July 2022 – Warm and Dry Conditions Continue Across Delaware

July Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in July was 79.0^o F, which is 1.6^o F above the 1991-2020 mean value of 77.4^o F (Figure 1).  July 2022 was tied with July 1901 and 1999 as the 10^th warmest since observations began in 1895. 

July Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for July 2022 averaged 3.84 inches, 0.58 inches below the 1991-2020 mean (Figure 2).  This month’s precipitation ranking was in the “normal” range when compared to Julys since 1895.

Statewide Spatial Anomalies

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that temperature departures were above normal across the majority of the state (Figure 3).  Precipitation observations varied across the state due to the nature of the summer’s convective (thunderstorm) activity, with the largest negative precipitation anomalies occurring in coastal Sussex County (Figure 4).   

National Anomalies

Temperatures were above normal across most of the conterminous United States, with portions of Texas seeing positive departures of 5^o – 7^o F (Figure 5).  Precipitation anomalies varied greatly across the country (Figure 6), with very dry conditions across portions of California, Texas and from New Jersey through southern New England.  Wet conditions were found mainly across the Ohio River Basin.  The 500 hPa height pattern for July shows a weak jet stream ridge covering much of the United States (except the Northeast) contributing to the positive temperature anomalies across the country (Figure 7).

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