ChescoWx

Below is my climate summary article for the local newsletter which had been delayed.... Hello again from Paul at the East Nantmeal PA Weather Station (www.chescowx.com). Be sure to follow me on twitter at chescopawxman where I am tweeting daily climate reports, forecast updates and weather and drone photos of our beautiful Township. When I wrote my last article, in mid-February the world was a bit different, I trust all of you are staying healthy! Weather wise we would not see any additional accumulating snow, with our last snow on January 18th. The snowless February and March were only the 3rd time in 127 years of local history that we failed to see any accumulating snow in East Nantmeal. Those years being 1950 and 1973 (the only season with no measurable snow in Chester County). February was also continuing the trend begun in January (9th warmest on record) with February average temperature of 38.4 ending as the 4th warmest on record behind only 2017 (41.2) / 1998 (40.0) and 1909 (39.5). Precipitation was near normal at 3.25” while with no snowfall we were 11.8” below our normal snow for the month. March would continue the top 10 warmth for winter months with an average temperature of 46.2 – this was the 9th warmest March on record, with our warmest March on record being way back in 1921 with a 51.5-degree average temperature. Not surprisingly the first quarter of 2020 was the 2nd warmest Q1 on record, with an average temperature of 40.4, only the first 3 months of 1998 (40.9 avg.) were warmer. Now before you begin to worry too much about any potential global warming…I decided to run an analysis of the last 13 decades back to the 1890's to see if the January to March winter months, outside of the Philadelphia heat island in the rural areas of Chester County have indicated any clear signals of either significant warming/cooling or variations in snowfall totals. Keep in mind snowfall amounts are not seasonal totals only January through March totals. Below is a chart with the analysis of the data. Of interest our most recent complete decade from 2010-2019 was the coldest first quarter since the 1980's. The warmest Q1 decade was the 1930's with the coldest being the 1970's. The snowiest was the 1890's followed closely by our most recent complete decade of the 2010's. Overall the data supports no significant Q1 warming evident outside of the urban heat island impact of Philadelphia...just typical variability and expected cyclical trends. The analysis also shows that colder does not always equal more snow. With the 1st full month of Spring in April we began a cooler than normal pattern that would last well into May. During April, the average temperature was 49.4 (0.5 degrees below normal) ( Avg High 60.3 / Avg. Low 39.6). We did record our last sub-freezing reading of the season on April 17th at 30.3 degrees. We had plenty of rainfall in April with 6.31”falling including a record 2.40” on the 13th of the month. Our normal April rainfall totals 3.91”. The April rainfall was the 10th greatest in Chester County history with the all-time wettest April occurring just 6 years ago with the 10.33” falling in 2014. Highest Temperature was the 72.0 on the 8th. The lowest temperature and only sub-freezing day of the month was the 30.3 reading on the 17th. This however would not be our last sub-freezing day with a couple of rare late season freezes ahead during May. Although we would see some snow in the air and even sleet late in the month, we would finish the 2019/20 winter season with just 5.8” of snow this is almost 31” below our normal seasonal snow total of 36.7”. This was the 3rd lowest snow total behind the only snowless winter in Chester County history in 1972/73 and the 2.4” that fell in the winter of 1949/50. May would continue the chillier trend with an average temperature of 58.6 (0.7 degrees below normal) ( Avg High 67.4 / Avg. Low 49.8). This was our 2nd consecutive below normal month. The 2-month average of April and May mark the 24th coldest first 2 months of Spring in Chester County history (1894-Present) and the coldest spring arrival since April/May 2008. Rainfall was 2.88" (1.40" below normal). The highest temperature was the 81.3 on the 15th - this was our 1st 80-degree day of the year and represents the 7th latest initial 80+ day since records began in 1894. The latest was on 5/27/37. Our lowest temperature was the 31.3 reading on the 9th this was the coldest for the date since the 34-degree reading in 1984. The all-time low for the day was 25 set back in 1947. The next day the 10th we recorded our last 32 degree reading of the season - this was only our 78th sub-freezing low in the 2019/20 winter season normal is 115 days. That late freezing temperature was the 15th latest freeze in 127 years of records back to 1894. Also, our latest May freeze in 24 years with the 30-degree reading on May 14, 1996. The average final freeze in Chester County is April 18th. The latest freeze in County history was the 32-degree reading on May 28, 1927. The 46.5 maximum recorded on the 9th was the 6th lowest May max daily reading in the historical climate data set. June would begin a warming trend that well into July. The average Temperature 70.0 (+2.5 degrees above normal) ( Avg High 79.0 / Avg. Low 61.0) This was our 1st above normal month since March. The average temperature during Q2 2020 was 59.4 - this marks the 31st coldest 2nd quarter in Chester County history (1894-Present) and coldest Q2 since 2003 (58.5). June Rainfall was 3.94" (0.10" below normal) our highest temperature was the 86.3 on the 10th. The lowest temperature was the 44.1 reading on the 1st of the month. As I write this on July 12th we are in the middle of warmer and wetter than normal month. We even recorded our 1st two 90-degree day’s although here in the relative high spots of East Nantmeal we needed to round it up to actually record a 90 so with the 89.6 on the 3rd and 89.8 on the 6th. . The last 90-degree reading was last July 21st when we reached 92.5 degrees - that was the 2nd and last 90 degree reading of the summer of 2019. Here in Chester County we average 11 days that exceed 90 degrees during the summer (1983 to Present). However, in 3 of the last 10 years have seen no days exceeded the 90-degree mark and 23 of the last 37 years have seen less than 10 days exceed 90 degrees during the summer. We have also just finished up a very wet 1st 12 days of the month with 3.98” of rain so far including 2.49” of rain on the 10th from Tropical Storm Fay. YTD rainfall now stands at 29.02” which is exactly 4.00” above normal through the 12th – great news for our Township farmers! Now, for those of you that dislike the summer heat… the good news is our hottest day on average is coming up on July 18th with an average high/low temperature of 83.6/64.1. Average temperatures begin to fall from that point right on through January 18th. So, enjoy the remaining days of summer and I look forward to speaking about our weather again in the fall. Stay safe and healthy! All the best - Paul

