Low temperature for December was 17 degrees on December 31st.
Avg low for December = 36 degrees
High temperature for December was 58 degrees. The high on December 30th was only 33 degrees, and on December 31st, the high for the day was only 30 degrees—the first time in at least three years that a daytime temperature failed to rise above freezing.
Avg high for December = 50 degrees
High wind speed for December = 38 mph on December 30th
Avg wind speed for December = 12 mph
Total rain for December = 6.01 inches (we also received 2 inches of snow on December 29th)
Total rainfall for the year was 19.73 inches, nearly triple the normal average of 7 to 8 inches a year.
On December 14th, there was zero wind, none for the entire day. This is a first in the three years I’ve been recording weather in Toquerville. Even on days we think there is no wind, there is always some, sometimes early in the morning or late at night when we aren’t aware of the wind.
Remember, last month I noted that the forecast for Utah and the west was for a warmer and drier than normal winter. Both November and December have been colder and wetter than normal. The 17 degree reading on the morning of December 31st is the coldest recorded temperature since I’ve been recording weather the past three years.
The 4.6 inches of rain Toquerville received in the third week of December nearly caused flooding. Ash Creek was near going over its banks before the water level receded on December 23rd. Continual rain and warm temperatures, which caused early snow melt, contributed to the near flood conditions. According to KSL and Washington County officials, the rain totals for the third week of December was greater than the rain that caused severe flooding in 2005, but flood control measures contributed to the minor flooding this time.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Storm Data
Many of you have asked me about the rain, rain totals, etc. Here are the totals for Toquerville, for the storm just ended:
Thursday, December 16th, trace of rain
Friday, December 17th, .12 hundredths of an inch
Saturday, December 18th, .47 hundredths of an inch
Sunday, December 19th, .63 hundredths of an inch
Monday, December 20th, 1.49 inches
Tuesday, December 21st, 1.19 inches
Wednesday, December 22nd, .61 hundredths of an inch
Thursday, December 23rd, .08 hundredths of an inch
Storm Total = 4.59 inches of rain
Total rain for the year in Toquerville, so far, is 18.56 inches, well above double the normal amount. An extremely wet winter and spring, plus this big December storm has created an exceptional water year for Toquerville.
Although the rain was never very hard, it just kept on raining, hour after hour, day after day. In addition, the temperatures warmed up and snow also began melting in the New Harmony/Pine Valley drainage area, which added to the flow of Ash Creek. Curiously, Cedar City did not get snow, but rain (for the most part) out of this storm, which is unusual for Cedar City this time of year.
Ash Creek rose to dangerous levels on Tuesday, Ash Creek was splashing over onto the grass of the park, causing flooding at Shangrila, and water began to go over the bank at the Voorhees property. The city organized crews to fill and deliver sandbags to several locations.
On Wednesday morning, even though the rain had lessened, Ash Creek reached its peak and was running onto Toquerville Park, so sandbags were laid down to keep the water out. Several residents along the creek became nervous, but the creek began to recede and the danger was past.
Also on Tuesday morning the water began going over the spillway at Ash Creek Reservoir, the reservoir having filled completely in five days. As of Thursday night, the creek is still running high, but is not in danger of breaking over its banks.
According to Washington County officials, more rain fell in this storm than fell in the big storm of 2005, but flood control measures taken after the 2005 flood, kept most of the water in the river channels and avoided serious flooding.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
November Weather Report
Low Temp for November was 22 degrees. (Nov 25th and Nov 30th)
High Temp for November was 73 degrees. (Nov 3rd)
High wind speed for November was 34 mph on November 11th
Average wind speed for November was 15 mph
Average humidity for November was 41%
Average low temp for November was 37 degrees
Average high temp for November was 55 degrees
Rainfall for November was 1.2 inches
To date, Toquerville has received 13.72 inches of rain, nearly double the yearly average.
Our first freeze occurred on November 12th, but we had two days of 22 degrees, one day of 23 degrees, and one day of 24 degrees, providing us with early hard freezes. November temperatures were well below normal for our area.
