Major Nor'easter affecting New England

The National Weather Service is forecasting a major nor'easter to affect much of New England today and tomorrow. You are probably wondering what a nor'easter is though because we do not get them in Louisiana.

A nor'easter is a powerful low pressure that affects New England and the mid-Atlantic states. They can bring heavy snow and rain. They also cause extreme winds that can exceed hurricane force (>74 MPH). Because the winds are so strong, they bring high waves and even storm surges. In short, it is tropical storm or weak hurricane with snow and/or cold rain.

Rain or snow totals are expected to top five inches over portions of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Also, sustained winds of around 30 MPH are expected along with wind gusts to 60 MPH.

In addition to rain, snow, and winds, strong easterly winds are expected to cause significant storm surges in New York Harbor, as well as along the coasts of Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Informational Links:

• Stephen's Weather Center - weather for Long Island
• NOAA - New York City, NY
• NOAA - Boston, MA
• NOAA - Portland, ME
• NOAA - Caribou, ME

March 2007 Climate Summary

This is a list of the record and averages from my weather station for the month of March.

• Average Temperature: 65
• Highest Temperature: 84 at 1:10 PM 3/29/07
• Lowest Temperature: 33 at 6:50 AM 3/5/07
• Total Rainfall: 1.79 inches
• Rainiest Day: 3/14/07 with 0.94 inches
• Highest Wind Gust: 26 MPH at 12:50 PM 3/31/07

Departures from Average (based off of data from Lafayette Regional Airport)

• Departure from Average Temperature: +3 (average = 62)
• Departure from Record High: -9 (record: 93 on 3/4/1910)
• Departure from Record Low: +11 (record: 22 on 3/3/1980)
• Departure from Average rainfall: -2.72 or 40% of normal (average: 4.51 inches)

In summary, March at Jason's Weather Center was slightly warmer than average with temperatures around 104% of normal. Drier than normal conditions were also recorded with rainfall totals only 40% of normal.

One-month climate outlooks show near normal temperatures and slightly above average precipitation. The three-month climate outlook shows above average temperatures and below average precipitation.

Drought outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows abnormally dry conditions in north Louisiana with minor agricultural impacts in northwestern Louisiana. The one-month drought outlook shows no change in conditions through June 31, 2007.

Additional Resources:

• Climate Prediction Center: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
• Lafayette Regional Airport Averages and Records (March): http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/climate/lftf6/lftnormmar+.htm