2008 Revisited

I just finished crunching the numbers for the entire calendar year of 2008 (for our weather station).

2008 was warmer than long term, but cooler than recent years. Precipitation was lower, and wind speed was average.

The average temperature was 51.7 degrees F, 1.0 degree warmer than long term averages. On the other hand, it was 0.9 degrees cooler than more recent (2001-2007) averages. In that recent time period, 2003 has been the warmest year at 53.8 degrees F.

Precipitation was 2.57 inches below average. Average wind speed (round the clock average) for the year was 3.0 mph, matching the 2003-2007 average of 3.0 mph. Note the usual disclaimer about wind speed being lower at our station; but the comparison to the 2003-2007 average is valid, since those are all from our station's data.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	107.7	9.2	51.7	50.7
Wind (mph)	37		3.0	3.0
Rainfall (in)	1.44		27.46	30.03
Barometric (in Hg)	30.67	28.91

December Revisited

Compared to historical averages, December in Hood River was much colder, with average wind speed and rainfall equivalent (rain plus melted snow).

The average temperature was 3.4 degrees colder than long term averages, and 4.0 degrees colder than more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were average, with SSE winds predominating. Note that the calculation for wind direction is notoriously skewed, especially when the winds come from every which direction during the month.

The first half of the month was pretty boring, weather-wise. There was a high wind gust of 34 mph on Dec 12, as weather patterns started to shift. The second half: not nearly so boring (to put it mildly). Arctic air moved in Dec 14, followed by weeks of snow and ice. See previous posts for some of the more lurid details.

The variety of weather was also unusually capricious. Relatively warm westerly chinook winds raised morning temperatures dramatically on a couple of occasions, only to plunge back down later. On Dec 31, we registered a chinook gust of 33, while Tom's westside weather station had a gust of 50 mph!

There was at least one official record set in December. That occurred on Dec 1, where the high of 57 surpassed the previous record (56 in 1939). Now snowfall, that's a different story. Since there was snow on the ground from Dec 15 thru the end of the month, and it was snowing/compacting/snowing more/compacting more all the time, I don't have any official daily snowfall amounts from MCAREC for that time period. Hopefully we will at some point. But I am pretty sure that new "snow depth" records were set from 12/18 through at least 12/28. This was the most amount of snow on the ground since 1980, and probably surpassed 1980 in number of days of record snow depth.

The data below is from our home weather station. The "historical average" numbers for temperature and rainfall are from the Hood River MCAREC data. Historical wind average is from our own station's 2000 to 2007 data. Note that average wind speeds include all 24 hours of the day and night, which is why they are way lower than daytime peak winds. In addition, the wind speed at our station is considerably lower than on the Columbia River.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	57	9	32.7	36.1
Wind (mph)	34		1.7	1.6
Rainfall (in)	0.98		5.57 (total)	5.81

November Revisited

Compared to historical averages, November in Hood River was much warmer, with average wind speed and rainfall.

The average temperature was 3.8 degrees warmer than long term averages, and 3.7 degrees warmer than more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were average, with southerly winds predominating.

The first third of the month was rainy, and the rest of the month not so much, ending 0.21 inches above average.

There were 2 records set in November at the official Hood River Agrimet station. Both occurred on November 12. The rainfall of 1.05" surpassed the previous record of 1.03" (1966), and the low temperature of 53 set a new "high low" for the date (previously 48 degrees in 1999).

The data below is from our home weather station. The "historical average" numbers for temperature and rainfall are from the Hood River MCAREC data. Historical wind average is from our own station's 2000 to 2007 data. Note that average wind speeds include all 24 hours of the day and night, which is why they are way lower than daytime peak winds. In addition, the wind speed at our station is considerably lower than on the Columbia River.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	65	28	45.3	41.5
Wind (mph)	36		1.6	1.7
Rainfall (in)	1.21		5.05 (total)	4.84

October Revisited

Compared to historical averages, October at our weather station was cooler, less windy, and drier.

The average temperature was 0.1 degrees cooler than long term averages, and 1.3 degrees cooler than more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were lower than average, with SW winds predominating.

The month started off with lots of rain, but ended up 0.82 inches below average.

There were no temperature or rainfall records set in October at the official Hood River Agrimet station.

