By now, I'm sure you're well aware of our current streak of 18 straight warmer-than-normal months across southwestern Connecticut. The last month to feature cooler-than-normal weather was February of 2011. In case you're wondering, this month's average temperature of 70.3 degrees is 1.9 degrees above normal. There is a distinct possibility our warm streak may be extended to 19 months. However, the warm weather pattern isn't just confined to the Northeast.
The first eight months of 2012 were the hottest ever recorded in the continental United States, and the Summer period of June, July and August was the third hottest ever, the National Climatic Data Center reported Monday. Although the August average of 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit made it only the 16th hottest August on record, the fact that July 2012 was the hottest July ever and above average temperatures earlier in the year kept 2012 atop the record books.
The nation as a whole is averaging four degrees Fahrenheit above average for the year. That's a full degree higher than the same period in 2006, the second hottest January-August on record. Record keeping began in 1895. Locally, each of the first eight months of this year has been much warmer than normal, with the temperature departure much more pronounced during the first three months of 2012. The average temperatures for January, February, and March, were 5.6, 6.3, and 7.8 degrees above normal, respectively.
The air temperatures aside, authorities also say ocean temperatures off the northeast coast of the United States for the first six months of the year hit a record high. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the previous record was set in 1951. Scientists say it's unclear if the temperature rise will continue for the long term. Naturally, there's a correlation between the warming of the atmosphere and the warmer water temperatures, so this doesn't come as too much of a surprise, although it is cause for concern.
Summer officially exits the Northern Hemisphere early this weekend. The Autumnal Equinox occurs this Saturday morning, September 22, at 10:49 a.m. That's when the Sun's rays are directly above the Equator, causing "equal day and equal night" over the face of the Earth. Our weather picture should be fine the rest of the week before a front arrives Saturday night and early Sunday, triggering a few scattered showers. Dry and cool weather is expected early next week, just in time for the start of Fall.
Paul
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wonderful Weather for a Plane Ride Across Connecticut's Shoreline
Today was an ideal day for outdoor activities, whether it be a round of golf, a long walk, lunch or dinner on the patio, or even a plane ride. I took advantage of the great late-Summer weather by taking a plane ride from Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford to Groton/New London airport to pick up my son, who was visiting relatives over the long holiday weekend.
Pilot Morgan Kaolian, a long-time local radio traffic reporter, has been flying since 1944.
The flight took us directly over Long Island Sound and across the Connecticut shoreline, where I could easily see Milford, New Haven, Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, and New London. Here is a video I took of our descent and landing at Groton/New London Airport.
Skies were mostly clear with a high temperature of 76 degrees at 3:36 p.m. at Sikorsky Airport, which was just about the time we landed in Groton. It was the ninth straight day without any rain in the region. The highest wind speed was 14 miles an hour from the southwest, and the average wind speed was 6.2 miles an hour. The lowest humidity level was a comfortable 43 percent at 2 o'clock.
Paul
The flight took us directly over Long Island Sound and across the Connecticut shoreline, where I could easily see Milford, New Haven, Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, and New London. Here is a video I took of our descent and landing at Groton/New London Airport.
Skies were mostly clear with a high temperature of 76 degrees at 3:36 p.m. at Sikorsky Airport, which was just about the time we landed in Groton. It was the ninth straight day without any rain in the region. The highest wind speed was 14 miles an hour from the southwest, and the average wind speed was 6.2 miles an hour. The lowest humidity level was a comfortable 43 percent at 2 o'clock.
Paul
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
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
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Remembering Hurricane Donna
Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the arrival of Hurricane Donna to New England. Donna impacted most of the Caribbean Islands and every single state on the Eastern seaboard. The hurricane recorded 160 mile-an-hour winds with gusts up to 200 miles-an-hour. Hurricane Donna holds the record for retaining ‘major hurricane’ status of Category 3 or better in the Atlantic basin for the longest period of time. In fact, it was so strong that the name "Donna" has been retired.