I don't have much confidence in long term weather forecasts because they are usually wrong. The winter forecast for Utah and the west is for warmer than normal temperatures, and normal rainfall. Already, we've seen temperatures well below normal, and rainfall is still well above normal. So we'll see how it plays out. Unfortunately, the false preoccupation with "global warming" leads many weather forecasters to expect warmer winters and warmer summers, than normal. But when the real temperatures are recorded, they don't show up that way. Last winter and spring we had an El Nino weather pattern, which does provide warmer, wetter winters and springs, which is what we had. But El Nina weather patterns bring cooler, drier weather--and that's what I expect for this winter and spring. This would be a return to normal.
High Temp for November was 73 degrees. (Nov 3rd)
High wind speed for November was 34 mph on November 11th
Average wind speed for November was 15 mph
Average humidity for November was 41%
Average low temp for November was 37 degrees
Average high temp for November was 55 degrees
Rainfall for November was 1.2 inches
To date, Toquerville has received 13.72 inches of rain, nearly double the yearly average.
Our first freeze occurred on November 12th, but we had two days of 22 degrees, one day of 23 degrees, and one day of 24 degrees, providing us with early hard freezes. November temperatures were well below normal for our area.
I don't have much confidence in long term weather forecasts because they are usually wrong. The winter forecast for Utah and the west is for warmer than normal temperatures, and normal rainfall. Already, we've seen temperatures well below normal, and rainfall is still well above normal. So we'll see how it plays out. Unfortunately, the false preoccupation with "global warming" leads many weather forecasters to expect warmer winters and warmer summers, than normal. But when the real temperatures are recorded, they don't show up that way. Last winter and spring we had an El Nino weather pattern, which does provide warmer, wetter winters and springs, which is what we had. But El Nina weather patterns bring cooler, drier weather--and that's what I expect for this winter and spring. This would be a return to normal.
Monday, November 1, 2010
October Weather Report
Low temperature for October, 38 (October 26th)
High temperature for October, 90 (Oct 2nd)
The high wind speed for October, 37 mph (October 2nd)
Average wind speed = 14 mph
Average humidity = 43%
Average Low temperature = 52
Average High temperature = 71
Rainfall = 2.5
October proved to be a bit cooler than normal, and wetter than normal. Toquerville received 2.5 inches of rain for the month, and that gives us over 12.5 inches for the year, way above normal--with two more months to go.
We had only 4 days with winds of 20 mph or higher. I've mentioned before how unusual it is to have no wind during the day. Nearly always we have some wind, for at least a few minutes every day. On October 29th, the high wind speed for the day was 3 mph, which is very unusual. It wasn't a no wind day, but close.
Typically, Toquerville's first freeze comes in late November (last year it was Thanksgiving Day), and after a cool October, we're on a warming trend, so probably no freeze for another week or two.
Temperatures will always vary from one part of Toquerville to another. Temperatures can vary by several degrees, even within a few hundred hards. On calm nights, cold tends to settle to the bottom of low areas (like the creek area), and rain tends to be heavier against the mountain. It's my observation that even the wind (I'm referring to north winds) is harder to the west of Ash Creek, than to the east.
High temperature for October, 90 (Oct 2nd)
The high wind speed for October, 37 mph (October 2nd)
Average wind speed = 14 mph
Average humidity = 43%
Average Low temperature = 52
Average High temperature = 71
Rainfall = 2.5
October proved to be a bit cooler than normal, and wetter than normal. Toquerville received 2.5 inches of rain for the month, and that gives us over 12.5 inches for the year, way above normal--with two more months to go.
We had only 4 days with winds of 20 mph or higher. I've mentioned before how unusual it is to have no wind during the day. Nearly always we have some wind, for at least a few minutes every day. On October 29th, the high wind speed for the day was 3 mph, which is very unusual. It wasn't a no wind day, but close.
Typically, Toquerville's first freeze comes in late November (last year it was Thanksgiving Day), and after a cool October, we're on a warming trend, so probably no freeze for another week or two.
Temperatures will always vary from one part of Toquerville to another. Temperatures can vary by several degrees, even within a few hundred hards. On calm nights, cold tends to settle to the bottom of low areas (like the creek area), and rain tends to be heavier against the mountain. It's my observation that even the wind (I'm referring to north winds) is harder to the west of Ash Creek, than to the east.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
September Weather Report
Average Low = 60 degrees
Average High = 88 Degrees
Average wind speed = 13 mph
Rain fall for the month = .02 inches
The low temperature for the month was 53 degrees, on September 13th
The high temperature for the month was 97 degrees, on September 5th
High wind speed for the month was 30 mph on September 8th. Toquerville had only five days with wind speeds of 20 mph or higher. Overall, winds were very calm in September.
