February 2012 Revisited

Compared to historical averages, February 2012 in Hood River was pretty much average in temperature, and a little below average in rain, wind, and sunny days (solar radiation).
My station's average temperature of 39.3° was a little warmer than the long term February average of 38.0°, but almost exactly on the more recent (2001-2011) average of 39.4°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 39.2°, matching my station's average, which is a coincidence I'm always pleased to see, when it happens. Which isn't often.

The maximum temperature (at my station) in February was 57°, and the low temp was 27°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 56° and 26° (there's that coincidence again!). The high heat index for the month was 57°, and the low wind chill was 20°.

Solar radiation (influenced by cloud cover) averaged 165 Ly/day, compared to an average February solar radiation of 185 Ly/day. The maximum solar radiation, 293, occurred on the 24th. The minimum, 52, occurred on the 9th.Official precipitation totaled 2.64" at HOXO, and 3.42" at my station, compared to an average of 3.81". The official high rain day was 0.44" on the 17th, while my station maxed at 0.62" on the 25th.

No measurable snowfall fell. Average snowfall for February in Hood River is 7.3".

West winds predominated this month, which is unusual, but continued the west wind predominance that was noticeable last month also. The 24 hour average wind speed at my (somewhat sheltered) weather station was 2.3 mph, compared to an average February wind speed of 2.2 mph. The peak wind gust was 35 mph on the 21st. Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were undoubtedly higher.Barometric pressure peaked at 30.50" on the 2nd. Low barometric was 29.61" on the 28th.

There were no local weather records set in February.
These monthly summaries use data from my weather station located near May and Rand Streets in Hood River. To view my weather station's data for February 2012, click here.For official Hood River data, and historical averages/records, the data comes from both the manually read NOAA station at MCAREC, and HOXO, the automated station located right next to MCAREC.

February inevitably brings Valentine's Day, which celebrates the curious "Power of Love".  Curious, because it can make a one man weep, and make another man sing. Not to mention its effects on women. Amazingly, I've also heard that it can sometimes change your heart, into a little white dove! That's totally awesome, and just a tad bit scary, if you ask me.

Speaking of Huey Lewis and The News, I'm writing this February 2012 summary on September 14th, 2012 (yeah, I know, that's really pathetic) and tomorrow, September 15th, they will likely be playing this very song at the local Maryhill Winery venue. Coincidence? Maybe... maybe not...