November 2013 Revisited

November 2013 was mostly average, except when it wasn't:

Above average: Nothing
Average or near: Temperature, wind, solar radiation
Below Average: Rainfall, snowfall

After a cooler than average October, temperatures got more average in November.  In fact, almost exactly average.   My station's average temperature of 41.8° was just slightly warmer than the long term November average of 41.5°, and even closer to the more recent (2001-2012) average of 41.6°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 41.1°. 

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 64°, and the low temp was 19°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 64° and 17°. 

Solar radiation averaged 123 Ly/day, compared to an average November of 117 Ly/day.

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 1.5 mph, compared to an average November wind speed of 1.6 mph.  The peak wind gust was 32 mph on the 2nd.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher. 

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.83", and the low barometric was 29.38".   The high barometric was tantalizingly close to a record, at least for my station.  We get our highest pressure readings during massive winter season inversions, and this was no exception.   The highest reading for my station was 30.84" back in January 2009, during another massive temperature inversion.

Regarding rainfall, my station received 3.74", while HOXO only managed 2.84"  An average November receives 5.31", and our water-year-to-date precipitation started to slip even further behind than in October.

There was no measurable snowfall in November.   An average November receives 2.7" of snow.

There were no local weather records set in November.

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 November 2013, 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.

What made this November really special was that Thanksgiving and the start of Hanukkah happened on the same day.   This apparently hasn't happened since time immoral, or maybe not quite that long, but definitely quite a while. 

So, I searched around for a video celebrating this blessed coincidence of celebrations, and came up with this one.   Hopefully it will help bring people of all cultures and creeds together, or at least offend them equally. 

October 2013 Revisited

October 2013 was different, like this:

Above average: Solar radiation
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Temperature, wind, rainfall

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.   After 13th consecutive months of above average temperatures, the streak ended in October.  My station's average temperature of 50.0° was cooler than the long term October average of 51.2°, and cooler than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 51.3°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 49.2°. 

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 75°, and the low temp was 29°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 74° and 28°. 

Solar radiation averaged 269 Ly/day, compared to an average October of 242 Ly/day.

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 1.3 mph, compared to an average October wind speed of 2.1 mph.  The peak wind gust was 30 mph on the 27th.  This was the least windy October since at least 2001.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher. 

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.52", and the low barometric was 29.80".

Regarding rainfall, the month started out with a bang, and fizzled out from there.  The high daily amount was on October 1st:  0.49" at my station, and 0.53" at HOXO.  For the month, my station received 0.98", while HOXO only managed 0.84"  An average October receives 2.24", so this was a very dry month.

However, even though it was a very dry month, it was a very colorful one.  The fantastic Indian Summer weather provided a nice display of Fall foliage, as evidenced here.

There were no local weather records set in October.

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 October 2013, 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.

October... travel season begins to kick into high gear, as many locals decide they would rather be somewhere warmer.  I can increasingly relate...

And speaking of traveling, especially by air, the above video was produced by Virgin America Airlines, apparently as an onboard safety video.   Definitely over the top, but pretty entertaining... at least for the first few viewings...

September 2013 Revisited

September 2013, arranged semi-neatly into categories:

Above average:  Temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Solar radiation

My station's average temperature of 64.3° was way warmer than the long term September average of 60.3°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 62.3°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 63.0°.  This was the 13th consecutive month in Hood River to experience above average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 97°, and the low temp was 42°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 96° and 40°. 

Solar radiation averaged 360 Ly/day, compared to an average September of 424 Ly/day.

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 4.1 mph, compared to an average September wind speed of 3.8 mph.  The peak wind gust was 30 mph on the 1st.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher. 

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.13", and the low barometric was 29.36".

The most interesting part of September's weather was:  the rainfall.    Most days were dry, but a few days were really wet, as in "record breaking wet".   My station received 3.84" for the month, while HOXO reported 3.64"  An average September receives 1.01".

Incredibly, and unfortunately, we ended up the month only 0.06" away from setting a new rainfall record for any September in Hood River.   The record month was 3.69" in 1982.   If it had been my station setting official records, we would have set one.   But am I bitter, and filled with resentment??   Nope, no more than usual!   :)

The record breaking wetness near the end of the month was brought about by the tattered remnants of Typhoon Usagi, as the tattered remnants made their tattered way across the Pacific, and reached the Pacific Northwest.  

