Overview

The second month of 2019 across New Jersey was not one that will leave an indelible mark in the memory bank. Unlike some of the wild conditions that afflicted many other parts of the nation, NJ precipitation events were only minor to moderate, and there was nothing in the way of stream and river flooding. On several occasions, cold and warmth came and went rather quickly. There were no coastal storms, thus no significant tidal flooding or beach erosion. While there was one notable wind event, overall, rather calm conditions prevailed.

Overview

December Overview

It is appropriate that the weather of last month of 2018 was rather similar to many earlier months in the year. Statewide, precipitation was above average for the 10th month of 2018 and the temperature was above average for the 8th month. This resulted in the year being the wettest on record and the 11th warmest since statewide observations began being calculated in 1895. More on this later in the report.

As 2018 draws to a close, here in the state climate office, we have evaluated the myriad of daily, monthly, and annual observations gathered across New Jersey during the course of the year to choose what we feel were the most significant and impactful ten events (with one other knocking on the door). While the record book hasn’t quite closed on the year, below is our near-final assessment. Look for a completed listing early in January, when the book is closed on totals and averages for 2018.

November Overview

November weather packed quite a punch, putting an exclamation point on what will go into the book as the wettest Fall (September–November) on record (since 1895). With seven storms that each deposited an inch or more of rain (or melted snow) at numerous locations, this was the second wettest November (Table 1). The statewide average of 8.77” was 5.16” above the 1981–2010 average. The record will remain 9.01” in 1972.

Frost encircles a tree in Sparta Township (Sussex County) on the morning of November 12th. Photo courtesy of Nick Stefano.

Overview

Overview

August Overview