Generally speaking, September was unusually warm. September was only slightly cooler than August, although that fact is a bit deceiving. Clearly, the days are shorter, the hot periods of the days are shorter, and the evenings cool down early. In many parts of the state, record high temperatures were recorded at various times in August. There is no official record book for Toquerville, but this September was the warmest in three years. Still, we have enjoyed having our windows open at night for the entire month.
It's interesting to note that on September 27, Zion National Park recorded a temperature of 104 degrees (Toquerville was 91 on that date), and St George had numerous days in the 100s. I have to say, I'm skeptical about the 104 degree temp in Zions National Park, the temperature is difficult to explain since no surrounding areas had temperatures anywhere near 104. Zion tends to be a bit cooler than Toquerville because the high canyon walls shade the canyon, and canyon winds come down from Cedar Mountain and other cool areas causing temperatures to be a little cooler than Toquerville or Hurricane.
Average High = 88 Degrees
Average wind speed = 13 mph
Rain fall for the month = .02 inches
The low temperature for the month was 53 degrees, on September 13th
The high temperature for the month was 97 degrees, on September 5th
High wind speed for the month was 30 mph on September 8th. Toquerville had only five days with wind speeds of 20 mph or higher. Overall, winds were very calm in September.
Generally speaking, September was unusually warm. September was only slightly cooler than August, although that fact is a bit deceiving. Clearly, the days are shorter, the hot periods of the days are shorter, and the evenings cool down early. In many parts of the state, record high temperatures were recorded at various times in August. There is no official record book for Toquerville, but this September was the warmest in three years. Still, we have enjoyed having our windows open at night for the entire month.
It's interesting to note that on September 27, Zion National Park recorded a temperature of 104 degrees (Toquerville was 91 on that date), and St George had numerous days in the 100s. I have to say, I'm skeptical about the 104 degree temp in Zions National Park, the temperature is difficult to explain since no surrounding areas had temperatures anywhere near 104. Zion tends to be a bit cooler than Toquerville because the high canyon walls shade the canyon, and canyon winds come down from Cedar Mountain and other cool areas causing temperatures to be a little cooler than Toquerville or Hurricane.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
August Weather Report
Low temp for the month = 54 degrees on August 30th
High temp for the month = 99 (Aug 25th was last 99 degree day)
Avg low temp = 66.5 degrees
Avg high temp = 94 degrees
Avg wind speed = 16 mph
Avg humidity = 26%
Total rain = .67 hundredths
Toquerville had no temperatures above 100 degrees during August. We had several 99 and 98 degree days. Last year we had three days of 100 degrees or higher in August
Total rain to date is 10 inches. Total rain for 2008 was 7.1, for 2009 was 7.17--for the year. We still have four months to go, so 2010 is a well above average year for rainfall.
High temp for the month = 99 (Aug 25th was last 99 degree day)
Avg low temp = 66.5 degrees
Avg high temp = 94 degrees
Avg wind speed = 16 mph
Avg humidity = 26%
Total rain = .67 hundredths
Toquerville had no temperatures above 100 degrees during August. We had several 99 and 98 degree days. Last year we had three days of 100 degrees or higher in August
Total rain to date is 10 inches. Total rain for 2008 was 7.1, for 2009 was 7.17--for the year. We still have four months to go, so 2010 is a well above average year for rainfall.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July Weather Report
Avg High Temp = 100 degrees (Same as 2009)
Avg Low Temp = 72 degrees (Same as 2009)
Avg Humidity = .24 percent (2009 was 22 percent)
Avg Wind Speed = 16 mph (2009 was 15 mph)
Total Rain = .06 hundredths of an inch (2009 was .39 inches)
Days with wind speed above 20 mph = 9 (2009 was 7 days)
Days with temperature above 100 degrees = 19 (2009 was 20)
High temperature for July = 105 degrees (2009 was 108)
July has been hot, but right about normal. This July was actually a little cooler than last year, but drier as well.
July winds were actually pretty calm, most winds over 20 mph were of short duration.
We have likely seen our hottest weather for the year. And history says the evenings will be cooler in August than in July.
