Data Date: May

Pink flower protruding from water

Near Normal Conditions Characterize the 2016 Spring Season Across Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

Spring Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that temperatures were just above the 30-year normal during the spring season. The statewide mean spring temperature of 54.7°F was 1.3°F above the 1981-2010 mean value of 53.4°F (Figure 1).

Spring Precipitation

The statewide mean precipitation of 11.47 inches was 0.23 inches below the 1981-2010 normal of 11.70 inches, and was the 7th year in a row with below normal spring precipitation (Figure 2).

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that spring temperatures were above normal across northern New Castle County and Chester County, PA, along with portions of Kent and Sussex counties. Below normal temperatures were found along coastal and southern Sussex County and across southern New Castle and northern Kent counties (Figure 3).

Spring precipitation varied significantly across the State depending upon location. Dry conditions were especially apparent across extreme northern Delaware and Chester County, PA (Figure 4).

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White flower with raindrops on it

Cool and Wet Conditions Prevail Across Delaware During May 2016

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

May Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in May was 61.8°F; this was 0.9°F below the 1981-2010 normal of 62.7°F (Figure 1). May was the second consecutive month to see below normal temperatures across the First State. Strong El Nino events, like we saw this winter, are often followed by cool spring temperatures across Delaware.

May Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for May 2016 averaged 6.47 inches, 2.61 inches above the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). May 2016 was the 5th wettest May since records began in 1895, and the wettest month since June 2015.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that temperatures were below normal across the entire State, with the coolest temperatures (compared to normal) found across Sussex County, DE (Figure 3). Precipitation was significantly above normal across all of Delaware, with near normal precipitation amounts falling in Chester County, PA (Figure 4).

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Drops of water on bright green grass

Temperature and Precipitation Both Above Normal Across Delaware During 2015

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
 
 
 

Annual Temperatures

Statewide mean annual temperature in 2015 was 56.4°F according to preliminary data from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This was 1.0°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 55.4°F (Figure 1) and was the 11th warmest year in Delaware since 1895.

Monthly temperatures varied greatly throughout the year (Figure 2). The first three months of 2015 saw much below normal temperatures, including the 6th coldest February since 1895. The last nine months of the year saw above normal temperatures, except for October, which was slightly below normal. Tremendous warmth ended the year with December temperatures averaging 12.4°F above the 1981-2010 mean. December 2015 was the warmest December on record, smashing the old record by 6.1°F.

Annual Precipitation

Statewide precipitation in 2015 averaged 46.37 inches, 2.04 inches above the 1981-2010 mean of 44.33 inches (Figure 3).

Monthly precipitation anomalies varied between positive and negative throughout the year, with seven months of below normal and five months of above normal precipitation (Figure 4). June saw the largest precipitation anomaly of 5.30 inches above the 30-year normal, helping to push the annual value above the long-term mean.

Statewide Spatial Averages

According to data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS; deos.udel.edu), mean annual temperature anomalies varied across Delaware (Figure 5). Northern New Castle County, much of Sussex County, southern Kent County and Chester County, PA all experienced above normal temperatures for the year. Coastal Sussex County and western portions of News Castle and Kent counties saw below normal mean annual temperatures.

Precipitation across the region varied substantially in 2015, ranging from just under 40 inches to greater than 50 inches at several locations across the State (Figure 6).

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Flowers

Delaware Sees Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation During Spring 2015

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Mon 06/15/15

de_statewideSpringTemp-1895-2015.png

Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean Spring temperature (°F) 1895 through 2015.
de_statewideSpringPrecip-1895-2015_0.png

Figure 2. Delaware statewide spring precipitation (inches) 1895-2015.

Spring Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that spring temperatures were near normal this year. The statewide mean spring temperature of 54.0°F was 0.6°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 53.4°F (Figure 1). Monthly temperatures during the season were quite varied, with March coming in much below average, April near normal and May much above average.

Spring Precipitation

The statewide mean precipitation of 9.15 inches was 2.55 inches below the 1981-2010 normal of 11.70 inches, and was the 6th year in a row with below normal spring precipitation (Figure 2).

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that temperature anomalies across the State varied during the spring season with a mix of positive and negative departures found across the State (Figure 3).

Nearly every station in the DEOS network recorded below normal precipitation during the spring season, with some stations recording deficits of nearly five inches (Figure 4).