The Hood River News reported the event thusly, which included some rather lame quotes from yours truly.  As I astutely noted, "something" combined with "something else" caused the whole exciting weather event, and resulted in records and stuff.   Hey, I just report the weather, I don't pretend to understand all the "why's" of it.  I leave that for other, more technically understanding folks.  ;)

There were 5 local weather records set this month!   3 of them in the temperature category:  On 9/3, the low of 62° broke the old "high low" record (61° in 1982).   On 9/11, the high of 96° broke the old high temperature record (95° in 1990).   And, on 9/15, the low of 62° broke the old "high low" record (60° in 2007).

The other two records were in the category of rainfall:  On 9/28, HOXO recorded 1.28", crushing the previous record (0.75" in 1947).   The next day, HOXO recorded 0.88", besting the old record (0.58" in 1962).

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 September 2013, 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.

After last month's August Revisted video, which featured "going away" on vacation, this month's video features the "coming back home" part.   Classic John Denver, tugging at the heartstrings...

August 2013 Revisited

August 2013 turned out to be:

Above average:  Temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Solar radiation

My station's average temperature of 71.8° was way warmer than the long term August average of 66.7°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 69.1°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 70.4°.  This was the 12th consecutive month in Hood River to experience above average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 93°, and the low temp was 53°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 94° and 52°.

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 92°, and the low wind chill was 53°.

Solar radiation averaged 512 Ly/day, compared to an average August of 571 Ly/day.  Meaning it was a little cloudier than average, likely due to thunderstorms, which will be discussed in some detail further down here.

Speaking of thunderstorms, they provided above average rainfall for the month, and set two local precipitation records (see below).   My station received 0.57" for the month, while HOXO reported 0.47"  An average August receives 0.36".    The longest dry spell this summer (43 days) started on June 27th, and ended on August 9th, due to... you guessed it... thunderstorms...

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 4.1 mph, compared to an average August wind speed of 3.8 mph.  The peak wind gust was 30 mph on the 1st.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher. 

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.12", and the low barometric was 29.70".

Now... about those thunderstorms... On Friday, August 9th, one of the most spectacular thunderstorms in memory rolled into town, putting on an amazing show, complete with eerily awesome reddish-orange sunset skies to the west, and a double rainbow to the east.  Not to mention, breaking the rainfall record for the date.  The storm produced over 2000 lightning strikes around the Mt Hood/Gorge area, and 12,000 strikes throughout Oregon.

But wait, there's more!  The next day, August 10th, another T-storm arrived, not quite as impressive as the first, but producing measurable rainfall, which erased the "It never rains on August 10th in Hood River" record.

There were 4 local weather records set this month.  As mentioned, on the 9th we received 0.08" of rain, breaking the previous record of 0.03", set in 1989.  On the 10th, which hadn't ever had rain (at least since 1928), HOXO recorded 0.01", confirming that, yes indeed, sometimes it doesn't take much to set a new weather record.

Two "high low" temperature records were set during August.   On the 16th, the low temperature of 64° broke the previous record (63° in 2003), and on the 30th, the low of 63° topped the old record of 60° (1979)

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 August 2013, 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.

Ahh, August:   Fond memories of great times spent packing the kids (if I had any) and the dogs (if I had any) into the car for long road trips... If I remember correctly, those were great times, with the greatness mostly revolving around the "getting back home" part.

Anyway, this catchy little tune from the 1983 movie "Vacation" was written by Lindsey Buckingham (of Fleetwood Mac fame).   The official video for the song is catchy also, but a little too dark and depressing for my liking, kind of like being at work.

July 2013 Revisited

July 2013 stood out, in these mostly above average ways:

Above average:  Wind, temperature, solar radiation, humidity
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Rainfall

My station's average temperature of 72.1° was way warmer than the long term July average of 67.3°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 70.2°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 71.4°.  This was the 11th consecutive month in Hood River to experience above average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 94°, and the low temp was 51°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 94° and 47°.

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 94°, and the low wind chill was 51°.

Solar radiation averaged 691 Ly/day, compared to an average July of 661 Ly/day.