Avg Low Temp = 72 degrees (Same as 2009)
Avg Humidity = .24 percent (2009 was 22 percent)
Avg Wind Speed = 16 mph (2009 was 15 mph)
Total Rain = .06 hundredths of an inch (2009 was .39 inches)
Days with wind speed above 20 mph = 9 (2009 was 7 days)
Days with temperature above 100 degrees = 19 (2009 was 20)
High temperature for July = 105 degrees (2009 was 108)
July has been hot, but right about normal. This July was actually a little cooler than last year, but drier as well.
July winds were actually pretty calm, most winds over 20 mph were of short duration.
We have likely seen our hottest weather for the year. And history says the evenings will be cooler in August than in July.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
June Weather Report
Last month I stated that "the El Nino pattern that has dominated Toquerville weather this year, has now passed." That turned out to not quite be true. June was unusually cool, crops and fruit are well behind their normal course. Historically, El Nino's influence continues through June and into early July.
Avg high temp = 92.5 (2009, 89)
Avg Low temp = 63.0 (2009, 63)
Avg wind speed = 17 (2009, 16)
Avg humidity = 22% (2009, 23)
Total rain = .18 inches (2009, .06)
Days above 100 degrees = 6 (2009, 5)
With the year half over, Toquerville has received 8.77 inches of rain, well above the annual average of 7 inches.
Avg high temp = 92.5 (2009, 89)
Avg Low temp = 63.0 (2009, 63)
Avg wind speed = 17 (2009, 16)
Avg humidity = 22% (2009, 23)
Total rain = .18 inches (2009, .06)
Days above 100 degrees = 6 (2009, 5)
With the year half over, Toquerville has received 8.77 inches of rain, well above the annual average of 7 inches.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
May 2010 Weather Data
The El Nino weather pattern that dominated Toquerville weather since early January, continued much of its influence through May, but has now dissipated and will likely have little affect for the rest of the year. Normal temperatures seem to have returned. Still, May was significantly cooler than last year for both the average high and average low. Precipitation has returned to normal, about the same as last year.
Precipitation = .12 hundredths of an inch. (last year was .14 hundredths of an inch)
Average high temp = 77 degrees. (Last year was 88 degrees)
Average low temp = 51 degrees. (Last year was 60.7 degrees)
Average humidity = 24 percent. (Last year was 23 percent)
Average wind speed was 20 mph. (Last year was 22.45 mph) These figures only represent the average high wind speed. What the numbers don’t tell is that the ferocity and length of the winds was significantly less this May than last.
Precipitation = .12 hundredths of an inch. (last year was .14 hundredths of an inch)
Average high temp = 77 degrees. (Last year was 88 degrees)
Average low temp = 51 degrees. (Last year was 60.7 degrees)
Average humidity = 24 percent. (Last year was 23 percent)
Average wind speed was 20 mph. (Last year was 22.45 mph) These figures only represent the average high wind speed. What the numbers don’t tell is that the ferocity and length of the winds was significantly less this May than last.
Monday, May 3, 2010
April Weather Data
April has been a bit of an anomaly, weatherwise. We had no freezing temperatures in March, but on April 6th, it froze in Toquerville. It was 32 degrees and froze tender crops like tomatoes and peppers, it also froze some fruit, though not all. I lost about 90% of my apricots, but not nothing else. Peaches and pears were unaffected.
Avg High = 68 (last year was 70 degrees for April)
Avg Low = 45 (last year was 46 degrees for April)
So temperatures are a little lower this year than last.
Avg Humidity = .33% (last year was 29%)
Avg Wind Speed = 18 mph (last year was 17 mph)
Rainfall = .75 inches, 8.47 inches since January 1st
Last year we received .37 inches during April, and 3.12 inches from January through April. So rainfall for April is double from last year, and to date, was almost triple last year's rainfall.
Toquerville had 8 days with winds of 20 mph or greater. Last year we had 11 days of winds 20 mph or greater.
Temperatures remain below normal. Morning lows are also well below normal. The El Nino weather pattern continues to affect our weather, delivering above normal rainfall, and more southerly winds instead of the stronger northerly winds.
Avg High = 68 (last year was 70 degrees for April)
Avg Low = 45 (last year was 46 degrees for April)
So temperatures are a little lower this year than last.