Spring 2015 average temperature departures

Figure 3. Spring 205 average temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
Spring 2015 precipitation departures

Figure 4. Spring 2015 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
 
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Butterfly in Spring

May 2015 Warm and Dry Across Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Sun 06/14/15

de_statewideMayTemp-1895-2015_0.png

Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean May temperature (°F) 1895-2015.
de_statewideMayPrecip-1895-2015_0.png

Figure 2. Delaware statewide May precipitation (inches) 1895-2015.

May Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in
May was 67.97°F; this was 5.2°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 62.7°F (Figure 1), making May 2015 the third warmest on record since 1895. This is the seventh year in a row that May temperatures have
been above normal.

May Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for May 2015 averaged only 1.47 inches, 2.39 inches below the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). May 2015 was the tenth driest May since records began in 1895.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that May temperatures were above normal across nearly all of

Delaware and Chester County, PA, with several stations seeing anomalies of greater than 6o F (Figure 3). Precipitation was below normal at all locations across the State with negative departures of over three inches at several DEOS stations
(Figure 4).

May 2015 average temperature departures (°F) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.

Figure 3.May 2015 average temperature departures (°F) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
.

Figure 4. May 2015 precipitation departures (inches) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
 
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Cars in Wilmington

Cool Temperatures and Near Normal Precipitation Characterize Delaware’s Climate During 2014

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Mon 01/26/15 , Updated 02/01/16

de_annualtemp_1895-2014_0.png

Figure 1. Delaware statewide annual mean temperature (°F) 1895-2014.
December monthly temperature anomalies.

Figure 2. Delaware monthly temperature anomalies.

Annual Temperatures

Statewide mean annual temperature in 2014 was 54.8°F according to preliminary data from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This was 0.6°F below the 1981-2010 normal of 55.4°F (Figure 1) and was the coolest year in Delaware since 2003.

Monthly temperatures varied greatly throughout the year (Figure 2). The first four months of 2014 saw much below normal temperatures accompanied by heavy snowfall across the State. Although late spring and early summer saw a return to above normal temperatures, the late summer climate was cooler than normal, a welcome respite from the summer heat for many residents. The year ended with a return to warmth in three of the last four months.

Annual Precipitation

Statewide precipitation in 2014 averaged 43.49 inches, 0.84 inches below the 1981-2010 mean of 44.33 inches (Figure 3).

Monthly precipitation anomalies varied between positive and negative throughout the year, with six months of above normal and six months of below normal precipitation (Figure 4). None of the monthly precipitation anomalies were large, leading to the near normal annual total.

Statewide Spatial Averages

According to data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS; deos.udel.edu), mean annual temperatures were below normal across the entire State with the largest negative anomalies found in coastal Sussex County (Figure 5).

Precipitation across the region varied substantially in 2014, ranging from just under 39 inches to greater than 50 inches across the region (Figure 6).

de_annualprecip_1895-2014_0.png

Figure 3. Delaware statewide annual precipitation (inches) 1895-2014.
Delaware monthly precipitation anomalies.

Figure 4. Delaware monthly precipitation anomalies.
2014 mean annual temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.

Figure 5. 2014 mean annual temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
2014 annual precipitation totals based upon DEOS station data.

Figure 6. 2014 annual precipitation totals based upon DEOS station data.
 
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Bird in Spring

Delaware Climate Warm and Slightly Dry in May 2014

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

May Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in May was 65.1°F; this was 2.4°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 62.7°F (Figure 1). May is the first month in 2014 to see above average temperatures across Delaware. Mean maximum and minimum temperatures contributed equally to the above normal conditions during the month.

May Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for May 2014 averaged 3.52 inches, 0.34 inches below the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). Although precipitation was below normal for the month, May 2014 was the wettest May since 2009.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that the mean May temperature anomalies across Delaware varied significantly. The greatest negative departures (coolest conditions) were found in coastal Sussex County, whiles the largest positive departures were found across inland Sussex County, DE and Chester County, PA (Figure 3).

Precipitation varied greatly across the State as is often the case during the warm season when convective rainfall makes up the bulk of precipitation. Precipitation totals ranged from under two inches to as much as five inches with the southern portion of Delaware generally seeing the lowest amounts (Figure 4).

