Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Fairbanks Precipitation Update

Reader Mike asked about Fairbanks precipitation since May 1 and whether the dry conditions are within normal climate variability.  The chart below, showing annual values for May 1 - Aug 6 precipitation, indicates that the dryness is very unusual, but not unprecedented - the precipitation for this period is the 3rd lowest in the Weather Bureau/NWS era, exceeding only 1957 and 1966.  The number of days with measurable precipitation (17 out of 98 possible days) is also the 3rd lowest.


On another note, it appears Fort Yukon reached about 88 °F today, which ties the highest recorded temperature for so late in the season according to GHCN data - although the GHCN historical record is highly incomplete in recent decades.  Rick may be able to comment on whether more recent data are available.

2 comments:

  1. The NWS Fairbanks Office put out a PNS today with some rainfall information: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/view/prodsByState.php?state=AK&prodtype=public#PNSAFG

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  2. Richard,
    Thanks for the info. It will be interesting to see if this stagnant pattern hangs out into the fall with a strong Aleutian low and a ridge poking north causing persistent southerly flow into eastern Alaska.

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