The total precipitation was just 1,418 mm., (including the equivalent from snow), which is well below the long term average of 1,596 mm. Only February and December had high total precipitation, with December's total of 252 mm., the highest since a record 350 mm. in December of 1994.
A record low for June of only 27 mm was followed by a very dry early July leading to an extended period of extreme forest fire hazard. The total rainfall of 294 mm for the summer months June to September was the lowest since 2001. Certainly, except for August, the summer and fall from June to mid-November saw a lot of nice weather. Unfortunately since August is a peak vacation month, those who remember the summer based on that month probably have the perception that the summer was not that great.
The average temperature for the year was 8.2 degrees, which is the ninth mildest, going back to 1966. Only March and May were significantly below average, while January, February, April, July and December were well above average. The other months were near normal. The long term annual temperature average is 7.5 degrees. A five-year trend average, which is a climate change indicator, shows the five years ending in 2008 at 7.9 degrees. Although still above normal, it is well below the peak of 8.6 degrees for the five years ending in 2002.
As we begin 2009 with very cold and blustery weather, it is not difficult to believe that at least in this part of the world, there is no evidence in recent years of a continuation of global warming.
Thanks to Jason and the Henderson family for continuing to provide me with accurate monthly data.
Weather or Not
Year ends appropriately with snowstorm
By Fred Giffin The year ended appropriately with a snowstorm, which turned into a blizzard as the New Year began. The snowstorm was appropriate because it brought the total for the year to 230 cm., which is the ninth highest total for a full year going back to 1966. February, March, November and December all had above average snowfall, with below average in January and just a dusting in April. The long term average is 187 cm.
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