The most notable winter storm of the 2013-2014 cold season for most of North Dakota was the blizzard and heavy snow event on March 31, 2014. The one exception to that statement would be a small portion of southwestern North Dakota that was hit with an even stronger blizzard in October 2013. Wind gusts over 50… Read more March 31, 2014 Blizzard
Tag: 2014
Subtle but Significant: January 2014 vs January 2015
The image below depicts the average height of the atmosphere at 500 mb of pressure (approximately 18,000 feet above mean sea level) for January 2015 and January 2014. These lines of equal height can also be used to visualize the wind flow in the upper-atmosphere by following the lines. With just a quick glance… Read more Subtle but Significant: January 2014 vs January 2015
2014 in Review
It is often customary at the end of a year to look back at the events of the previous 365 days . In that tradition here is my list of the Top 5 weather events (or periods) of 2014. 1. The Cold Winter. On the top of the list was the cold winter of 2013-2014. Granted, the… Read more 2014 in Review
12/8/14: November in December
The area of low pressure that moved across southern Canada yesterday and swept in some mild air has now moved into northwestern Ontario. This places North Dakota and western Minnesota on the back side of the low and with it, a northwesterly wind. The cold front associated with the low did bring some light precipitation… Read more 12/8/14: November in December
September 2014 Weather Summary
Precipitation: There were pockets of above average rainfall during September 2014, especially in western North Dakota, but a high percentage of the state recorded below normal precipitation during the month (see image below). Using data from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN), the statewide average precipitation for September 2014 was 1.30 inches. That is… Read more September 2014 Weather Summary
August 2014 in Review
Precipitation: After a very dry July, August 2014 was the exact opposite and was exceptionally wet for a majority of North Dakota (Figure 1). The only exceptions were in some parts of the Red River Valley and the area around Devils Lake. Using data from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN), the statewide average… Read more August 2014 in Review
Where Have All the 90s Gone?
High temperatures of 90° or higher have been lacking so far this summer. The National Weather Service in Bismarck released this graphic yesterday with a few tidbits for select cities in central and western North Dakota. Other cities in the state that have recorded at least one 90 degree day are listed below. Fargo… Read more Where Have All the 90s Gone?
July 2014 Recap
July 2014 Weather Summary for North Dakota Precipitation: After an excessively wet June, almost all of North Dakota recorded below average precipitation during the month of July (Figure 1). The only exception was a few locations in the northeastern portion of the state. Using data from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN), the statewide… Read more July 2014 Recap
Severe Weather Recap
On Monday, July 21, 2014, during the late afternoon and evening hours, a severe weather event moved across North Dakota. Below is the radar summaries of the storm from both the WSR-88D in Bismarck and Mayville, North Dakota. The line of thunderstorms that moved through across the state produced mainly wind damage as symbolized… Read more Severe Weather Recap
First One-Half of 2014
A few statistics from the National Climatic Data Center for the first 6 months of 2014. Daryl Ritchison