My station ended up with absolutely no rainfall for the month, and HOXO also officially recorded absolutely nothing.  An average July receives 0.22". 

July was, to put it mildly, windy.   In fact, this was the windiest July since 1989, as measured at HOXO.   Those who love the wind were screaming with joy, while those of us who would like an occasional calm day in the summer, were just screaming, but couldn't be heard (because of the wind).  Still, it was good for business in Hood River.

The 24 hour average wind speed (for the month) at my weather station was 5.7 mph, compared to an average July wind speed of 4.3 mph.  The peak wind gust was 34 mph on the 4th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.13", and the low barometric was 29.74".   This was the typical boring July lack of barometric movement, except for the daily diurnal pattern brought about by atmospheric tides.

There were 3 local weather records set this month.  They were all "high low" records, and they were all in the first 3 days of the month.  On July 1st, the low of 66° topped the old record of 65° (1987).   On July 2nd, the low of 66° demolished the previous record of 63° (1986).  And then, on July 3rd, the low of 67° barely snuck by the old record of 66° (2006).

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 July 2013, 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.

Everyone knows.... it's.... windy ....

June 2013 Revisited

June 2013 wasn't its typical June-uary self this year:

Above average:  Temperature, solar radiation
Average or near: Nothing
Below Average: Wind, rainfall

My station's average temperature of 66.0° was warmer than the long term June average of 61.8°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 62.8°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 65.0°.  This was the 10th consecutive month in Hood River to experience above average temperatures.

The first major heat wave of the year arrived during the last week of June, first exceeding 90° on the 28th, and then exceeding 100° on the 30th.  The heat was accompanied by relatively high relative humidity, which is relatively unusual, for this relative area.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 101°, and the low temp was 47°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 100° and 42°.

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 101°, and the low wind chill was 47°.

Solar radiation averaged 630 Ly/day, compared to an average June of 609 Ly/day.  Less rain, fewer clouds, longer days.... more Langley units!

Regarding rainfall, the dry spell that characterized the first half of May also characterized the first half of June.  My station ended up with 0.59" for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 0.47".  An average June receives 0.77".  The max daily precipitation was on the 25th, when my station recorded 0.29" and HOXO 0.16".  Unfortunately, the rain couldn't have come at a worse time, as the local cherry crop took a big hit.

In thunderstorm news, we actually had one!  That was on June 15th, and although it didn't provide hardly any rain locally, it did provide this great photo from Panorama Point.

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 3.8 mph, compared to an average June wind speed of 4.1 mph.  The peak wind gust was 30 mph on the 9th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (like the Waterfront) were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.24", and the low barometric was 29.61".

There was one local weather record set this month.   On the 29th, the low temperature only dropped to 68°, which shattered the previous "high low" record for the date (63° all the way back in 1937).

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 June 2013, 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.

This June's weather was much nicer than in recent years, and it actually felt like a Summer month (which it sort of is, but it doesn't usually feel like it).   So nice, in fact, that it seemed like a dream... 

An impressive video tribute to the Fleetwood Mac song, created by Oregonian Vickie Burns with Northwest pics and smooth transitions.   Great job, Vickie.   :)

May 2013 Revisited

May 2013 turned out to be:

Above average:  Temperature, rainfall
Average or near: Wind, solar radiation
Below Average: Nothing

My station's average temperature of 59.4° was way warmer than the long term May average of 56.2°, and way warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 57.1°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 58.6°.  This was the 9th consecutive month with above average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 87°, and the low temp was 31°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 88° and 31°.

The high heat index for the month was 86°, and the low wind chill was 31°.

Solar radiation averaged 534 Ly/day, compared to an average May of 543 Ly/day.

The first half of May started out with a very nice heat wave, which got all the vegetation's hopes up (and ours).   It was dry, but that was ok; a nice change from the May's we've had the past few years.

Things changed in the second half of the month.  Things cooled down, and the rains returned.  My station received 2.23" rain for the month, but HOXO officially recorded 1.80".   An average May receives 1.08". 
 
The max daily precipitation was May 29th, when my station recorded 0.82", and HOXO tallied up 0.58".

The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 3.5 mph, compared to an average May wind speed of 3.6 mph.  The peak wind gust (at my location) was 29 mph on the 13th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (such as on the Columbia River) were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.51", and the low barometric was 29.65".