AM low today was 65.1 about 4 degrees above normal - yesterday's climate summary

2.46" storm total in East Nantmeal Township Chester County PA and 4.10" in Sea Isle City NJ While the 2.46" today in East Nantmeal is an impressive figure...still well behind the daily record rainfall of 3.23" set on this date way back in 1931 here in Chester County. Year to date we are now well above average for rainfall with 28.99" so far vs. normal of 24.61" (+4.38" above) average through today here in Chester County PA Beautiful evening in Sea Isle City with many stars in the SE sky as you can see on the attached pic

Some select highs around Western Chester County PA today Marsh Creek Lake - 92 / KMQS 91 / East Nantmeal Ambient Station 89.1 / Vantage Pro 89.0 High H.I. 94.8 / Elverson 86.4

Below is the Climate Summary for June 2020 for Western Chester County PA along with some interesting weather factoids Average Temperature 70.0 (+2.5 degrees below normal) ( Avg High 79.0 / Avg. Low 61.0) This was our 1st above normal month since March The average temperature during Q2 2020 was 59.4 - this marks the 31st coldest 2nd quarter in Chester County history (1894-Present) and coldest Q2 since 2003 (58.5) June Rainfall = 3.94" (0.10" below normal) YTD Rainfall stands at 25.23" (1.92" above normal) Highest Temperature was the 86.3 on the 10th Lowest Temperature was the 44.1 reading on the 1st of the month The last 90 degree reading was last July 21st when we reached 92.5 degrees - that was the 2nd and last 90 degree reading of the summer of 2019 We average 11 days that exceed 90 degrees during the summer (1983 to Present) at the relative higher elevation of Chester County PA However 3 of the last 10 years have seen no days exceeded the 90 degree mark 23 of the last 37 years have seen less than 10 days exceed 90 degrees

Another 0.13" today our 6th straight day of measurable here in Western Chester County PA. We look to finish June with 3.94" of rain only 0.10" below Western Chester County normal. With today's splits of 79.4/64.3 - we will finish with our warmest June since 2011 but only smack dab in the middle of June Temps with 64 warmer June month's and 63 cooler in the last 127 years....sounds like we just had a mighty normal June in the climate change catalog.....

Yesterday was our 5th straight day with measurable rain here in Western Chester County PA - total of 0.71" we now stand at 3.81" for June only 0.15" below normal for the month

In Western Chester County PA Today while quite a few 90's across the heat island suspects like PHL, PNE, RDG only 84.2 at KMQS and 83.4 in East Nantmeal. We also had 0.18" of rain this AM. Our MTD rainfall is now at 3.59" only 0.15" below normal while our YTD precip stands at 24.88" which is 1.88" above our normal precipitation through today of exactly 23.00"

Just picked up a heavy t-shower not too much thunder but a nice 0.29" of rain now at 3.39" for the month almost normal 3.43" for June MTD. Temp down to 69.0 after our 535pm high of 80.2

Of note it Q2 ended today this would be our coldest 2nd quarter in Western Chester County PA in the last 23 years (1997)

2nd straight beautiful day here in East Nantmeal Twp in Chester County PA with highs again staying in the 70's (uh barely 79.9 today) - splits today 79.9/61.4 almost a normal day with avg for today at 80.4/59.5

Just had a brief heavy shower roll through here in NW Chester County PA picked up a quick .09" - MTD now up to 3.09" which is 0.12" below normal. Splits here today in Western Chester County 86.0/66.2 at KMQS and 84.0/66.2 in East Nantmeal Twp.

Looks like more than 12 stations across Eastern PA and NJ were 90+ today....of course the higher spots like KMPO (82) KMQS (84.2) and East Nantmeal (84.3) no bueno for 90's. Down in Sea Isle City NJ today I would say this was a top 10 summer day with the high of 78.3 reached at 9:23am with temps falling with the sea breeze front at 930am and we struggled to stay around 73-74 all PM with a steady ESE breeze off the chilly 68 degree ocean. Nice crowd this PM..even saw 1 person with a mask on for the 1st time in the last 3 weeks....

