Volume 16 Number 5 MAY 2003

The month of May for the most part was very dry across the state of Texas. There were a few exceptions however, with Del Rio, Midland, and Wichita Falls attaining rainfall totals greater than 100% of the expected normal monthly total. All 20 primary stations experienced above normal mean temperatures, ranging from 1.7 to 5.1 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. From the U.S Drought Monitor, through the end of May, regions including High Plains, Low Rolling Plains, South Central, North Central, and Eastern experienced moderate drought, with areas of the Edwards Plateau, and Trans Pecos under severe drought conditions. The Lower Valley region of Texas is abnormally dry as well. However, the projected outlook through August 2003 shows that the majority of state should be receiving relief from drought conditions.

May was a very busy month as far as severe weather was concerned. May 1-3, 5-7, 9, 12-17, 19, 22-25, and 31^st, had large hail, high wind, or tornado reports. For June, temperatures are expected to be normal to slightly above normal across the state.

Kelsey Curtiss (Undergraduate Assistant)

MAY 2003

* Complete temperature data were unavailable. Temperatures are rounded to the nearest whole degree.

*HDD - Heating degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition T = Trace (<0.005")

*CDD - Cooling degree-day: Refer to the Monthly Average chart for a definition M: Information not available.

CLIMATIC AVERAGES FOR JUNE

Records are at the current site, other records may have occurred at previous sites.

*CDD - Cooling degree-day: The difference between the mean individual daily temperature and 65°F, with one

CDD resulting for each degree above the standard 65°F during one day.

*HDD - Heating degree-day: The difference between the mean individual daily temperature and 65°F, with one

HDD resulting for each degree below the standard 65°F during one day.

All times given for sunrise, sunset, and moon phase times are calculated for the intersection of

Meridian 99°10' W and parallel 31°23' N, which is the approximate geographic center of the state.

Climate-related Agricultural Information

http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/CROP/

Past Weather Events in June

June 27-July 1, 1899: Rainstorm. A storm, centered over the Brazos River Watershed, precipitated an average of 17 inches over an area of 7,000 square miles. At Hearne the gage overflowed at 24 inches, and there was an estimated total rainfall of 30 inches. At Turnersville, Coryell County, 33 inches were recorded in three days. This rain caused the worst Brazos River flood on record. Between 30 and 35 lives were lost. Property damage was estimated at $9 million.

June 10, 1938: Tornado. Clyde, Callahan County; 14 killed, 9 injured; damage $85,000.

June 27, 1957: Hurricane Audrey. Center crossed the Gulf coast near the Texas-Louisiana line. Orange was in the western portion of the eye between 9 and 10 a.m. In Texas, nine lives were lost, 450 persons injured; property damage was $8 million. Damage was extensive in Jefferson and Orange counties, with less in Chambers and Galveston counties. Maximum wind reported in Texas, 85 m.p.h. at Sabine Pass, with gusts to 100 m.p.h.

June 2, 1965: Tornado. Hale Center, Hale County. Four killed, 76 injured; damage $8 million.

June 12-13, 1973: Rainstorm. Southeastern Texas. Ten drowned. Over $50 million in property and crop damage. From 10-15 inches of rain recorded.

June 26, 1986: Hurricane Bonnie made landfall between High Island and Sabine Pass around 3:45 a.m. The highest wind measured in the area was a gust to 97 m.p.h. at Sea Rim State Park. As much as 13 inches of rain fell in Ace in southern Polk County.

June 20-22, 1993: Tropical Storm Arlene made landfall 5 miles south of Corpus Christi; all of eastern Texas was inundated by the remains. Henderson (Rusk Co.) received 14.83 inches of rain, and widespread areas reported greater than 7 inches. One person was killed; damage, mostly as a result of tidal flooding, was estimated at $22 million.

June 5-9, 2001: Tropical Storm Allison made landfall in northern Galveston, and southeast Harris counties. The Port of Houston reported a 5-day total of nearly 37 inches, and many surrounding areas received in excess of 10 inches. Twenty-two deaths were reported; damage, as a result of the extreme flooding was estimated at almost $5 billion. (courtesy of NWS Houston/Galveston)

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (Undergraduate Assistant)