Avg Humidity = .33% (last year was 29%)
Avg Wind Speed = 18 mph (last year was 17 mph)
Rainfall = .75 inches, 8.47 inches since January 1st
Last year we received .37 inches during April, and 3.12 inches from January through April. So rainfall for April is double from last year, and to date, was almost triple last year's rainfall.
Toquerville had 8 days with winds of 20 mph or greater. Last year we had 11 days of winds 20 mph or greater.
Temperatures remain below normal. Morning lows are also well below normal. The El Nino weather pattern continues to affect our weather, delivering above normal rainfall, and more southerly winds instead of the stronger northerly winds.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
March Weather Data
Toquerville received 2.16 inches of rain in March, 7.70 inches since January 1st, which exceeds our annual average. This amount of rainfall is about triple what is normal for the end of March.
Average wind speed for March was 21 mph, a little above last year. And we had 12 days with winds above 20 mph, about the same as last year.
The average high temperature for the month was 60 degrees, the average low was 40 degrees. For 2009 it was 64 degrees for the avg high and 40 degrees for the avg low.
The average wind speed for the month was 21 mph. The average for 2009 was 18 mph
Average humidity for the month was 37%
The El Nino weather pattern continues to dominate the Toquerville weather. The jet stream tracks far south of its normal position, which brings in these southerly, wet, Pacific storms, thus the increased rain we have received. The El Nino pattern typically continues up to, or into, the month of June.
April 1st is Toquerville’s typical frost free date, which is interesting, because April 1st could be one of our colder days, and nights, of the season.
Interestingly, our last freeze occurred on February 26th. The low temperatures for the month of March was 34 degrees on March 12th. It should be safe to plant any garden crops now.
Average wind speed for March was 21 mph, a little above last year. And we had 12 days with winds above 20 mph, about the same as last year.
The average high temperature for the month was 60 degrees, the average low was 40 degrees. For 2009 it was 64 degrees for the avg high and 40 degrees for the avg low.
The average wind speed for the month was 21 mph. The average for 2009 was 18 mph
Average humidity for the month was 37%
The El Nino weather pattern continues to dominate the Toquerville weather. The jet stream tracks far south of its normal position, which brings in these southerly, wet, Pacific storms, thus the increased rain we have received. The El Nino pattern typically continues up to, or into, the month of June.
April 1st is Toquerville’s typical frost free date, which is interesting, because April 1st could be one of our colder days, and nights, of the season.
Interestingly, our last freeze occurred on February 26th. The low temperatures for the month of March was 34 degrees on March 12th. It should be safe to plant any garden crops now.
Monday, March 1, 2010
February Weather
Toquerville received 2.5 inches of rain in February, verses 1.6 inches in 2009.
Rain received so far this year? 5.58 inches, vs 2.75 in 2009, and well above average
Average wind speed for February was 14 mph, verses 10 mph in 2009
Average High temperature for February was 52, 55 degrees was the average in 2009
Average Low temperature for February was 36 degrees, exactly what it was in 2009
Toquerville had 1 fog day, and 1 inch of snow in February.
Average humidity was 47%, it was 42% in 2009
Toquerville received a full 60 more minutes of daylight in February.
The El Nino weather pattern continues to influence Toquerville weather, with the southerly tracking storms continuing to bring rain to southern Utah and northern Arizona. We can expect a greener than normal spring in the hills and desert areas of Washington County, as well as more weeds, and not to mention a large number of the beet leafhopper, which carries the curly top virus.
Rain received so far this year? 5.58 inches, vs 2.75 in 2009, and well above average
Average wind speed for February was 14 mph, verses 10 mph in 2009
Average High temperature for February was 52, 55 degrees was the average in 2009
Average Low temperature for February was 36 degrees, exactly what it was in 2009
Toquerville had 1 fog day, and 1 inch of snow in February.
Average humidity was 47%, it was 42% in 2009
Toquerville received a full 60 more minutes of daylight in February.
The El Nino weather pattern continues to influence Toquerville weather, with the southerly tracking storms continuing to bring rain to southern Utah and northern Arizona. We can expect a greener than normal spring in the hills and desert areas of Washington County, as well as more weeds, and not to mention a large number of the beet leafhopper, which carries the curly top virus.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January 2010 Weather Data
In 2009, Toquerville received 1.14 inches of rain in January.
In 2010, Toquerville received 3.09 inches of rain–almost triple the previous year.
And if February is equal to last year (1.61 inches), Toquerville will have received almost 75% of its annual rain in two months. The pattern bodes well for a good water year.
In 2009, the average high temperature for January was 51.26, and the average low 32.97.
In 2010, the average high temperature for January was 48.74, and the average low 32.84
In 2009, the average wind speed for January was 17 mph. The average wind speed for January 2010 was 11 mph.
Toquerville also had one fog day, January 23rd.
Average humidity for January 2010? 49%
So January 2010 has been wetter and cooler than 2009, and that makes sense, more cloud cover, more rain, less radiation reaches the ground, thus cooler temperatures.
And we are in an El Nino pattern, so Utah should receive more rain than normal, more storms come from the south, which means less wind for Toquerville, which is exactly what we had.
Toquerville also received 40 more minutes of daylight in January.
In 2010, Toquerville received 3.09 inches of rain–almost triple the previous year.
And if February is equal to last year (1.61 inches), Toquerville will have received almost 75% of its annual rain in two months. The pattern bodes well for a good water year.
In 2009, the average high temperature for January was 51.26, and the average low 32.97.
In 2010, the average high temperature for January was 48.74, and the average low 32.84
In 2009, the average wind speed for January was 17 mph. The average wind speed for January 2010 was 11 mph.
Toquerville also had one fog day, January 23rd.
Average humidity for January 2010? 49%
So January 2010 has been wetter and cooler than 2009, and that makes sense, more cloud cover, more rain, less radiation reaches the ground, thus cooler temperatures.
And we are in an El Nino pattern, so Utah should receive more rain than normal, more storms come from the south, which means less wind for Toquerville, which is exactly what we had.
Toquerville also received 40 more minutes of daylight in January.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January Weather and Rain
Although Toquerville receives about 7 inches of rain each year, the lion's share of that moisture comes during the months of December, January and February; the balance being more or less evenly scattered through the remaining nine months.
In January 2009, Toquerville received hefty amounts of rain during a four day period in late January (Jan 23-27), and in 2005 Toquerville received heavy rain in January that caused flooding along Ash Creek. Consistent with this pattern, Toquerville also received heavy rain this January. From Monday January 18 through Saturday January 23, Toquerville received 2.44 inches of rain, below are the daily totals:
Monday = .50
Tuesday = .39
Wednesday = .15
Thursday = .93
Friday = .33
Saturday = .14
The Thursday .93 inches of rainfall is the highest single day rainfall in the three years I've been recording data, and the weekly total of 2.44 is well above any previous weekly total over the past three years. So assuming Toquerville receives 7 inches of rain again in 2010, it has already received almost 40% of its annual rainfall.
This weather is a result of the El Nino weather pattern caused by higher than normal warming of the Pacific Ocean water off the coast of Peru. El Nino causes the jet stream to drop well down into southern California and northern Arizona, allowing warm, moisture laden storms to come ashore in southern California and affect Arizona, Nevada and Utah in an unusual way. Meteorologists reported one of the lowest barometric pressures ever seen off the coast of California this past week. And on Thursday morning (Jan 21, 2010) Salt Lake City recorded the lowest barometric pressure reading--ever. That low pressure drew up the moisture from the south and doused the state with large amounts of rain and snow. In an El Nino year, Utah receives higher than normal amounts of rain and snow.
Although Ash Creek, Laverkin Creek, and the Virgin River were all running higher than normal, no flooding occurred. Because the 2.44 inches of rain was spread out over a six day period, with periods of no rain in between, the soil was able to absorb much of the water and prevent flooding.
The prolonged, deep soaking we received this week is ideal for trees, pecans, yards and garden soil. Unfortunately, it also probably insures a bad infestation of the Beet Leafhopper, and another bad year for Curly Top Blight. The Leafhoppers thrive in the hills during wet Winters and wet Springs, then move down into the valleys when the hills dry out in the spring, and our gardens get going.
