Data Date: June

Two bird on a wooden structure

Temperature and Precipitation Near Normal Across Delaware During June 2016

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

June Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in June was 72.4°F; this was 0.3°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 72.1°F (Figure 1). June 2016 was the 7th June in a row with above normal temperatures.

June Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for June 2016 averaged 3.51 inches, 0.22 inches below the 1981-2010 mean of 3.73 inches (Figure 2).

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that temperatures were near normal across the entire State, with the coolest temperatures (compared to normal) found across coastal and southern areas of Sussex County, DE (Figure 3). Precipitation was generally below normal across most of Delaware, with some pockets of above normal precipitation associated with heavy convective rainfall (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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Ocean Waves

Summer 2015 Brings Warm and Moist Conditions to Delaware

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Wed 10/14/15

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Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean Summer temperature (°F) 1895-2015.
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Figure 2. Delaware statewide Summer precipitation (inches) 1895-2015.

Summer Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that summer temperatures were just above the 30-year “normal” during 2015. The statewide mean summer temperature of 75.1°F was 0.6°F above the 1981-2010 mean value of 74.5°F (Figure 1). Monthly temperatures during the season were all above normal, with June recording the largest departure of 1.4°F.

Summer Precipitation

The statewide mean precipitation of 15.17 inches was 3.17 inches above the 1981-2010 normal of 12.0 inches, and was the 3rd year in a row with above normal Summer rainfall (Figure 2). Heavy rainfall across the State during June (9.03 inches) accounted for the seasonal departure, as both July and August saw below normal precipitation.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that temperature anomalies across the State varied during the Summer season depending upon location (Figure 3).

Rainfall was above normal across much of the State, except for portions of Kent and Sussex counties where negative precipitation departures of up to 3.0 inches were found (Figure 4). The fact that much of our summer precipitation falls in showers and thunderstorms can cause large spatial variations in precipitation during the summer season.

Summer 2015 average temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.

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

Figure 4. Summer 2015 precipitation departures (inches) from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.
 
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Flowers in Rain

Heavy Rains Return Across Delaware During June 2015

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Tue 07/21/15

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Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean June temperature (°F) 1895-2015.
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Figure 2. Delaware statewide mean June precipitation (inches) 1895-2015.

June Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in June was 73.6°F; this was 1.5°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 72.1°F (Figure 1), making June 2015 the 10th warmest on record since 1895. This is the sixth year in a row that June temperatures have been above normal.

June Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for June 2015 averaged 7.71 inches, 3.98 inches above the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). June 2015 ranks as the fourth wettest June since records began in 1895. The large precipitation totals during June 2015 followed the 10th driest May on record in which only 1.47 inches of rain fell across the State.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) indicate that most regions of the State experienced temperatures that were above normal during the month, with the largest positive departures found across southern Kent and northern Sussex Counties (Figure 3). Precipitation was much above normal at all locations across the State with positive departures of between five and ten inches found across New Castle County (Figure 4). The smallest rainfall totals were found across Sussex County.

June 2015 average temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data.

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

Figure 4. June 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

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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).

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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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Beach Sunrise on Rocks

Delaware Climate Slightly Warm and Dry in June 2014

Posted on | by Dan Leathers

 

June Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in June was 72.8°F; this was 0.7°F above the 1981-2010 normal of 72.1°F (Figure 1). Although slightly above normal, June 2014 was the coolest June across the First State since 2009.

June Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for June 2014 averaged 2.28 inches, 1.45 inches below the 1981-2010 mean (Figure 2). Rainfall this June was 7 inches less than June 2013 when 9.57 inches of rain fell across the State.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that the mean June temperature anomalies across Delaware were generally small and varied by location. The greatest negative departures (coolest conditions) were found in coastal Sussex County, while the largest positive temperature departures were found across Chester County, PA (Figure 3).

Rainfall totals were very low across Sussex and Kent counties in Delaware, with totals of less than 1 inch in several locations. Much heavier precipitation fell across New Castle County, DE and Chester County, PA where some stations received more than 5 inches of rainfall during the month (Figure 4).

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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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Beach in Summer

Delaware’s Summer 2013 Update

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Mon 10/14/13

Above normal temperatures and heavy rainfall characterized Delaware’s Climate during summer 2013.

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

Summer Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that Delaware had its 4th summer in a row with above normal temperatures. The Statewide mean summer temperature of 76.0 °F was 1.1 °F above the 1981-2010 normal of 74.9°F. This summer’s warmer than normal conditions placed it as the 11th warmest summer since records began in 1895 (Figure 1).

