Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mild March Cancels Chilly Winter

Evening Update: Today's high/low of 68°/48° yield a daily departure from average of 9°, and the monthly departure increases to +5.6°. Added chart of daily departures for March.

Original post:
With a week left to go in the first month of meteorological spring, Washington, DC temperatures are averaging 5.5° above the long-term March average. As noted earlier, winter temperatures averaged below normal mainly thanks to a cold February. However, the March warmth has more than compensated; combined with a slightly warm January, the year 2010 is averaging 0.4° above normal to date.

Even with some cooler temperatures in the forecast, especially over the weekend, the yearly temperature is likely to remain above average through the end of March. The remainder of the month would have to be at least 4.3° below average for the final January-March mean to be below normal.

Images (click to enlarge): March 2010 daily temperature departures from average, January-March 2010 monthly average temperature departures; CapitalClimate charts from National Weather Service data

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

WMD Greetings!

Have you hugged a meteorologist today? As noted here in the past, March 23 is World Meteorological Day. This year, it marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950, and the theme of the celebration is "60 years of service for your safety and well-being." In a message to the world meteorological community, WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud stated
As we celebrate today the 60th Anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization, I would like to pay tribute to the meteorological community worldwide working together continuously beyond all borders to save and protect people, their homes and their livelihoods. My recognition especially goes to all staff in the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and all volunteers who support our work with generosity and dedication.

I am convinced that WMO, together with its Members, will be even more relevant in serving humanity over decades to come. We owe this capability to successive generations of meteorologists and hydrologists from all countries. To all of them, we express our gratitude.
The WMO also published a booklet [pdf] reviewing the history and accomplishments of international meteorological cooperation.

Seasonal Outlook

Latest seasonal forecast: Click here.


Latest 3-month temperature outlook from Climate Prediction Center/NWS/NOAA.