In East Nantmeal Chester County PA splits were 80.6/63.5 with .05" of rain...last 3 days I recorded 0.43" of rain. MTD we are at 2.90" which is .07" below normal. YTD rainfall at 24.19" which is 1.95" above normal through today. Down on the crowded beaches of Sea Isle City NJ today splits were 74.4/65.5 with no rain.

0.32" so far today in East Nantmeal with splits of 78.4/63.7 - down in Sea Isle City on the beaches the fog burned away and a beautiful day with splits of 71.5/64.1 have only used the AC for 1 day so far this year at the beach!

Here in East Nantmeal Twp. between last night's t-shower and this AM's showers 0.32" of new rain so far with more possible later this AM. MTD rainfall now up to 2.47" which is +0.96" above normal. YTD rainfall stands at 23.76" which is 2.98" above normal.

Lots of 90's across the area of course KMQS (87.8) and East Nantmeal (86.3) still no luck...although we were warmer than MPO!!

Power finally back in East Nantmeal!! Great stretch of weather on the way! Beaches are again crowded down the shore in Sea Isle City although at 84 degrees and a DP at 73 too warm for me...cooler tomorrow but still a land breeze.....

A little late but below is the Climate Summary for May 2020 for Western Chester County PA along with some interesting weather factoids Average Temperature 58.6 (0.7 degrees below normal) ( Avg High 67.4 / Avg. Low 49.8) This was our 2nd consecutive below normal month following the April 49.4 avg (0.5 below normal) The 2 month average of April and May mark the 24th coldest first 2 months of Spring in the Chester County history (1894-Present) and coldest since April/May 2008 Rainfall = 2.88" (1.40" below normal) YTD Rainfall stands at 21.29" (2.02" above normal) Highest Temperature was the 81.3 on the 15th - this was our 1st 80 degree day of the year and represents the 7th latest initial 80+ day since records began in 1894. The latest was on 5/27/37 Lowest Temperature was the 31.3 reading on the 9th - our last 32 degree reading of the season occurred on the 10th - this was only our 78th sub freezing low in the 2019/20 winter season normal is 115 days The 46.5 maximum recorded on the 9th was the 6th lowest May max daily reading in the historical climate data set

Just a beautiful day down at the Jersey Shore in Sea Isle City NJ....I don't think I have ever seen the beach so crowded on a weekday in June before! Wondering if the fact folks are not tied to their kids being in class in getting a lot more folks to show up on the beaches of NJ much earlier than normal....let's hope so!. It briefly touched 80 degrees around noon on the beaches but most of the PM was spent in the low 70's down to 70 degrees now while 6 miles inland they swelter at 86 degrees....back in East Nantmeal we are still without power.....would be a tough day without AC back there with temps topping out at 83.8 with high humidity.

0.72" from the storm yesterday and overnight in NW Chesco...beautiful day across both NW Chester County and the Jersey Beaches. Back in Chester County the splits were 76.4/62.6 while down in Sea Isle City NJ we had our 1st 80 degree day here on the barrier islands since last September 23rd when we hit 81.7. The beach was mighty crowded today with little if any social distancing evident on the beach... With high tide today being during the prime beach hours folks were crowded in.....the town of Sea Isle is really hopping as we start to move back to normal....restaurants are preparing for the upcoming opening of outdoor dining with tables being set up....should be a nice next few days down the shore!! Great to see how many people are here and getting back to normal!!

Still chilly at the Jersey Shore with a SSE wind still off the water - mid 60's here while just 6 miles inland at Dennisville NJ up to 80 degrees. Back in East Nantmeal Chester County PA near 80 degrees with a 71 degree DP....

Another day in the fog down at the Jersey Shore in Sea Isle City with a 66.3/61.3 split and no measurable rain...brutal weather on the beaches...however - back in NW Chesco wife is complaining about the humidity and urge to fire up the AC...splits today in Chesco were 73.9/67.0 with 0.21" of rain in the gauge. Through today NW Chesco is at 2.16" of rain here in May which is 1.74" below normal...however YTD we are at 20.57" which is 1.68" above normal through May 28th vs. 1983-2019 averages. Looking like a good shot an our 2nd consecutive below normal month with May running at exactly 1.0 degrees below normal through today in Chester County.

Interesting evening here on the Jersey shore in Sea Isle City NJ....the colder than normal off shore 53 degree water temps making for a painful spring at the beaches. While 5 miles inland today were in the 70's here on the barrier islands no better than the upper 50's for most of our day....we finally cleared out for an hour this evening but as you can see on the attached video the marine layer cloud bank and fog were just off shore and came rolling back in over a 45 minute period this evening....me thinks it will be a tough week to realize any warmer temps here on the Jersey beaches no matter what we see just inland.... SicHi.20200525_183500.wmv

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