since this had never happened before. I still couldn’t believe what we were about to see. I’m sure it’s what ultimately piqued my interest in astronomy, subsequent space missions, and Science in general. 

Our family gathered in the living room in front of the small TV set with rabbit ears and watched as Cronkite prepared us for the first step on the Moon. Just over six-and-a half hours after Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at 4:17 p.m., we sat in silence and awe as Armstrong made his descent to the Moon’s surface at 10:56 p.m. and spoke his famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Incredibly, well more than half the people living in the United States today weren’t even born when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. It was arguably the most historic event of the 20th century. I, for one, am glad I saw it LIVE, and I will never forget it for the rest of my life!

Paul

Today Marks 57th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Launch

Fifty-seven years ago today, the launch of the Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle took place with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A.

The launch occurred at 9:32 a.m. EDT. Four days later, Armstrong would become the first human being to set foot on the Moon, and Aldrin soon followed as Collins orbited the Moon.

Let's go back 57 years and watch what happened that day.

  

Paul

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alert for Fairfield & New Haven Counties

An Air Quality Index of 151 indicates that the air is currently classified as Unhealthy in Bridgeport. At this level, fine particulate matter is elevated, meaning members of sensitive groups may experience adverse health effects, and the general public is at risk of respiratory irritation.

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) July 15, 2026 at 4:13 PM

An Air Quality Alert will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties until Thursday at 12 p.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) July 15, 2026 at 4:06 PM

Paul

Heat Advisory Issued for Fairfield & New Haven Counties

A Heat Advisory will be in effect for Fairfield and New Haven counties from Tuesday at 12 p.m. until Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT: forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...

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— Paul Piorek WICC (@paulpiorekwicc.bsky.social) July 13, 2026 at 6:30 AM

Paul

Deadly and Destructive Tornadoes Struck Connecticut 37 Years Ago Today

One of the most unforgettable weather days happened 37 years ago today when a series of deadly and destructive tornadoes hit Connecticut on the afternoon of July 10, 1989. I was the early morning forecaster at the Western Connecticut State University weathercenter in Danbury that day. Although I predicted strong to severe thunderstorms for the region, I never imagined the magnitude of the tornadoes which would strike Connecticut later that day.

The storms began early that morning in upstate New York. A tornado hit Ogdensburg just before daybreak, injuring one person. One inch hail and wind gusts greater than 50 miles an hour were a telltale sign that the approaching frontal boundary meant business. Many reports of wind damage in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts occurred before noon.

Unfortunately, the timing of the storm had it moving into western Connecticut by the afternoon hours, when the atmosphere is most volatile due to the heating of the Sun. By mid-afternoon, as the atmosphere continued to heat up and the front moved eastward, the tornadoes developed. The first tornado, which may actually have been three distinctly separate tornadoes, started in the Northwest community of Cornwall, and leveled the Cathedral Pines forest.

The tornado continued south-southeast through Milton, leveling hundreds of trees and virtually destroying the village of Bantam before dissipating. A 12-year-old girl, who was on a camp out with family and friends, was killed by falling trees in Black Rock State Park. Not much later, another tornado touched down in Watertown, passing through Oakville and northern Waterbury. That either damaged or destroyed more than 150 homes and injured 70 people.

However, the most destructive tornado occurred in Hamden by late-afternoon. The path was only about five miles long, and it stopped just short of New Haven. The tornado destroyed almost 400 structures, and even cars were tossed into the air. 

Rows of houses and an industrial park were flattened as a result of the tornado. The storm was so strong that much of the area was without power for at least a week, and there were some trees still being cleared months later. The adjacent photo shows some of the damage in Hamden. This video was made for the Hamden Fire Department's Training Division the day after the tornado struck.

              

The powerful F-4 tornado which struck Hamden caused $100 million in damage and another $20 million in the Greater New Haven area. Forty people were injured in the tornado. After the tornado dissipated, a wind gust of 80 miles an hour was reported in New Haven. At about that time, another tornado struck Mount Carmel, tearing the roof off a condominium and injuring five people.

Of course, 37 years ago we didn't have the technology we do today, but I was still able to monitor the radar by the time I arrived home early in the afternoon. Remember, the Internet and access to instant local weather coverage didn't exist in those days. By the evening, the violent weather had ended, skies were clearing, and the damage had been done. It was certainly a day I'll never forget.

Paul