This storm is the only one on record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida, the mid-Atlantic States, and New England. Donna hit New England in southeastern Connecticut with sustained winds of 100 miles-an-hour, gusting to 125 to 130 miles-an-hour. It eventually moved diagonally through New England into Maine. The hurricane produced pockets of four-to-eight inches of rain as well as five to ten-foot storm surges. The storm ultimately killed 364 people and caused over $500 million in damage.
Here is a video showing the effects of the Hurricane on the Rockaways on Long Island.
Donna crossed the Florida Peninsula on September 11. Despite its path over land, the storm remained intense and reorganized when it moved back into the Atlantic Ocean. It struck eastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina as a Category 3 storm. After reaching the ocean a third time, Hurricane Donna accelerated, crossing Long Island and then the New England region on late September 12 and early September 13 as a Category 3 hurricane on Long Island. Take a look at the front page of the Naugatuck Daily News from the previous day, September 12, 1960.
Storm surge values reached 11 feet in New York Harbor, which destroyed many piers. A resort area in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, saw its boardwalk and tourist attractions destroyed by the hurricane, and the area never recovered. Blue Hill Observatory in Massachusetts reported gusts to over 145 mph. The strong southwest winds associated with Donna at Chatham led to a significant deposit of salt spray, which whitewashed southwest-facing windows. Many trees and shrubs saw their leaves brown due to the salt.
From the time it became a tropical depression to when it dissipated after becoming an extratropical storm, Donna roamed the Atlantic from August 29 to September 14, a total of 17 days. Donna briefly achieved Category 5 strength while crossing the Atlantic. The highest sustained winds measured for Hurricane Donna were 160 miles-an-hour, and the lowest measured pressure was 930mb. At the time Donna struck North Carolina, its eye was unusually large, ranging from 50 to 80 miles in diameter.
Paul
This storm is the only one on record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida, the mid-Atlantic States, and New England. Donna hit New England in southeastern Connecticut with sustained winds of 100 miles-an-hour, gusting to 125 to 130 miles-an-hour. It eventually moved diagonally through New England into Maine. The hurricane produced pockets of four-to-eight inches of rain as well as five to ten-foot storm surges. The storm ultimately killed 364 people and caused over $500 million in damage.
Here is a video showing the effects of the Hurricane on the Rockaways on Long Island.
Donna crossed the Florida Peninsula on September 11. Despite its path over land, the storm remained intense and reorganized when it moved back into the Atlantic Ocean. It struck eastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina as a Category 3 storm. After reaching the ocean a third time, Hurricane Donna accelerated, crossing Long Island and then the New England region on late September 12 and early September 13 as a Category 3 hurricane on Long Island. Take a look at the front page of the Naugatuck Daily News from the previous day, September 12, 1960.
Storm surge values reached 11 feet in New York Harbor, which destroyed many piers. A resort area in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, saw its boardwalk and tourist attractions destroyed by the hurricane, and the area never recovered. Blue Hill Observatory in Massachusetts reported gusts to over 145 mph. The strong southwest winds associated with Donna at Chatham led to a significant deposit of salt spray, which whitewashed southwest-facing windows. Many trees and shrubs saw their leaves brown due to the salt.
From the time it became a tropical depression to when it dissipated after becoming an extratropical storm, Donna roamed the Atlantic from August 29 to September 14, a total of 17 days. Donna briefly achieved Category 5 strength while crossing the Atlantic. The highest sustained winds measured for Hurricane Donna were 160 miles-an-hour, and the lowest measured pressure was 930mb. At the time Donna struck North Carolina, its eye was unusually large, ranging from 50 to 80 miles in diameter.
Paul
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Warmer-Than-Normal Streak Continues
The streak continues. The last 18 months have been warmer-than-normal across southwestern Connecticut. Viewer Ralph Fato created this graph illustrating the monthly mean temperature departures at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford since 2000. Click the image to enlarge it.
