NORFOLK, Va. — The end of May brought about the end of Meteorological Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is Meteorological Spring?
Meteorologists, for ease of use and record keeping, identify the seasons in 3-month groups. So, Meteorological Winter is December, January, & February. Spring is March, April, & May. Fall is September, October, & November, and Summer is June, July and August.
So how did Meteorological Spring play out in Hampton Roads? All 3 months ran above normal in the temperature department. In terms of rainfall, it was spread out. March was the 2nd wettest on record with over 10 inches of rain. April was quite dry with a rainfall deficit. May was wetter but nothing out of the ordinary.
When compared with past years Meteorological Spring was the 6th wettest and 6th warmest on record.
Now we begin a new Meteorological Season, summer lasting until the end of August. What can we expect?
At the beginning of June our average highs are in the lower 80s, by mid-July those soar to 90 and stay in the upper 80s right through mid-August. You’ll also notice a big jump in our average overnight lows, climbing into the lower 70s by mid-August. July is also our hottest period of the year.
Our hottest temperature ever, 105 degrees was recorded for 2 consecutive days in July of 2010. On average over the 3 months, we receive a little under 16 and a half inches of rainfall and our sunsets gradually begin to get earlier after astronomical summer begins and we roll into July and August. By the end of August, our sunsets close to 7:30, almost an hour earlier than now.
All in all, we can expect another hot and steamy summer in Hampton Roads.