There were 5 local weather records set this month!   On the mornings of May 7th and 8th, temperatures of 58° set new "high low" records.  The previous records were 57° (1992) and 55° (1971).   And then, as the heat wave continued, the record "high low" on May 11th was broken again.  58°, compared to the old record of 55° (1987).   And then again, on May 12th, another record "high low" was set.  On that day, the low temp was 59°, while the previous record was 57° (1993).

That's only 4 records, so here's the 5th:   On May 29th, HOXO received 0.58" of rain, breaking the old record for the date:  0.52", set way back in 1932.

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 May 2013, 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.

April 2013 Revisited

April 2013 was:

Above average:  Temperature, wind, rainfall (at my station)
Average or near: Solar radiation, rainfall (at HOXO)
Below Average: Nothing

My station's average temperature of 51.6° was warmer than the long term April average of 49.8°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 49.5°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 50.8°.  This was the 8th consecutive month to experience above average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 80°, and the low temp was 31°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were also 80° and 31°.   Coincidence?  I think not; just another confirmation of the old saying that "Great thermometers think alike (except when they don't)."

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 76°, and the low wind chill was 31°.

Solar radiation averaged 429 Ly/day, compared to an average April of 435 Ly/day.

Regarding precipitation, April started off with a bang, and then fizzled out in the second half of the month.  Still, my station received 2.63" rain for the month, but HOXO officially recorded only 1.62".   An average April receives 1.66".   So, a bit of a reprieve from this otherwise dry calendar year, but not by much.

The max daily precipitation was April 7th, when my station recorded 0.61" and HOXO tallied up 0.79" (see daily record note below).

There was no measurable snowfall here at my May and Rand location.  Average April snowfall, as historically measured by MCAREC, is 0.1", which is hardly even worth mentioning, but I have to.   It's the rules, which I made up myself.

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 3.4 mph, compared to an average March wind speed of 3.2 mph.  The peak wind gust was 32 mph on the 11th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations (such as on the Columbia River) were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.49", and the low barometric was 29.58".

There was one local weather record set this month.   On April 7th, HOXO received 0.61" (my station 0.79"), which broke the previous record for the date (0.50" in 1945).

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 April 2013, 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.

Whereas April showers tend to bring May flowers, they also bring occasional rainbows (and frogs).  Which brings to mind one of my favorite songs about rainbows (and frogs).   :)

March 2013 Revisited

March 2013... Here's how things shaped up (or down):

Above average:  Temperature
Average or near: Solar radiation
Below Average: Wind, rain, snow

My station's average temperature of 46.1° was way warmer than the long term March average of 43.8°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 44.4°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 45.7°.  This was the 7th month in a row to have above average temperatures, and also the warmest March since 2007.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 75°, and the low temp was 27°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 74° and 24°.  

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 72°, and the low wind chill was 27°.

Solar radiation averaged 292 Ly/day, compared to an average March of 286 Ly/day.  This made it... average...

Regarding precipitation, my station had 2.32" rain for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 1.87".   Since an average March receives 3.17", this was another pretty dry month, the 3rd month in a row to have below average rain.

The max daily precipitation was March 20th, when my station recorded 0.58", and HOXO recorded 0.52".

There was no measurable snowfall here at my May and Rand location.  Average March snowfall, as officially (and historically) measured by MCAREC, is 2.2".

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 2.2 mph, compared to an average March wind speed of 2.9 mph.  The peak wind gust was 33 mph on the 15th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.46", and the low barometric was 29.59".

There were no local weather records set this month.

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 March, 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 2013 Revisited

February 2013 started off exactly like January 2013 (boring), but eventually got interesting.  Here's how things averaged out:

Above average:  Temperature
Average or near: Wind, solar radiation
Below Average: Rain, snow

My station's average temperature of 42.1° was way warmer than the long term February average of 38.0°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 39.4°. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 41.4°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 58°, and the low temp was 27°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 57° and 26°, another confirmation that either both of our thermometers are accurate, or they're both off.  Your guess is as good as mine.  

The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 57°, and the low wind chill was 27°.

Solar radiation averaged 193 Ly/day, compared to an average February of 184 Ly/day.  A little bit sunnier than average, but not by much.

