U.S. HAS FOURTH WARMEST SPRING, WIDESPREAD DROUGHT CONTINUES

[Aquawind]

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2646.htm

The contiguous United States experienced its fifth warmest May and fourth warmest spring since records began in 1895

Since the start of last summer, six months have been much warmer than average, including two months (January and April 2006), which were warmest on record. The 12-month period was the warmest on record. The anomalous warmth has covered all parts of the country, with statewide records established in Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin. For Alaska, eight of the past twelve months were warmer than average, and the June-May temperature was the 20th warmest since records began in 1918.

This was the fifth warmest May globally since records began in 1880 (0.90 degrees F/0.50 degrees C above the 20th century mean) for global land and ocean surfaces, and sixth warmest boreal spring (March-May) (0.92 degrees F/0.51 degrees C). The warmest March-May occurred in 2005 (1.19 degrees F/0.66 degrees C above the 20th century mean).

Hot continues!

[Stephanie]

To me, it's strange that NJ had a statewide record because it seemed like May and the beginning of June, with the exception of Memorial Day weekend, Spring had a hard time finding the 70's. I work in Atlantic City and the weather can be totally different than 10 miles inland but it was RAW some days.