By Bill Kappel
Drier than normal conditions continued during August. After an above-normal winter and early spring, we have been much drier through the summer season. This is the expected pattern as we have transitioned from a El Niño pattern last fall into a La Niña pattern this spring and summer. Temperatures were also warmer than normal for the month, with plenty of days well into the 80s and even some low 90s.
The month started with temperatures in the upper 80s and generally dry conditions. Moisture moved into the region on the 5th with thunderstorms developing that afternoon. The moisture and warm conditions allowed areas of strong thunderstorms to produce heavy rain at times across the region. This change in pattern stuck with us for most of the month as we finally transitioned to a more normal mid-summer pattern.
In this case, moisture associated with the North American Monsoon shifted over the region. This allowed daily thunderstorms and rain showers to develop. In these situations, the areas that received the heaviest rainfall can vary significantly over short distances. One day it may be over your location and the next a few miles away. The good news is that the monsoon moisture brings a lot of beneficial moisture but is lacking the overall instability to produce widespread severe weather. Therefore, we get the best of both worlds, much needed rainfall without the large hail or tornadoes.
This pattern lasted until the last week of the month. During this period, most areas around the Tri-Lakes region received 1-3 inches of rainfall. During the last week of the month, the monsoon moisture shifted back to the west, leaving us generally high and dry. Temperatures were warm again, and most days saw plenty of sunshine with just some minor buildups of afternoon clouds. A cold front moved through the region on the 29th, and this left behind dry conditions and a feel in the air of the changes to come over the next month or so.
A look ahead
September is a transition month for the region, with the last tastes of summer mixed in with our first morning freezes by the end of the month. Leaves begin to change as well and in some years a little snow can happen; September 2020 is a good example. The overall weather pattern is generally one of tranquility, with our chances for thunderstorms dwindling and blizzard conditions not quite ready for prime time. We are often greeted with sunny, pleasant afternoons, with highs from the mid-70s early in the month to the mid-60s later in the month. Our first sub-freezing low temperatures usually occur during the third week of the month, so prepare those tender plants.
August 2024 Weather Statistics
Average High 82.2° (+1.7); 100-year return frequency value max 83.9° min 72.9°
Average Low 53.0° (+2.6); 100-year return frequency value max 55.2° min 46.8°
Monthly Precipitation 1.67” (-1.23 “, 43% below normal); 100-year return frequency value max 6.07” min 0.94”
Monthly Snowfall 0.0”
Highest Temperature 90° on the 17th
Lowest Temperature 45° on the 31st
Season to Date Snow 0.0” (the snow season is from July 1 to June 30)
Season to Date Precip. 11.38” (-6.11”, 35% below normal) (Jan 1 to Dec 31)
Heating Degree Days 25 (-48)
Cooling Degree Days 100 (+56)
Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.
Other Weather articles
- November Weather Wrap (12/5/2024)
- October Weather Wrap (11/2/2024)
- September Weather Wrap (10/5/2024)
- July Weather Wrap (8/3/2024)
- June Weather Wrap (7/6/2024)
- May Weather Wrap (6/1/2024)
- April Weather Wrap (5/4/2024)
- March Weather Wrap (4/6/2024)
- February Weather Wrap (3/2/2024)
- January Weather Wrap (2/3/2024)