The record warmth and ongoing dryness were the main highlights of September 2015. Not only did the month finish 3 - 6 degrees warmer than normal and thus rank among the top ten warmest Septembers on record, but drought conditions ensued across much of the Northeast as very limited rain events exasperated the dry pattern that's been in place since the spring. The U.S Drought Monitor even placed 6% of the Northeast in a moderate drought by the month's end. Take a look below to learn more of September's weather statistics.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The beginning of the month proved to be abnormally warm as many of the major Northeast cities ran 5 - 15 degrees above normal, soaring into the 90s on consecutive days through September 9th. In fact, many places surpassed or tied record daily temperatures on the 8th, as seen in the tables above. The first of only two wet periods of the month followed from the 10th to the 13th as a low pressure system rode along a stalled boundary. Philadelphia, PA was especially hard hit as nearly 5 inches of rain inundated a portion of the city causing flash flooding. Temperatures cooled off during this period as well, ending Central Park's record 62 day streak of high temperature reaching at least 80 degrees.
Then, drought became an increasing concern during the second half of the month as many places failed to see measurable rainfall for two weeks. By the 23rd, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a Drought Watch for portions of the state and the US Drought Monitor expanded its "moderate drought" classification further into New England and New Jersey on the 29th. Then, the second rain event of the month followed on the 29 - 30th, putting a large dent in the September rain deficits. 1 - 3 inches of rain soaked the region and saved the month from finishing within the top ten driest Septembers on record. Interestingly, the month's 3 - 5 inches of rain, which is within an inch of normal for most spots, fell over the course of just 5 - 7 days!
To take a closer look at the rainfall and temperature pattern through the month, see the monthly graphs for select Northeast cities here.