Paul
Paul
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
September Preview
Where did the Summer go? It's hard to believe that Labor Day weekend --- the unofficial end of Summer --- is over, and most of us are back to our regular routines of work and school. Now that we've unofficially dropped the curtain on Summer and turned the calendar page, what can we expect during the month of September?
Obviously, the changing of the seasons is the main story this month, but the loss of daylight continues to be a prominent feature through the end of the month. We'll enjoy nearly 13 hours of sunlight today with sunrise at 6:22 this morning and sunset at 7:20 this evening. However, by the last day of the month, over a week after the Autumnal Equinox, the sunrise happens at 6:48 and the sunset is at 6:36. There will be less than 12 hours of daylight by September 30.
As far as temperatures are concerned, the numbers will continue to decline through the end of the month. The average high and low temperatures for today are 78 and 62 degrees, respectively. By the middle of the month, the averages drop to 74 and 58, and by the end of September, the average high and low are 69 and 52 degrees, respectively.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in September in southwestern Connecticut was 99 degrees on September 2, 1953. The coolest reading ever recorded was 36 degrees, which happened three times --- September 21, 1956, September 24, 1963, and September 28, 1957. The warmest September on record happened in 1961 when the average temperature was 70.4 degrees. The coldest September occurred in 1963 with an average of 61.5 degrees.
September can be a fairly wet month. The average rainfall based on 40 years of climatology is 3.58 inches. The wettest September ever happened in 1960 when over a half-foot (7.42") of rain fell, while the driest September took place one year earlier in 1959 with only 0.43 inches recorded. There has never been any snow recorded in September.
The Autumnal Equinox takes place Saturday, September 22, at 10:49 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, technically bringing "equal day and equal night" over the face of the Earth. The Autumnal Equinox officially signals the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn. The Equinox is the point where nights reach the same length as days. As Autumn wears on, the Sun will continue to sink lower and lower in the sky until the Winter Solstice in about three months' time.
The Full Harvest Moon takes place on Monday, September 29, at 11:19 p.m. This is the Full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice-- the chief Indian staples--are now ready for gathering.
Enjoy the month of September.
Paul
Obviously, the changing of the seasons is the main story this month, but the loss of daylight continues to be a prominent feature through the end of the month. We'll enjoy nearly 13 hours of sunlight today with sunrise at 6:22 this morning and sunset at 7:20 this evening. However, by the last day of the month, over a week after the Autumnal Equinox, the sunrise happens at 6:48 and the sunset is at 6:36. There will be less than 12 hours of daylight by September 30.
As far as temperatures are concerned, the numbers will continue to decline through the end of the month. The average high and low temperatures for today are 78 and 62 degrees, respectively. By the middle of the month, the averages drop to 74 and 58, and by the end of September, the average high and low are 69 and 52 degrees, respectively.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in September in southwestern Connecticut was 99 degrees on September 2, 1953. The coolest reading ever recorded was 36 degrees, which happened three times --- September 21, 1956, September 24, 1963, and September 28, 1957. The warmest September on record happened in 1961 when the average temperature was 70.4 degrees. The coldest September occurred in 1963 with an average of 61.5 degrees.
September can be a fairly wet month. The average rainfall based on 40 years of climatology is 3.58 inches. The wettest September ever happened in 1960 when over a half-foot (7.42") of rain fell, while the driest September took place one year earlier in 1959 with only 0.43 inches recorded. There has never been any snow recorded in September.
The Autumnal Equinox takes place Saturday, September 22, at 10:49 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, technically bringing "equal day and equal night" over the face of the Earth. The Autumnal Equinox officially signals the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn. The Equinox is the point where nights reach the same length as days. As Autumn wears on, the Sun will continue to sink lower and lower in the sky until the Winter Solstice in about three months' time.
The Full Harvest Moon takes place on Monday, September 29, at 11:19 p.m. This is the Full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice-- the chief Indian staples--are now ready for gathering.
Enjoy the month of September.
Paul
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