Regarding precipitation, February was another one of those proverbial "studies in contrasts". The first half of the month was almost totally dry, following the boring dryness of January.  Then, on the 21st, the persistent blocking high finally broke down, and the rains returned.   My station had 2.01" rain for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 1.50".   Since an average February receives 3.81", this was still a very dry month.  In fact, up until the 21st, we were looking at tying the record for "least precipitation in February." 

The max daily precipitation was February 28th, when HOXO recorded 0.44", and my station 0.51".

There was no measurable snowfall here at my May and Rand location.  Average February snowfall, as officially measured by MCAREC, is 7.3".

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 2.4 mph, compared to an average February wind speed of 2.2 mph.  The peak wind gust was 29 mph on the 11th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.53", and the low barometric was 29.75".

There were two local weather records set this month, both having to do with waking up to warm mornings.  On February 12th, the low temperature of 43° topped the old "high low" record of 41°, set back in 1956.   And the very next day, the low temperature of 43° set another "high low" record.   Old record 41°, set in 1991.  Kind of odd that those two days had the exact same temperature numbers, but that's weather for ya.

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 2013, 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.

Every year, 'round about February, I start to think "wow, I'm really getting tired of this cold, grey winter weather," and then I start to wonder just how much longer I can take it, before I "snap".   Which isn't a pretty sight when it happens, believe me.   Regardless, 'round about February every year, "how long" is the question on my lips, which makes for some rather strange looking lips.   However, they usually get better looking (relatively speaking) by March.

January 2013 Revisited

January 2013 was (to put it politely), boring. At least here at Hood River city elevation:

Above average:  Temperature (compared to long term averages)
Average or near: Solar radiation
Below Average: Wind, rain, snow, temperature (compared to short term averages)

My station's average temperature of 34.2° was a little warmer than the long term January average of 33.6°, but cooler than the more recent (2001-2012) average of 36.6°.  So, sort of in the middle, which is to say: boring. The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 33.8°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 54°, and the low temp was 17°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 53° and 17°, a pretty close match, if I do say so myself.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 54°, and the low wind chill was 17°.

Solar radiation averaged 87 Ly/day, compared to an average January of 88 Ly/day.  Perfectly average, almost boringly average, although it seemed to me it was grayer than average, thanks to a deep, deep temperature inversion in the middle of the month.

Speaking of the deep, deep inversion in the middle of the month, even Cliff Mass remarked how this one was extraordinary (and boring), with temperatures above the inversion fog layer in the 60's and 70's, and temperatures below the inversion fog layer (here) stuck around 30°, day and night.  Luckily, that only lasted 5 boring days, which seemed like at least 10 boring days.

It was, to put it mildly, a very dry month, which added to the boring-ness of it all.   My station had 1.54" precipitation for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 1.38".   This compares (rather poorly) to an average January of 5.14".  The max daily precipitation was January 28th, when HOXO recorded 0.40", and my station 0.31".

Snowfall was nothing to brag about either.  We received a measly 2" of snow on January 5th, and that was it.  Boring.  Average January snowfall, as officially measured by MCAREC, is 14.6".

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 1.5 mph, compared to an average January wind speed of 2.1  mph.  The peak wind gust was 29 mph on the 29th, which has a nice ring to it, in an otherwise boring month.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.58", and the low barometric was 29.18".

There were no local weather records set this month.  And this is (almost) the last time I'll mention "boring" in this post, but believe me, it was.

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 January 2013, 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.

I'm posting this January summary on Feb 22 (hey, that's a definite improvement over the past year!), so what better time for the video of the month to be Valentine's Day themed?   Notice how bored the female performers look, kind of all the same, pasty gray-white-ness, as if they weren't getting enough sun?  That's what January was like.  Pasty, gray, and boring.  And not getting enough sun.

Unless you headed for the hills, above the gray, in which case it was a fantastic month.  :)

December 2012 Revisited

December 2012 was:

Above average: Rain, snow, temperature
Average or near: Solar radiation
Below Average: Wind

My station's average  temperature of 38.2° was warmer than the long term December average of 35.7°, and also warmer than the more recent (2001-2011) average  of 35.2°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 37.5°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 53°, and the low temp was 25°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 54° and 26°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 53°, and the low wind chill was 22°.

