When It Rains, It Pours
The words below were originally written for
The Oshkosh Northwestern - Monthly Weather Report
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The old saying goes “when it rains, it pours” and that was exactly the case for how May of 2012 transpired. Seven of the first thirteen days recorded measurable precipitation. These seven days accounted for more than 80% of the monthly rainfall total which included the deluge that occurred on May 2-3. The May 2-3 rainfall became the largest daily rainfall in the month of May and also became the 6th all-time largest daily rainfall in Oshkosh history. Two of the four precipitation observation stations in the greater Oshkosh area recorded over 7 inches for the month pushing the monthly total into second place all-time for the month of May. The top spot belongs to May of 2004 when 9.04 inches were recorded. Oshkosh daily observations date back to 1893.
Greater Oshkosh May 2012 Precipitation Totals
5.84", Oshkosh 5.2 N
7.64", Oshkosh 1.3 NNE
7.99", Oshkosh WWTP (NWS)
6.29", Oshkosh 5.6 S
(OSNW3 Weather Brief)
(OSNW3 May Observations)
(OSNW3 May 2012 Summary)
(click on graph for the month summary data - it will open a new tab/window)
The days to follow the frequent rain events became the 5th longest dry spell since 2007 lasting fifteen consecutive days. When it rains, it pours, but in this case it was sunshine that was raining and pouring down. Many of the days in this stretch hosted prefect Wisconsin spring weather. Plenty of sun with temperatures hovering the 70 degree mark. Toss in a minimal amount of heat and humidity and it quickly reminded me of why I love spring in Wisconsin. The cooperative weather allowed farmers, big and small, back into their fields to begin another growing season. I am very much looking forward to the quality local produce Oshkosh provides throughout the warm months.
Two weather tidbits: In May of 2012, unofficially, Oshkosh recorded the warmest spring in history (51.4°F) and recorded the second wettest spring in history (14.17”). Spring seasonal records are kept for what is called “meteorological spring”. Meteorological spring includes the months of March, April, and May.
Looking ahead to June many of us are hoping for a continuation of the perfect seasonal weather. The CPC (Climate Prediction Center) is showing a 40% chance of above average temperatures with equal chances for average precipitation. The LRC (Lezak’s Recurring Cycle) compliments this forecast very well. June should begin with a seasonal feel but then work into a warm up that could become a full blown heat wave by the second half of the month. The warm and humid air that could work into the area would give Oshkosh a few chances for rain, thunderstorms and severe weather. Something we should all respect. Please, be prepared and stay informed.
If there are questions or comments please feel free to email me or send me a tweet. Have a great month!
The Oshkosh Northwestern - Monthly Weather Report
----
The old saying goes “when it rains, it pours” and that was exactly the case for how May of 2012 transpired. Seven of the first thirteen days recorded measurable precipitation. These seven days accounted for more than 80% of the monthly rainfall total which included the deluge that occurred on May 2-3. The May 2-3 rainfall became the largest daily rainfall in the month of May and also became the 6th all-time largest daily rainfall in Oshkosh history. Two of the four precipitation observation stations in the greater Oshkosh area recorded over 7 inches for the month pushing the monthly total into second place all-time for the month of May. The top spot belongs to May of 2004 when 9.04 inches were recorded. Oshkosh daily observations date back to 1893.
Greater Oshkosh May 2012 Precipitation Totals
5.84", Oshkosh 5.2 N
7.64", Oshkosh 1.3 NNE
7.99", Oshkosh WWTP (NWS)
6.29", Oshkosh 5.6 S
(OSNW3 Weather Brief)
(OSNW3 May Observations)
(OSNW3 May 2012 Summary)
The days to follow the frequent rain events became the 5th longest dry spell since 2007 lasting fifteen consecutive days. When it rains, it pours, but in this case it was sunshine that was raining and pouring down. Many of the days in this stretch hosted prefect Wisconsin spring weather. Plenty of sun with temperatures hovering the 70 degree mark. Toss in a minimal amount of heat and humidity and it quickly reminded me of why I love spring in Wisconsin. The cooperative weather allowed farmers, big and small, back into their fields to begin another growing season. I am very much looking forward to the quality local produce Oshkosh provides throughout the warm months.
Two weather tidbits: In May of 2012, unofficially, Oshkosh recorded the warmest spring in history (51.4°F) and recorded the second wettest spring in history (14.17”). Spring seasonal records are kept for what is called “meteorological spring”. Meteorological spring includes the months of March, April, and May.
Looking ahead to June many of us are hoping for a continuation of the perfect seasonal weather. The CPC (Climate Prediction Center) is showing a 40% chance of above average temperatures with equal chances for average precipitation. The LRC (Lezak’s Recurring Cycle) compliments this forecast very well. June should begin with a seasonal feel but then work into a warm up that could become a full blown heat wave by the second half of the month. The warm and humid air that could work into the area would give Oshkosh a few chances for rain, thunderstorms and severe weather. Something we should all respect. Please, be prepared and stay informed.
If there are questions or comments please feel free to email me or send me a tweet. Have a great month!
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