The data below is from our personal weather station. The "historical average" numbers for temperature and rainfall are from the MCAREC Agrimet data. Historical wind average is from our own station's 2000 to 2007 data. It's important to note that average wind speeds include all 24 hours of the day and night, which is why they are way lower than daytime peak winds. In addition, the wind speed at our station is considerably lower than on the Columbia River.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	80	30	51.2	51.3
Wind (mph)	27		1.8	2.4
Rainfall (in)	0.56		1.56 (total)	2.38

September Revisited

Better late than never. I've been a little distracted lately by the impending collapse of the entire global economic system. Now that world governments have stepped in to nationalize the financial system and somehow back the 50+ TRILLION dollars of Credit Default Swaps and the absolutely insane amounts of leverage in the system, all is well again. What was I thinking? I'll try to stay more focused on happy thoughts in the future.

Compared to historical averages, September in Hood River was warmer, less windy, and drier.

The average temperature was 2.2 degrees warmer than long term averages, but 0.2 degrees cooler than more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were considerably lower than average, with SSW winds predominating.

There were no official temperature or rainfall records set in September.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	91	34	62.7	60.5
Wind (mph)	30		2.7	3.5
Rainfall (in)	0.21		0.27 (total)	0.92

It's A Wrap

September 30th marked the end of the 2008 "water year", which means we're now in the 2009 water year. And, right on schedule, rain is in the forecast for the next couple of days after a fantastic stretch of warm and dry September weather.

So why does the water year begin October 1 instead of Sept, or Nov, or January? Oddly enough, I haven't been able to find a published official reason why, but one obvious reason would be that snowpack is now at its minimum and will start to build from here on out. So, I guess the southern hemisphere would start its water year April 1? Any site visitors from down under that can confirm that?

And I also haven't been able to find out whether if it's an international standard or just up to each locality.

But, at this point, I'm very quickly losing interest in the whole water year subject and just looking forward to some interesting and varied Fall stormy weather.

The 2008 water year was wetter than average in Hood River. The long term yearly average is 30.03 inches. At our weather station, we received 31.51 inches. The official Hood River station at MCAREC recorded 34.98 inches.

August Revisited

Compared to historical averages, August in Hood River was warmer, less windy, and slightly wetter.

The average temperature was 2.9 degrees warmer than long term averages, but only 0.4 degrees warmer than more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were considerably lower than average, with southwest winds predominating.

There were 4 local weather records set during the month. On August 6, the high of 102 broke the old record of 98 (1972). On August 16, the high of 106 broke the old record of 100 (1977). On August 17, the high of 107 broke the old record of 104 (1977). And on August 28, the low of 38 broke the old record of 40 (1960).

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	107	38	69.6	66.7
Wind (mph)	32		3.7	4.4
Rainfall (in)	0.21		0.49 (total)	0.39

July Revisited

July in Hood River was pretty much average in temperature, less windy than average, and dry.

The average temperature was 0.9 degrees warmer than long term averages, but 1.0 degrees below more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were lower than average, with West winds predominating.

There were 2 local weather records set during the month. On July 24, the low of 41 broke the old record of 43 (1960). On July 31, the low of 41 broke the old record of 42 (1945).

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average
Temperature (F)	97	41	68.0	67.1
Wind (mph)	30		4.8	5.3
Rainfall (in)	0.00		0.00 (total)	0.20

June Revisited

Compared to historical averages, June in Hood River was cool, windy, and dry.

The average temperature was 1.3 degrees cooler than long term averages, and 1.8 degrees below more recent averages (2000-2007). Wind speeds were considerably higher than average, with West winds predominating.

There were 2 local weather records set during the month. On June 29, the high of 99 broke the old record of 95 (1942). The next day, June 30, the high of 101 broke the old record of 99 (2003).

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	101	40	60.6	61.9	-1.3
Wind (mph)	31		5.2	4.6	0.6
Rainfall (in)	0.15		0.48 (total)	0.80

May Revisited

Compared to historical averages, May in Hood River was (oddly enough) slightly warmer and drier. It sure seemed cooler and wetter at the time, but apparently the brief record hot spell at the middle of the month moved the averages up. Go figure.

The average temperature was 0.9 degrees warmer than long term averages, and 0.3 degrees above 2000-2007 averages. Wind speeds were higher than average, with West winds predominating.

There were 3 local weather records set during the mid month warm spell. On May 17th, the high of 92 broke the old record of 90 (1954). The next day, May 18th, the high of 95 broke the old record of 91 (1956), and the low of 63 broke the old "high low" record of 56 (1986).