Following in the warm footsteps of November, this wasn't just sort of a warm December; it was the warmest since 2004.  Regarding my peppers and tomatoes, I finally gave up on them around the middle of the month, even though they were still sort of alive.  I can't remember ever having tomato and pepper plants last that late into the year.

Solar radiation averaged 74 Ly/day, compared to an average December of 73 Ly/day.  About as average as one can get.

In precipitation news, my station had 6.75" for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 6.16".  An average December gets 5.84", so we ended up above average.  The max daily precipitation was December 16th, when HOXO recorded 1.27".  That was the result of snow melt from the previous day, and rain on the 16th.

For a month that was pretty darn warm, historically speaking, we ended up with an above average amount of snow, all of it in the second half of the month.   We had our first measurable snowfall for the season, 3.5", on the 15th.  That was followed by another snowstorm (6") on the 19th.  On Christmas Day, yet another 6" of snow, for a gorgeous White Christmas.  And to end the month, 0.5" of snow on Dec 31st.  Total for the month:  16".  Average December snowfall, as officially measured by MCAREC, is 8.6".

The 24 hour average wind  speed at my weather station was 1.3 mph, compared to an average December wind speed of 1.8  mph.  The peak wind gust was 35 mph on the 17th.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.58", and the low barometric was 29.18".

There were (possibly) two local weather records set this month.  On the 19th, I measured 6" of snow, against the old record of 5" (1964).   And then, on the 25th, another 6" of snow, with the old record being 5" (1983).   MCAREC has yet to update their snow amounts for December, so we might have to wait, perhaps for a very, very long time, to see if those records were actually broken.  And don't get me started on how long it takes the good folks at MCAREC to update their data online...

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 December 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.

A White Christmas... we actually had one this year!  Just like the ones we used to know!!   For this month's video presentation, there are so many versions of White Christmas that to pick one is extremely difficult.  So extremely difficult, in fact, that I gave up and picked this cute animated one.   With The Drifters providing the musical background, and real cartoon reindeer and a real cartoon Santa providing the on-screen action, this one truly rocks.

November 2012 Revisited

November 2012 can be summed up kind of like this:

Above average: Temperature
Average or near: Rain
Below Average: Snow, wind, solar radiation
 
My station's average temperature of 44.0° was way warmer than the long term November average of 41.5°, and way warmer than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 41.4°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 43.9°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 66°, and the low temp was 31°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 69° and 30°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 65°, and the low wind chill was 31°.

This wasn't just sort of a warm November; it was the warmest since 1999!  My peppers and tomatoes continued to produce throughout the month, but noticeably less enthusiastically as the month wore on, and the daylight hours dwindled.

And speaking of daylight hours dwindling, solar radiation averaged 96 Ly/day, compared to an average November of 119 Ly/day.  Although November was mild, it was a little cloudier than usual.

On to rainfall:  my station had 5.61" for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 5.50".  An average November gets 5.30", so we ended up near average.  The max daily rain was November 19th, when HOXO recorded 1.34", and I recorded 1.19".  That occurred in the middle of the first major rainstorm of the season (see video below).

It didn't snow in November, at least not down at City elevation.   Average November snowfall, as officially measured by MCAREC, is 2.7".

The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 0.7 mph, pretty wimpy compared to an average November wind speed of 1.7 mph. The peak wind gust was 23 mph.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.47", and the low barometric was 29.53".

There was one local weather record set this month.  On the 5th, the high temperature reached 69°, which surpassed the old record for the date of 67°, set back in 1975.

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 November 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.

The first Really Big Storm of the season arrived in the Pacific Northwest starting November 17, and actually made the National News.   A very powerful Pacific front, so powerful it was being called a Superfront, wound up and slammed into the West Coast.   High winds, drenching rains... the typical Superfront type of storm action.   We didn't get much here in the Mid-Columbia except for the rain part.   But still, it was exciting, and the first really interesting active weather we had seen for quite a while.

October 2012 Revisited

October 2012 was:

Above average: Temperature, rain
Average or near: Solar radiation
Below Average: Wind
 
In October, my station's average temperature of 53.1° was warmer than the long term October average of 51.2°, and warmer than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 51.1°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 51.7°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 83°, and the low temp was 31°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 83° and 28°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 81°, and the low wind chill was 31°.