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Walkway on Bridge

Spring 2014 cool with near normal precipitation across Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

 

Spring Temperatures

de_statewideSpringTemp-1895-2014_0.png
Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean spring temperature (°F) 1895-2014.

Preliminary data indicates that Delaware experienced its second cooler than normal spring in a row in 2014. The Statewide mean spring temperature of 52.6°F was 0.8°F below the 1981-2010 normal of 53.4°F (Figure 1). Spring 2014 was the coolest spring in the last nine years (since 2005).

Spring Precipitation

Cool temperatures were accompanied by near normal

de_statewideSpringPrecip-1895-2014_0.png
Figure 2. Delaware statewide spring precipitation (inches) 1895-2014.

precipitation across the state during the spring season. The statewide mean precipitation of 11.53” was 0.17” below the 1981-2010 normal of 11.70”, and was the 5th year in a row with below normal spring precipitation (Figure 2). Although spring precipitation was near normal, spring snowfall (March) was much above normal especially in southern sections of Delaware (Figure 3).

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that all stations across Delaware experienced below average temperatures during the spring season with the largest anomalies found along the Atlantic coast in Sussex County (up to 4°F below normal; Figure 4).

Nearly all stations in Kent and Sussex counties, recorded below normal precipitation for the spring season, with deficits of between 3 and 4 inches common across Sussex County. Across New Castle County, DE and Chester County, PA, precipitation was generally above normal, with positive anomalies of between 4 and 5 inches found at some stations in Chester County, PA (Figure 5).

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Rainbow over Bridge

2013 Warm and Wet Across Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

Delaware’s 2013 climate was characterized by slightly warmer than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation values.

 

Annual Temperature

Statewide mean annual temperature in 2013 was 56.5°F according to preliminary data from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This was 0.7°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 55.8°F (Figure 1) and was the fourth year in a row with above normal temperatures. However, this year was nearly 2.0°F cooler than 2012’s all time high value of 58.4°F.

Annual Precipitation

Statewide precipitation in 2013 averaged 49.93 inches, 4.07 inches above the 1981-2010 mean of 45.86 inches (Figure 2). Most areas of the state saw substantially above normal precipitation during the summer months, making the summer of 2013 the 5th wettest on record since 1895.

Statewide Spatial Averages

According to data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS; deos.udel.edu), mean annual temperatures were above normal across portions of New Castle, western Kent and Sussex counties, and across Chester County, PA (Figure 3). Mean annual temperatures were below normal across the remainder of the State.

Precipitation was much above normal in all locations except southwestern Kent County and portions of Chester County, PA (Figure 4). The largest positive precipitation departures were found along the eastern portions of Sussex County where some locations received 10 inches more precipitation than normal.

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Jogging

Spring 2013 Brings Below Normal Temperatures and Dry Conditions to Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Tue 06/25/13

Below normal temperatures and below normal rainfall characterized Delaware’s Climate during spring 2013.

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Figure 1. Delaware statewide Spring temperature (°F) 1895-2013.
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Figure 2. Delaware statewide Spring precipitation (inches) 1895-2013.

Spring Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that Delaware experienced its first cooler than normal spring since 2007 this year. The Statewide mean spring temperature of 53.3° F was 0.3° F below the 1981-2010 normal of 53.6°F. This spring’s cooler than normal conditions followed last year’s record warmest spring when temperatures averaged nearly 5° F warmer (Figure 1).

Spring Precipitation

Cool temperatures were accompanied by dry conditions across the state during the spring season. The statewide mean precipitation of 9.57” was 2.41” below the 1981-2010 normal of 11.98”, and was the 4th year in a row with below normal spring precipitation (Figure 2). Although below normal, spring 2013 precipitation was more than 5” greater than that of 2012, which holds the distinction of being the driest spring on record.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that a majority of stations across Delaware experienced below average temperatures during the spring season with the largest anomalies found along the Atlantic coast in Sussex County (nearly 5° F below normal). Pockets of above normal temperature anomalies were found in northern Sussex and southern Kent Counties and in parts of Chester County, PA. (Figure 3).

All stations in the DEOS network recorded below normal precipitation values during spring 2013, except for Selbyville, DE. The largest precipitation deficits were generally found across northern New Castle County, DE and Chester County, PA (Figure 4).

Spring 2013 average temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 3. Spring 2013 average temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
Delaware Spring 2013 average precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 4. Spring 2013 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
 
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