Why, you might ask, did I proclaim 5 records during the month in earlier posts to this blog? It comes down to the proverbial apples and oranges thing. The official keeper of Hood River weather data and records is the OSU Ag Research Station. However, their daily data is usually not published until several days later. Not only that, their data is collected at 8 am each day, meaning that their data is from 8 am to 8 am, and my weather station's data is from midnight to midnight. In addition, our stations are separated by several miles, and temperatures and rainfall can vary, sometimes substantially, at that distance.

So, one should consider any temperature and rainfall records that I mention during a month to be tentative. When I do this monthly summary, I use the OSU data (not my own station data) to confirm an official record.

Regarding wind gusts and averages, I am relying totally on my own station data from 2000 to present, as wind speeds vary dramatically locally, especially on the Columbia River (much higher than mine).

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	95	32	57.3	56.4	0.90
Wind (mph)	30		4.3	3.9	0.4
Rainfall (in)	0.17		0.80 (total)	1.08	-0.28

April Revisited

Compared to historical averages, April in Hood River was much cooler and somewhat drier, continuing the pattern that started in March.

The average temperature was 4.1 degrees cooler than long term averages, and 4.8 degrees below 2000-2007 averages. Wind speeds were average, with WSW winds predominate.

There were no local records set in April.

If long range forecasts hold up, there is relief from this cold Spring coming up. Temperatures might make it into the high 80's by next weekend. This would be a Good Thing.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	76.8	26.1	45.8	49.9	-4.1
Wind (mph)	29		3.4	3.3	0.1
Rainfall (in)	0.18		1.37 (total)	1.63	-0.26

March Revisited

Compared to historical averages, March in Hood River was much cooler, a little windier, and drier.

So much for global warming. For now. Stay tuned...

The average temperature was 2.6 degrees cooler than long term averages, and a chilly 4.8 degrees below 2000-2007 averages. There was an unusually late snowfall event of 2 inches at the city elevation March 28th. Wind speeds were above average, with WSW winds predominate.

There were no local records set in March.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	64.3	27.5	41.6	44.2	-2.6
Wind (mph)	31		2.9	2.6	0.3
Rainfall (in)	0.42		2.58 (total)	3.13	-0.55

February Revisited

February in Hood River was warmer, windier, and drier than average.

The average temperature was 2.8 degrees warmer than long term averages, and 3.1 degrees above 2000-2007 averages. There was no measureable snowfall at the city elevation. Wind speeds were above average, with SSW winds predominate. There were no inversion events during the month, making this winter the most fog-free winter in recent memory.

There was 1 local record set in February. On February 28, the high temperature hit 66 degrees, breaking the old record of 64 (1988)

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	66.0	26.6	41.2	38.4	2.8
Wind (mph)	31		2.5	1.9	0.6
Rainfall (in)	1.15		3.08 (total)	3.65	-0.57

January Revisited

January was another entertaining weather month. Colder, windier, and slightly wetter than average, January had enough variable weather to satisfy even the most jaded weather junkie.

January's average temperature was 1.5 degrees cooler than long term averages, and 4.5 degrees below 2000-2006 averages. Snowfall was 23.5 inches, well above the historical average of 14.4 inches. Much higher snow amounts were recorded in the middle and upper valleys. Wind speeds were above average, with WSW winds predominate. That's unusual for January; east winds usually prevail. There were no depressing extended inversion events during the month, continuing this winter's very welcome "no-inversion" pattern.


There were 2 local weather records set in January. 15 inches of snow fell on January 26, breaking the old record for the date of 9 inches (1933). And, in a unofficial record, the barometer dipped to 28.91 inches on January 4th. The previous low baro at our station was 28.94 in 2002.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	49.0	10.0	32.4	33.9	-1.5
Wind (mph)	37		1.9	1.5	0.4
Rainfall (in)	1.16		5.30	5.20	0.10

2007 Revisited

I just finished crunching the numbers for the entire year of 2007:

2007's average temperature was 52.7 degrees F, 2.0 degrees warmer than long term averages. However, it was only 0.1 degrees warmer than 2000-2006 averages. In that recent time period, 2003 has been the warmest year at 53.8 degrees F.