My station at May and Rand had its first frost (31°) on the 6th, but fortunately for the tomatoes and peppers, it wasn't a killing freeze.  That didn't happen until the middle of December, which is another story.

Solar radiation averaged 234 Ly/day, compared to an average October solar radiation of 243 Ly/day.  Pretty close to average.

October is traditionally the transitional month for rain around here.  Typically, we get little to no rain from about July 5th to about October 15th, and then... the rainy season begins.   This year, it began on October 12, and never looked back.

My station had 4.53" for the month, and HOXO officially recorded 3.90".  An average October gets 2.24", so we ended up way over average.  Which was good, because it extinguished, once and for all, the wildfires mentioned in the previous blog post.

The max rain day was October 15th, when HOXO recorded 0.77", and I got 0.71".

The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 1.6 mph, compared to an average October wind speed of 2.2 mph. The peak wind gust was 28 mph.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.43", and the low barometric was 29.59".

There were no local weather records set this month.

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 October 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.

October is, among other things, football season.  And so is late January, which is when I'm actually posting this, because I have serious procrastination issues when it comes to this blog.   So, as much as I would like to claim this belated post is purposefully timed to come out just before SuperBowl 2013.... Yep, it's purposefully timed! (or not)

September 2012 Revisited

September 2012, compared to historical averages:

Above average: Temperature, solar radiation, wind
Average or near: Pretty much nothing
Below Average: Rain
 
September was exactly like August, only different.  Again, my station's average temperature of 64.9° was WAY warmer than the long term September average of 60.3°, and considerably warmer than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 62.0°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 63.1°.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 91°, and the low temp was 39°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 90° and 38°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 87°, and the low wind chill was 39°.

Solar radiation averaged 452 Ly/day, compared to an average September solar radiation of 422 Ly/day. 

Following the trend in August, it was another very dry month.  I had 0.01" for a monthly precip total at my station, and so did HOXO.   However, the manually read station at MCAREC, didn't get any precip at all. 

On average, Hood River receives 1.01" of rain in September.  I was thinking maybe that no rain, or at the most 0.01", was a record for any September, but I was wrong.  It's actually happened a few times before, but that doesn't make it right, or even hardly acceptable.
 
The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 3.1 mph, compared to an average September wind speed of 2.6 mph. The peak wind gust was 32 mph.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.38", and the low barometric was 29.80".

There were no local weather records set this month.

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 September 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.

If I were to choose just one word to describe this September, it would be "wildfires, and smoke".   Above is an interesting time-lapse looking from Hood River over to White Salmon, where the "Highway 141" fire was burning.  Further North, the "Cascade Creek" fire raged at the foot of Mt Adams.  And then, to give folks on the Hood River side of the Columbia River something to get excited about, there was the "MP 66" fire just east of Hood River.

Luckily, none of those fires resulted in loss of life, or major injury, or much damage to any structures, thanks to the much appreciated efforts of hundreds of firefighters, and others.

Also luckily, the weather (specifically the wind) played an important part in the fire control, since it changed direction from west to east, back to west, to east, to west, to east....over and over again.   The down side was that this made the smoke build up over the Mid-Columbia region (and beyond), making for quite a few days of low air quality, and low visibility.

August 2012 Revisited

August 2012, compared to historical averages:

Above average: Temperature
Average or near: Solar radiation
Below Average: Rain, wind
 
In August, my station's average temperature of 71.5° was WAY warmer than the long term August average of 66.7°, and considerably warmer than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 68.8°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 70.1°.

This made for the warmest August at my weather station since before 2001, and the warmest official August in HR since 2004.   Hot stuff, after a series of summers with mostly lower than average temperatures.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 104°, and the low temp was 46°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 102° and 41°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 102°, and the low wind chill was 46°.

Solar radiation averaged 573 Ly/day, compared to an average August solar radiation of 571 Ly/day.  Almost exactly average.

It was, as August's often are, a very dry month.  I had 0.02" for a monthly precip total at my station, and HOXO officially recorded:  Nothing.  An average August historically receives 0.36", but the last time we had any officially recorded rain in August was back in 2008.

