×
×
homepage logo
LOGIN
SUBSCRIBE

June 2019: A bit milder than normal, on the wet side

By Doug Webster - Weather & Climate | Jul 7, 2019

The first official month of summer brought slightly warmer than normal temperatures along with a surplus of rain to keep lawns and gardens green.

June began with a couple of heavy rain events totaling nearly 3 inches before the first 6 days of the month were complete. That total would account for more than half of the months’ total as the remainder of the month would bring lighter and more widely spaced rainfall.

The rains were well timed as the seasonal vegetation bloom took up much of the water to fill out leaves and promote new growth. Temperatures more in keeping with summer throughout June would keep farmers and gardeners pleased.

New England’s thunderstorm season gains steam during June and this year was no exception. 5 days brought some thunder at some point which is right at the normal total.

The only storms to bring some severe elements came on the final 2 days of the month when gusty winds, heavy downpours, and some small hail was noted through some parts of the area. As one would expect some spots get a good clobbering while just down the road nearly nothing happens during summer thunderstorms.

The Gate City’s rain total for June of 5.77 inches would be 1.37 inches above normal. June ranked as the 20th wettest out of 135 years of rainfall records.

Rainfall for 2019 now stands at 25.41 inches, just 1.50 inches above normal. To date we have no drought concerns for the region as we move into mid-summer. Quite different from the past couple of summers nationwide is the lack of drought. Only the coastal Pacific Northwest is experiencing some moderate drought concerns.

The only unusual aspect to June’s temperatures were the lack of extremes. 23 days saw temperatures average within 5 degrees of normal. Usually about half of the days will see readings depart from normal by 5 degrees or more.

The high for the month of 91 degrees came on the 29th and was the lone 90 degree day for June, one less than normal. The low for the month of 41 was recorded on the 4th. No record readings were observed.

No heat waves were seen during June since we failed to accumulate 3 or more straight days of 90 degrees or more. During June we normally see a heat wave about every 3 years.

June’s average temperature as recorded by Pennichuck Water Works in Nashua’s north end was 66.9 degrees. June was 1.1 degrees above normal and ranked in a tie as the 30th warmest June out of 125 years of temperature record.

Temperatures as much as 11 degrees below normal on June 14th while the 29th brought readings of 10 degrees above normal. The majority of the days during June saw temperatures only a couple of degrees above or below normal.

We’re already into July, the peak of summer and home to Nashua’s hottest temperatures. The highest temperature ever recorded in New Hampshire occurred on July 4th, 1911 right here in Nashua with a reading of 106.

The regions greatest and most intense heat wave on record occurred 108 years ago. July 1911 saw temperatures surpass 100 degrees on 6 out of 9 days and 90 degrees on 12 out of the first 13 days of the month. The average high from July 2 to July 12, 1911 was an amazing 101.9 degrees.

Sixteen deaths were attributed to the heat through Nashua and Hudson during this hot spell since air conditioning had yet to arrive. There were also many reports of livestock loss due to the hot conditions.

Since 1885 the following July 4th extremes have occurred in Nashua besides the all-time state high. The low temperature was 40 in 1971. A cloudy, damp day in 1991 kept the high temperature at only 59 degrees.

The wettest July 4th was recorded in 2012 when 1.11 inches of rain fell and to add to the swelter of 1911’s record high the low of 72 that same day was the highest low temperature of record.

The lack of sun spots may be playing a role in keeping temperatures a little chillier across many areas of the nation during the past few months and it is thought that the lack of heat may continue for the summer due to the solar minimum.

Mid-summer rains generally come from scattered showers and thundershowers and sometimes these can be gully washers accompanied by gusty winds and even hail. Summer showers are not fair with rainfall distribution. One town can see a heavy downpour and flooding while a town next door sees no rain at all.

July usually features a few days of hot, humid weather followed by a burst of summer polar air bringing that refreshing low humidity and good sleeping weather. With many enjoying the New Hampshire outdoors this time of year it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the sky on those hot, humid days. A quick hitting thunderstorm can bring an abrupt blast of rain, wind, and lightning with nearly no notice. If thunder roars, go indoors. Stay safe this summer.

Newsletter

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

Interests
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *