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"Seasonal Turnabout"

My how the tides have turned! One of the most unbelievable stats I have ever seen come from the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY is the difference in yearly rainfall from this time last year compared to now (Dec 10, 2012). Take a look...

 Jan 1 - Dec 10, 2011 Accumulated Rainfall: 72.61"

Jan 1 - Dec 10, 2012 Accumulated Rainfall: 27.93"

An "average" annual rainfall at Paducah measures at 49.08" (1981-2010). The lowest annual recorded rainfall was measured at 35.40" (1953). The highest annual recorded rainfall was measured at 74.85" (2011).

 With only a few weeks left to count towards the record of 2012 and only small changes in the overall weather pattern, yet another substantial record may be marked in the history books. It is a seasonal shift like nothing I have ever seen before but maybe something similar to what we should get used to. I asked Senior Meteorologist, Stu Ostro of The Weather Channel what his thoughts were concerning such an abrupt turnabout and he gave the following statement....
“This is not surprising, as climate scientists expect an increase in precipitation extremes, paradoxically both on the wet and dry side, due to increased evaporation from increased heat. Also, strong, persistent atmospheric patterns are setting up which are very wet or very dry, and appear to be related to the warming.” -Stu Ostro

Once the yearly climate summary is posted by the Paducah National Weather Service, I will push additional updates through this post and blog.


For now, there isn't a time when I don't look at those number and think, what's next? The worst drought of Western Kentucky's history continues today with a deficit of 18.13" of rain. While the severity of the drought has been reduced from exceptional to severe, we still have a long way to go to get to a healthy start to Springs growing season.

Comments

Unknown said…
It seems we are just are little above the average for the 11-12 seasons @ 50.27 with 49.08 as the last 30yr average. Not much change in 30yrs it seems.
December 11, 2012 at 2:53 PM
CJ Allan said…
I'm interested in seeing where all this goes......
keep it coming Jen.............& Thanks :)
December 11, 2012 at 3:10 PM
Beau Dodson said…
Hmmm - would be nice to have an email "subscribe" button. Don't know if your software can let you add that? Then people can subscribe and receive an email notification when you have a new post.
December 13, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Meteorologist Jennifer Rukavina said…
at the bottom of the blog page there is a link to "Subscribe to" :)
December 17, 2012 at 10:40 PM
Beau Dodson said…
When I hit subscribe it brings up Google Reader and Google Home Page. Were you able to get it to send an email notification when a new post is made? Thanks
December 17, 2012 at 10:54 PM

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