The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 4.2 mph, compared to an average August wind speed of 3.8 mph. The peak wind gust was 29 mph.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.16", and the low barometric was 29.69".

There was one local weather record set this month. On the 6th, the low temperature only dropped to 68°, breaking the old "high low" record of 67° set in 2010.

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 August 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.

August 2012 was special, astronomically speaking, due to the Full Moon occurring twice within the month.  Sadly, these Blue Moons aren't actually blue, which would be really special.   And they're not all that unusual either, but the next one won't happen until July 2015. 

July 2012 Revisited

Here's July 2012, compared to historical averages:

Above average: Rain, wind
Average or near: Temperature
Below Average: Solar radiation
 
In July, my station's average temperature of 69.4° was considerably warmer than the long term July average of 67.3°, but cooler than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 70.2°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 68.7°.  Because of the discrpency between long term and short term averages, I'm calling this July: Average temperature.  You can call it something different if you would like.  In any event, it was really nice to finally have Summer arrive again.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 88°, and the low temp was 45°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 93° and 42°.  The high heat index (at my station) for the month was 92°, and the low wind chill was 45°.

Solar radiation averaged 632 Ly/day, compared to an average July solar radiation of 663 Ly/day.   I think this was probably influenced by the couple of thunderstorms we had, and generally a little more cloudy conditions overall.

Regarding those thunderstorms, I had 0.83" for a monthly precip total at my station, and HOXO officially recorded 0.89", compared to an historical average of 0.22".  The official high rain day at HOXO was 0.40" on the 24th, which is odd, because my station didn't record anything that day.   I have no way to explain that, other than that's what thunderstorms sometimes do:  they can be very localized.   Or something.

Average wind speeds were way above average; in fact, the highest July on average since 2001, and probably even earlier.   The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 5.6 mph, compared to an average July wind speed of 4.1 mph. The peak wind gust was 32 mph.   Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.21", and the low barometric was 29.68".

There was one local weather record set this month. On the 19th, Hood River officially received 0.39" of rain, breaking the old record of 0.20" in 1987.  The reason?  Thunderstorms.   Which we've been having a little more often in the summer, but not often enough for my liking (my apologies to the wildfire fighters).

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 July 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.

Not only was the West rowdy (see previous blog post); it was Wild.  And to tame that Wilderness, railroads (and steam engines) were involved.   Check out the "Age of Steam" week from the Historic Hood River photo blog, for some local Hood River historical context.

June 2012 Revisited

Here's June 2012, plain and simple:

Above average: Rain
Average or near: Wind
Below Average: Temperature, solar radiation
 
June played out in a (not too unusual) June-uary fashion:  Cool, cloudy, and wet.  My station's average temperature of 61.1° was a little cooler than the long term June average of 61.8°, and even cooler than the more recent (2001-2011) average of 62.9°.  The official average temperature in Hood River, recorded at HOXO, was 60.2°.  June was, as I mentioned, cool.

The maximum temperature (at my station) was 85°, and the low temp was 43°. Official Hood River highs and lows (at HOXO) were 87° and 42°. The high heat index for the month was 85°, and the low wind chill was 43°.

Solar radiation averaged 525 Ly/day, way below an average June solar radiation of 617 Ly/day.   Did I mention that this June was very cloudy?

Precipitation was more than twice the average for June.  I had 1.67" at my station, and HOXO officially recorded 1.66", compared to an historical average of 0.77".  Have I mentioned that this June was quite wet?   The official high rain day was 0.66" on the 4th, while my station recorded 0.61" on that day.

Winds were pretty much average.   The 24 hour average wind speed at my weather station was 4.2 mph, compared to an average June wind speed of 4.1 mph. The peak wind gust was 29 mph.  Wind speeds at other less sheltered locations, such as the Columbia River, were, of course, higher.  

Barometric pressure peaked at 30.22" on the 10th, and the low barometric was 29.63" on the 23rd.

There was one local weather record set this month. On the 23rd, Hood River officially received 0.39" of rain,  breaking the old record of 0.25" in 1969.  Obviously, some records are easier to break than others.

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 June 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.

From last month's mellow John Denver country tune, to this month's somewhat rowdy (get it?) country tune.  A real crowd pleaser, after a somewhat shaky start.