In January 2009, Toquerville received hefty amounts of rain during a four day period in late January (Jan 23-27), and in 2005 Toquerville received heavy rain in January that caused flooding along Ash Creek. Consistent with this pattern, Toquerville also received heavy rain this January. From Monday January 18 through Saturday January 23, Toquerville received 2.44 inches of rain, below are the daily totals:
Monday = .50
Tuesday = .39
Wednesday = .15
Thursday = .93
Friday = .33
Saturday = .14
The Thursday .93 inches of rainfall is the highest single day rainfall in the three years I've been recording data, and the weekly total of 2.44 is well above any previous weekly total over the past three years. So assuming Toquerville receives 7 inches of rain again in 2010, it has already received almost 40% of its annual rainfall.
This weather is a result of the El Nino weather pattern caused by higher than normal warming of the Pacific Ocean water off the coast of Peru. El Nino causes the jet stream to drop well down into southern California and northern Arizona, allowing warm, moisture laden storms to come ashore in southern California and affect Arizona, Nevada and Utah in an unusual way. Meteorologists reported one of the lowest barometric pressures ever seen off the coast of California this past week. And on Thursday morning (Jan 21, 2010) Salt Lake City recorded the lowest barometric pressure reading--ever. That low pressure drew up the moisture from the south and doused the state with large amounts of rain and snow. In an El Nino year, Utah receives higher than normal amounts of rain and snow.
Although Ash Creek, Laverkin Creek, and the Virgin River were all running higher than normal, no flooding occurred. Because the 2.44 inches of rain was spread out over a six day period, with periods of no rain in between, the soil was able to absorb much of the water and prevent flooding.
The prolonged, deep soaking we received this week is ideal for trees, pecans, yards and garden soil. Unfortunately, it also probably insures a bad infestation of the Beet Leafhopper, and another bad year for Curly Top Blight. The Leafhoppers thrive in the hills during wet Winters and wet Springs, then move down into the valleys when the hills dry out in the spring, and our gardens get going.
Toquerville Weather History
General Weather Information
First frost date 2008 = October 12th
First frost date 2009 = November 18th
Last frost date 2008 = April 10th
Last frost date 2009 = March 9th
Total rainfall 2008 = 7.1 inches (includes 13 inches of snow)
Total rainfall 2009 = 7.17
Longest day 2008 = June 15th, (14 hrs 43 minutes)
Longest day 2009 = June 24th, 14 hrs 44 minutes)
Shortest day 2008 = December 22nd (9 hrs 36 minutes)
Shortest day 2009 = December 23rd (9 hrs 36 minutes)
Average wind speed 2008 = 17.4
Average wind speed 2009 = 16.9
Days with wind speed below 10 mph 2008 = 44
Days with wind speed below 10 mph 2009 = 68
Days above 100 degrees 2008 = 35
Days above 100 degrees 2009 = 32
Days below 50 degrees 2008 = 36
Days below 50 degrees 2009 = 46
Average low temp 2008 = 49.5
Average low temp 2009 = 49.9
Average high temp 2008 = 73.26
Average high temp 2009 = 73.0
Average humidity 2008 = 29%
Average humidity 2009 = 30%
Toquerville had only 20 days with south winds over 20 mph, but 75 days with north winds over 20 mph (2009). Clearly, winds from the north dominate our weather. Days with winds over 30 mph from the north = 31, days with winds over 30 mph from the south = 2. Days with north winds over 40 mph = 16, days with south winds over 40 mph = 0.
Weather Detail
Coldest date 2008 = December 27th (19)
Coldest date 2009 = December 9th (16)
Hottest date 2008 = July 3rd (107)
Hottest date 2009 = July 17th (107)
Highest wind 2008 = 62 mph (March 2, 2008)
Highest wind 2009 = 52 mph ( May 24, 2009)
Heavest rain date 2008 = December 25th (.82)
Heaviest rain date 2009 = December 7th (.71)
2009 was 1.06 degrees colder than 2008
December 2009 was 1.14 degrees colder than December 2008
Observations
1. When the jet stream comes vertically down the state of Utah, Toquerville will always get high winds out of the north.
2. If a barometric low is situated to the east of Toquerville (eastern Utah to western Colorado) we will almost always receive high "canyon winds" from the north or northeast.
3. If a cold front moves through, Toquerville will always receive high winds for at least a day or two.
4. High winds usually last two to three days.
5. There are very few days of the year we receive no wind (two days in 2009)
6. We almost always have a wind over 10 mph, if even only for a matter of minutes, often early in the morning hours, or frequently in the mid-afternoon. Unless a cold front is moving through, or the jet stream is overhead, these winds only last a short time.