Precipitation was an inch above average. Wind speeds for the year averaged 3.0 mph, compared to the 2000-2006 average of 3.4 mph.

There were 2 high temperature records, and 11 "high low" temperature records set in 2007.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	104.6	9.3	52.7	50.7	2.0
Wind (mph)	37		3.0	3.4	-0.4
Rainfall (in)	1.86		29.05	30.03	-0.98
Barometric (in Hg)	30.78	29.49

December Revisited

December was a pretty entertaining month, weather wise. Warmer and wetter than average, with a nice mix of changing weather patterns. Heavy rain early in the month, which flooded Western Oregon and Washington, had little flood impact here. And, best of all, there were quite a few days where the clouds/fog parted and the sun made a welcome appearance.

December's average temperature was 1.8 degrees warmer than long term averages, and 1.4 degrees above 2000-2006 averages. Precipitation was a little more than 2 inches above average. At our location in west Hood River (400 ft), we had maybe 6 inches of total snow throughout the entire month, and it melted fast each time. Much higher snow amounts were recorded in the middle and upper valleys. Wind speeds were average, with west winds slightly predominate over east winds. That's pretty unusual for December; east winds usually prevail. And that also helps explain the total lack of depressing extended inversion events during the month.

There were no local records set in December.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	59.5	26.7	37.9	36.1	1.8
Wind (mph)	28		1.6	1.6	0.0
Rainfall (in)	1.86		7.99	5.81	2.18
Barometric (in Hg)	30.60	29.57

Autumn Stats

Here are the numbers for this past autumn's weather (September through November). The temperature averaged 51.7 degrees. This was 0.6 degrees warmer than the long term average (1926 thru 2006), but 0.7 degrees cooler than the short term average (2000 thru 2006). Pretty much a draw.

Autumn precipitation was 9.97", wetter than the long term average of 8.14". The snowfall at our house in west Hood River was 5 inches. An average autumn in Hood River receives 2.3 inches of snow. The historical record for autumn snowfall is 32 inches (1973).

Wind speed averaged 2.3 mph, pretty close to the 2000 thru 2006 average of 2.5 mph.

My previous prediction for this autumn's weather was "warmer and drier". This further establishes my uncanny ability to make inaccurate weather predictions.

November Revisited

This November, the average temperature was 0.6 degrees warmer than long term averages, and 0.6 degrees above 2000-2006 averages. Rainfall was slightly above average. The first snow fell on November 18, and additional snow later in the month, for an unofficial total of 5 inches in Hood River. Much higher snow amounts were recorded in the middle and upper valleys. Wind speeds were lower than average, with west and east winds pretty much equally distributed. There was one extended high fog / low clouds inversion event around Thanksgiving.

There were no local records set in November.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	66.0	29.0	42.1	41.5	0.6
Wind (mph)	35		1.3	1.8	-0.5
Rainfall (in)	1.17		5.33	4.84	0.49
Barometric (in Hg)	30.56	29.63

October Revisited

This year, October was distinguished by cooler nights, comfortable sunny days, and calmer winds. Overall, a very pleasant month. The average temperature was 0.9 degrees cooler than long term averages, and 2.4 degrees below 2000-2006 averages. Global warming apparently took a break here in October. Rainfall was above average, due to heavy rain around Oct 3 and Oct 18. Wind speeds were considerably lower than average, with SW winds predominate. Cooler easterlies made an occasional appearance, and there were hardly any cloudy inversion events.

There were 2 records set during October, the daily rain total of 1.17 inches on Oct 18, and the high temperature of 77 on Oct 23.

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	77.2	29.0	50.4	51.3	-0.9
Wind (mph)	27		1.4	2.5	-1.1
Rainfall (in)	1.17		4.02	2.38	1.64
Barometric (in Hg)	30.52	29.49

September Revisited

The average temperature in September was 2.0 degrees above long term averages, but 0.5 degrees cooler than 2000-2006 averages. Rainfall was below average. Wind speeds were higher than average, with WSW winds predominate.

There were 2 records set during September, the "high low" temperatures on 9/14 and 9/15. More warm nights...

	High	Low	Average	Historical Average	Variance
Temperature (F)	92.7	39.3	62.5	60.5	2.0
Wind (mph)	35		4.1	3.3	0.8
Rainfall (in)	0.54		0.62	0.92	-0.30
Barometric (in Hg)	30.26	29.63	29.94