Summer Precipitation

Warm temperatures were accompanied by extremely wet conditions across the state during the summer season. The statewide mean precipitation of 21.41” was 8.96” above the 1981-2010 normal of 12.45”, and was the wettest summer since 21.8” of rain fell during the summer of 1989 (Figure 2), and the 5th wettest summer since records began in 1895.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) show that mean summer temperatures across the state varied from generally warmer than normal conditions in northern New Castle, southern Kent and northern Sussex counties to below normal, especially along coastal regions (Figure 3). Mean summer maximum temperatures were generally below normal across the entire state (Figure 4), while mean summer minimum temperatures were above normal in most locations (Figure 5). The lower maximum temperatures and higher minimum temperatures are consistent with the heavy rainfall the state saw during the summer.

All stations in the DEOS network recorded above normal precipitation values during summer 2013. Precipitation anomalies reached greater than ten inches in portions of northern New Castle County and in eastern Sussex County. The driest areas of the state were found in southwestern Kent and northwestern Sussex Counties (Figure 6). Even in these locations, precipitation was above normal for the summer season.

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

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

Figure 4. Summer 2013 maximum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
Delaware Summer 2013 minimum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 5. Summer 2013 minimum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
Delaware Summer 2013 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 6. Summer 2013 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
 
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Kayaking in DE

Record Rainfall and Warm Temperatures Across Delaware in June 2013

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Sat 07/20/13 , Updated 07/22/13

Record rainfall and warmer than normal conditions characterized Delaware’s Climate during June 2013.

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

June Temperatures

Preliminary data indicates that the statewide average temperature in June was 74° F. This is 1.6° F above the 1981-2010 normal of 72.4°F (Figure 1) and the 4th straight June with above normal temperatures.

June Precipitation

Delaware’s statewide precipitation for June 2013 averaged 10.94”, which is 7.08” above the 1981-2010 mean of 3.86” (Figure 2). The 10.94” that fell in June represents a new statewide rainfall record for the month. In addition, Wilmington set a new June precipitation record recording 13.66”.

Statewide Spatial Averages

Data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) shows that the average June temperature anomalies across Delaware were generally positive and small during the month (Figure 3).

Average maximum temperatures were below normal for much of the State except for southern Kent and northern Sussex counties and in the Wilmington area. Average minimum temperatures across the State were significantly above normal in central and western Sussex County and across most of Chester County, PA (Figures 4 and 5).

All stations in the DEOS network recorded much above normal rainfall values for June 2013. Areas with the greatest positive precipitation anomalies included south-central Sussex County and northern New Castle County. Many stations in northern New Castle County recorded rainfall anomalies of greater than 7” (Figure 6).

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

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

Figure 4. June 2013 maximum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
Delaware June 2013 minimum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 5. June 2013 minimum temperature departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
Delaware June 2013 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data

Figure 6. June 2013 precipitation departures from the 1981-2010 mean based upon DEOS station data
 
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Sunrise in Delaware

2012 is Warmest Year on Record for Delaware Since 1895

Posted on | by Dan Leathers
Posted on Sat 02/23/13 , Updated 04/05/13

Statewide Mean Annual Temperature 1895-2012

Figure 1. Delaware statewide mean annual temperature (°F) 1895-2012.

Preliminary data indicates that Delaware saw its warmest year on record during 2012.

The mean annual temperature of 58.8 ° F was 3.9 ° F above the 1895 – 2012 mean temperature, making it the warmest year since records began in 1895.

This year broke the previous record of 58.1 ° F set in 2011.

The six warmest years on record have all occurred since 1990 (Figure 1).

The warm temperatures were accompanied by very dry conditions across the state during the year. The statewide mean precipitation of 34.53” was 10.05” below the 1895-2012 statewide mean, making 2012 the 6th driest year since records began in 1895 (Figure 2).

Conditions in Delaware mirrored those across much of the United States.

The contiguous 48 states had their highest temperature and 15th driest year since 1895 (Figures 3 and 4).

 
Statewide Annual Precipitation 1895-2012

Figure 2. Delaware statewide mean precipitation (inches) 1895-2012.
US temperature anomalies for 2012

Figure 3. Temperature anomalies (°F) across the contiguous United States. Map provided by the National Climatic Data Center.
US temperature anomalies for 2012

Figure 4. Precipitation anomalies (inches) across the contiguous United States. Map provided by the National Climatic Data Center.
 
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