7. Toquerville may experience high temperatures over 100 degrees, but unlike most other southwest areas, the high is not reached until early afternoon. And, unlike most other southwest areas, Toquerville begins to cool off between 2-4 pm; thus giving Toquerville only short periods of high temperatures during summer months.
8. The Toquerville summer evenings are not typical of southwest desert areas because Toquerville evenings typically are cool and pleasant. Toquerville only had 37 days with night time lows above 70 degrees, and no night time lows above 80 degrees.
9. St George receives far more wind from the south than does Toquerville, and Toquerville receives far more wind from the north than does St George, though only 19 miles apart.
10. The length of the day (sunlight hours) is affected more by the sunset, than by the sunrise. Over the course of the year, the sunset time changes more than does the sunrise.
First frost date 2008 = October 12th
First frost date 2009 = November 18th
Last frost date 2008 = April 10th
Last frost date 2009 = March 9th
Total rainfall 2008 = 7.1 inches (includes 13 inches of snow)
Total rainfall 2009 = 7.17
Longest day 2008 = June 15th, (14 hrs 43 minutes)
Longest day 2009 = June 24th, 14 hrs 44 minutes)
Shortest day 2008 = December 22nd (9 hrs 36 minutes)
Shortest day 2009 = December 23rd (9 hrs 36 minutes)
Average wind speed 2008 = 17.4
Average wind speed 2009 = 16.9
Days with wind speed below 10 mph 2008 = 44
Days with wind speed below 10 mph 2009 = 68
Days above 100 degrees 2008 = 35
Days above 100 degrees 2009 = 32
Days below 50 degrees 2008 = 36
Days below 50 degrees 2009 = 46
Average low temp 2008 = 49.5
Average low temp 2009 = 49.9
Average high temp 2008 = 73.26
Average high temp 2009 = 73.0
Average humidity 2008 = 29%
Average humidity 2009 = 30%
Toquerville had only 20 days with south winds over 20 mph, but 75 days with north winds over 20 mph (2009). Clearly, winds from the north dominate our weather. Days with winds over 30 mph from the north = 31, days with winds over 30 mph from the south = 2. Days with north winds over 40 mph = 16, days with south winds over 40 mph = 0.
Weather Detail
Coldest date 2008 = December 27th (19)
Coldest date 2009 = December 9th (16)
Hottest date 2008 = July 3rd (107)
Hottest date 2009 = July 17th (107)
Highest wind 2008 = 62 mph (March 2, 2008)
Highest wind 2009 = 52 mph ( May 24, 2009)
Heavest rain date 2008 = December 25th (.82)
Heaviest rain date 2009 = December 7th (.71)
2009 was 1.06 degrees colder than 2008
December 2009 was 1.14 degrees colder than December 2008
Observations
1. When the jet stream comes vertically down the state of Utah, Toquerville will always get high winds out of the north.
2. If a barometric low is situated to the east of Toquerville (eastern Utah to western Colorado) we will almost always receive high "canyon winds" from the north or northeast.
3. If a cold front moves through, Toquerville will always receive high winds for at least a day or two.
4. High winds usually last two to three days.
5. There are very few days of the year we receive no wind (two days in 2009)
6. We almost always have a wind over 10 mph, if even only for a matter of minutes, often early in the morning hours, or frequently in the mid-afternoon. Unless a cold front is moving through, or the jet stream is overhead, these winds only last a short time.
7. Toquerville may experience high temperatures over 100 degrees, but unlike most other southwest areas, the high is not reached until early afternoon. And, unlike most other southwest areas, Toquerville begins to cool off between 2-4 pm; thus giving Toquerville only short periods of high temperatures during summer months.
8. The Toquerville summer evenings are not typical of southwest desert areas because Toquerville evenings typically are cool and pleasant. Toquerville only had 37 days with night time lows above 70 degrees, and no night time lows above 80 degrees.
9. St George receives far more wind from the south than does Toquerville, and Toquerville receives far more wind from the north than does St George, though only 19 miles apart.
10. The length of the day (sunlight hours) is affected more by the sunset, than by the sunrise. Over the course of the year, the sunset time changes more than does the sunrise.
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