Richmond's Spring 2010: Warmest On Record

Spring 2010 (March-May) as recorded at Richmond International Airport was the warmest on record, with an average temperature of 61.5 degrees. This broke the old record warmest spring from 1945 of 61.3 degrees. A couple of factors contributed to this higher average, including warmer overnight low temperatures and persistent high pressure in the region yielding very warm afternoons, especially in April and May. We had our first 90-degree-day relatively early in the season on April 6th (93 degrees). The earliest 90-degree day on record for Richmond is March 17, 1945 (from the old record-holder for warmest Spring). High temperatures topped 90 degrees twice in April and five times in May. The average high temperature this Spring was the third warmest on record at 73.3 degrees (#1 is 1977 at 74.9 degrees; #2 is 1976 at 73.8 degrees).

It is important to note the climate trend of this particular recording station over the last 20 years. There has been a significant increase in the minimum temperatures recorded at the airport, which may be a result of recent airport expansion (more concrete and buildings) and urban heat island influences (metro Richmond tends to stay a little milder overnight as opposed to cooler surrounding rural areas). This results in warmer minimum temperatures, and that accounts for half of the "average temperature" reported above.

Our first days of June should continue to run about 10 degrees above average for the highs, and 5-10 degrees above average for the lows.

Sunrise Shot

The pre-sunrise light on the underbellies of clouds brushed a pastel palette over Richmond International Airport this morning. This is a grab of our Million Air Camera at 5:35 a.m. Cloud-cover has been increasing across Central Virginia overnight, with a few light showers tracking through the state as well. This afternoon, though, a cold front will track into the Commonwealth from the Northwest, serving as a forcing mechanism for showers and storms developing along and ahead of the boundary this afternoon and evening. The cold front should stall over Central Virginia and mix out overnight, with showers and storms ending as well. Although the severe threat today should be limited by marginal instability and weak shear, there may be a few severe storms capable of strong winds and hail.

Last Day of Hurricane Preparedness Tax Break

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins tomorrow, Tuesday, June 1. Today is the last day you can take advantage of the sales tax break on emergency supplies you might need during a tropical event in the Commonwealth. You can get free sales tax on everything from bottled water to batteries to first aid supplies. For a full list of sales tax exempt items, click here.

The CBS 6 Storm Team is calling for an above average hurricane season as a result of a weakening El Nino and warmer-than-average ocean surface temperatures in the Atlantic Basin. El Nino, which has been ongoing since last April, weakened in the last few months. El Nino can create atmospheric shear (different wind speeds and directions at different heights above ground) that can tear apart an organizing storm and prevent it from strengthening further. This seems to be what happened last hurricane season to much of the tropical activity, leading to a slightly below-average season with only one storm impacting the U.S. mainland. In addition, surface ocean temperatures are warmer-than-average, and thus primed to serve as fuel for tropical thunderstorm development. Hurricanes derive their energy from warm ocean waters, and strengthen when they pass over warmer ocean water.


(Richmond, VA during Gaston on August 29, 2004)
Virginia's tropical threats include inland flooding from heavy rain, wind damage, and tornadoes. It is important to prepare now for tropical impacts in the Commonwealth. Make sure you have enough food and water supplies for each member of your household for at least three days. Many of us remember losing power for days, even weeks, after Isabel in September 2003. Gaston from August 2004 is a perfect example of the inland flooding threat, as much of metro Richmond sustained major flash flooding. Ivan from September 2004 is the best example of the tornado threat from a landfalling tropical system, as 40 tornadoes were reported in a single day on September 17 as the tropical depression tracked through Virginia. This is the most tornadoes, of any time of the year, recorded in a single day in Virginia. Prepare now for Hurricane Season 2010.