March 2018 Graphical Climate Summaries
Mobile Alabama and Pensacola Florida Area
Joe Maniscalco - Meteorologist/Forecaster/Climate Program Lead
National Weather Service Mobile Alabama
March 2018 in Review - Monthly temperatures were not far off the seasonal averages by some 1 to 2 degrees above climatology. There were much more notable peaks and valleys in the low temperature profiles during the middle part of the month where lows flipped between 14 to 17° below normal at times to 14 to 17° above normal within a weeks time. Measured rains came in a few inches below normal.
Mobile Alabama Area - The average monthly high was 72.5° or 1.3° above normal. The average monthly low was 50.2° or 1.1° above normal. The average monthly temperature was 61.4° or 1.2° above normal. One record high temperature was reached on the 1st at 82°, which tied the previous record of 82° set back in 2012. (Fig. A) shows how temperatures compared to the seasonal normal monthly highs and lows, which are shown by the colored dashed lines. March rainfall measured 3.71" or 2.43" below normal (Fig. B).
Click on the Mobile Alabama area climate graphics below to expand:
Pensacola Florida Area - The average monthly high was 71.9° or 2.3° above normal. The average monthly low was 53.5° or 2.3° above normal. The average monthly temperature was 62.7° and also 2.3° above normal. One new record high temperature was reached on the 1st at 83°, the previous record for this date was 82° set back in 2012. (Fig. C) shows how temperatures compared to the seasonal normal monthly highs and lows, which are shown by the colored dashed lines. March rainfall measured 2.02" or 3.79" below normal (Fig. D).
Climate Outlook:
The Climate Prediction Center indicates an elevated probability of above normal precipitation Lower and Mid Mississippi River Valley Region while equal chances of above or below normal precipitation favored over the Coastal Plain for the month of April. Heavier rains up to our north may lead to increased flow over some rivers and elevated river stages this month. Historically, river flood season begins in early to mid January and peaks in early to mid March, then tapers in the late April to early May time frame. Please take note, historically, some of the greatest excessive precipitation events have occurred across our region during a time when winter is transitioning into Summer. Long lead precipitation outlooks are reflected by forecasts of persistent global circulation patterns and the movement of large scale frontal systems to enhance rainfall. These say nothing about an individual weather system that may produce just a few hours of thunderstorm activity which may deposit enough rain that can potentially break daily, weekly or monthly rainfall records in a single event. So be prepared and have a plan!
Click on the graphic below to expand:
Additional Climate Links:
The links below are intended to provide additional climate information, education and outlooks. The National Weather Service Mobile Alabama's Climate and Past Weather page provides climate data at your fingertips for many observation points in the local forecast area by accessing the NOWData tab as well as many other climate resources. The Climate Prediction Center Link provides short and longer range climatic outlooks and education about the larger scale global circulations that impact temperatures and weather. With the large agriculture and farming presence along the central Gulf coast, the Drought Monitor link provides updates on drought trends and impacts. Another very helpful resource is the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network, which is a large group of volunteers working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). The aim of CoCoRaHS is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications.
National Weather Service Mobile AL Climate and Past Weather
Climate Prediction Center (CPC)
CoCoRaHS Network Water Year Summaries
Questions or Comments:
Contact: Joe Maniscalco, WFO Mobile, AL at joe.maniscalco@noaa.gov
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