Record warmth was the main highlight of November 2015 as nearly all the major cities across the I -95 corridor in the Northeast finished 4 – 6 degrees warmer than normal. Many ranked the month among the top 5 warmest Novembers on record with Philadelphia, PA even recording its all – time warmest November in 75 years of record keeping. Not only did the month start very warm, including record breaking high temperatures in the 70s and the latest 80 degree reading at Reagan Airport since 1993, the Northeast also enjoyed a very mild Thanksgiving. With widespread temperatures 5 – 7 degrees above average in the upper 50s to low 60s, some ranked it among the warmest Turkey Days on record. November 2015 certainly was on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to last year when many observed a top ten chilliest and snowiest November. See below for a more in depth comparison.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Considering the warmth, it’s no wonder nearly all the major cities finished without measuring any November snowfall. Of the cities analyzed, only Allentown, PA observed snow with the airport noting a non-measurable trace on the 23rd. Even though the normal November snowfall is rather low with most averaging less than 2 inches, this was the first November since 2009 where Boston, MA did not record any snowfall and the first time since 2011 New York City and Philadelphia went without a November flake. The map below illustrates the typical date for the first measurable snowfall for select Northeast cities.
Rainfall wise, the Northeast only endured two notable rain events through the month, the first on the 10th – 11th and the second on the 19th - 20th. However, outside of Allentown, PA which ranked the month as the 4th driest November on record, most other spots only finished 1.00 – 2.00 inches below normal and thus did not rank among the top ten driest. Curious what December has in store for us? Read our December outlook.
