Updates

New Weather Extremes

Posted on Febuary 04, 2012

Seven top-ten weather lists have been added to the Extremes section of this web site. The new information consists of data from my weather station since January 2001. Some of the new categories include the greatest and smallest daily temperature spans, greatest snowstorm and rainstorm amounts, as well as highest wind speed.

Click here to view.

January Climate Data

Very little in the way of snow, along with mild temperatures, dominated the beginning of January 2012. Thankfully for snow lovers, conditions turned around on the 12th when 8 inches accumulated. Temperatures remained normal to above normal throughout the period aside from a short-lived stretch of cold air during the middle part of the month.

Click here to view the monthly climate summary for January 2012, which includes further information regarding the month's daily temperature readings, rainfall amounts, wind speed, and cloud cover.

2011 in Review: Mild, Snowy, and Wet

Posted on January 05, 2012

The year of 2011 will be remembered for above normal temperatures and precipitation in North Conway. The year’s average temperature of 45.4° F (+0.6°) ranked 2011 as the 9th warmest since 1960. The rainfall total for last year amounted to 59.09 inches (+10.13 inches), which also ranked 2011 as one of the wettest years on record. Snowfall for 2011 was also plentiful as the annual total surpassed 100 inches for the third time in the past four years.

1. January 2011 began with very mild temperatures that approached 50° F. It was not until January 12 that North Conway received its first major winter storm of the season that produced an accumulation in excess of 10 inches.
2. January 24, 2011, recorded the coldest readings of the year. On this day, the morning low temperature dropped to -21.6° F and ranged between -10° F to -30° F in the White Mountains.
3. Two major winter storms impacted North Conway during February 2011. A total of 31.5 inches (+16 inches) accumulated during this time. February 2011 was the second snowiest February in the past 18 years. Only February 2008 received a higher monthly snowfall total (54”).
4. March 2011 recorded an average temperature of 29.6° F (-1.7° F), which was 8.3° F colder than March 2010 (37.9° F). Several minor to moderate snowfall events amounted to 12.2 inches for the month. Despite being below normal, March 2011’s snowfall total was eight times greater than March 2010’s monthly total of 1.5 inches.
5. A major snowstorm produced up to six inches of snow on April 1. Much higher amounts were recorded towards the east into Maine. Stormy conditions continued throughout the rest of April 2011, which ultimately recorded above normal rain and snow.
6. A lengthily period of cool, damp, and cloudy weather dominated May 2011 from the 14th to the 23rd. High temperatures ranged into the upper 40s to low 50s, but thankfully, the dreary period broke in time for a beautiful Memorial weekend.
7. The high temperature reached 98.2° F on July 22, 2011. This reading was the warmest temperature since August 14, 2002, when a high of 99.3° F was recorded. The following day marked the fourth consecutive day above 90° F, which was the longest heat wave in North Conway since July 2003.
8. On August 28, 2011, Tropical Storm Irene produced 4.88 inches of rain in North Conway. Storm totals ranged between eight to ten inches in the mountains, which caused caused a significant flash flood event that washed out area roadways and bridges throughout the region.
9. Irene, along with two other major rainfall events, pushed August 2011’s rainfall total to 10.56 inches (+6.41 inches). This amount surpassed August 1991’s total of 10.29 inches to become the wettest August on record.
10. An early season winter storm produced 6.4 inches of snow on October 30, 2011. This total was the greatest October snowfall in 42 years. The only time that North Conway witnessed a greater accumulation during October was when 9.5 inches of snow accumulated on October 22, 1969.
11. Despite the snowy end to October 2011, the beginning of the month featured a spectacular stretch of summer-like weather during Columbus Weekend. Temperatures soared into the 80s during this time, but were short lived due to a strong coastal low that produced heavy rain.
12. A snowstorm on the eve of Thanksgiving produced 12.5 inches of snow in North Conway. Like the storm during October, this was the greatest November snowfall in more than 40 years. The storm also produced the greatest snow depth ever recorded on Thanksgiving Day.
13. December 2011 continued the trend of above normal temperatures that began early in September. Overall, it was a relatively quiet month with average precipitation and below normal snowfall.

Weather record information for North Conway dates back through January 1, 1960. The information is courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Snow Zone Updates Return for Winter of 2011-12

Posted on October 28, 2011

Updates to Snow Zone have begun for the winter season of 2010-11. The section provides detailed information regarding the latest snowfall accumulation, snow depth, and much more from the Mount Washington Valley. The two reporting stations continue to be located in North Conway and Chatham. Also included within Snow Zone:

1. Graphs that depict snowfall and depth for recent seasons (including the current winter).
2. Winter Journal displays unique climate information.
3. Overview of notable storms with regional snowfall maps.

Click here to view.

Wettest August on Record

Posted on September 05, 2011

Tropical Storm Irene pushed August 2011's rainfall total in North Conway to 10.56 inches (+6.41 inches). This surpassed the previous August record of 10.29 inches, which was set in 1991. August 2011 also became the fifth wettest month of all time. November 1963 remains in first place with 12.90 inches of rain.

There were three significant rainfall events that occured in North Conway during August 2011. The first event took place on August 14 and 15 when 2.38 inches of rain accumulated. Several days later, on the late evening of August 21, a round of severe thunderstorms produced 2.54 inches of rain. Last, but certainly not least, Tropical Storm Irene produced a record rainfall of 4.88 inches on August 28, 2011.

The following pages have been updated in relation to August's record rainfall.

1. Climate Summary - August 2011
   Includes further information regarding the month's daily temperature readings, rainfall amounts, wind speed, and cloud cover.
2. Local Extremes - Rainfall
   Added August 2011's record rainfall to the all-time list. Includes eighteen top-ten lists under the categories of rain, snow, and temperature.
3. Historical Observations
   Archive of previous climate reports for North Conway.

Storm Images from T.S. Irene

Posted on August 31, 2011

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Irene produced flashed flooding throughout the area. The flooding destroyed a suspension bridge in Evans Notch that was utilized by hikers during the summer months and snowmobilers during the winter months. According to reports, the suspension bridge was one of many bridges that was washed away throughout White Mountain National Forest.

Heavy rain from Ilene washed away a two year old snowmobile bridge on New Hampshire Corrider Trail 19 in Chatham, New Hampshire.

In relation to the video posted below, the follow images showcase rising water from a small brook turned raging river on or near my parent's property in Chatham, New Hampshire.

T.S. Irene Drenches Region

Posted on August 31, 2011

On August 28, 2011, Tropical Storm Irene produced heavy amounts of rain in and around North Conway. Storm totals from the event generally ranged between 3.5 to 5.5 inches. Doppler radar estimated that as much as 8 to 10 inches of rain accumulated further north into the mountains.

Tropical Storm Irene was forecasted to not only produce heavy rain, but also high wind gusts of up to 40 to 60 MPH. Thankfully, the wind remained relatively calm with gusts to 24 MPH.

Archived

Posted on July 01, 2011

Updates from January 2001 to June 2011 are archived.