A Dry, Cool Start to September

September 1-15 precipitation ranged from less than 25% of normal to near normal for most areas, with western New York being notably wetter.

The first half of September was quite dry for most of the Northeast, with a large swath of the region, especially southern and coastal locations, seeing less than 25% of normal precipitation. Western New York was the standout wetter-than-normal spot, with over 150% of normal precipitation. September 1-15 precipitation at the Northeast’s 35 major climate sites ranged from 0% of normal in Boston, MA; Dulles Airport, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Wilmington, DE, to 189% of normal in Rochester, NY, with 33 of the sites being drier than normal. In fact, 26 of the 35 major climate sites saw less than 25% of normal precipitation for the period, which ranked among the 20 driest at 24 of those sites. The drier-than-normal weather contributed to worsening drought conditions in West Virginia.

This September 1-15 period ranked among the 20 driest at 24 of the region’s 35 major climate sites.

September 1-15 average temperatures ranged from 6°F below normal to 2°F above normal, with most of the region being on the cool side.

Much of the Northeast was cooler than normal during the first half of September, with largest departures below normal of 4°F to 6°F in southern parts of the region, particularly West Virginia. However, a few locations, especially in New York and New England, were up to 2°F warmer than normal. September 1-15 average temperatures at the Northeast’s 35 major climate sites ranged from 4.8°F below normal in Elkins, WV, to 1.0 degree F above normal in Worcester, MA, with 29 of the sites experiencing cooler-than-normal temperatures. This first half of September ranked among the 20 coolest at seven major climate sites but was the 16th warmest for Caribou, ME.

This September 1-15 period was among the 20 coolest at seven major climate sites but was the 16th warmest for Caribou, ME.