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The theme of “pressure” was selected to define the last month of 2024. In an absolute sense, this refers to a mid-December period with the highest atmospheric pressure recorded in New Jersey in over 40 years. It can also be linked with pressure differentials over the course of the month that resulted in many windy days. In a relative sense, it refers to the need to recoup the substantial precipitation deficit for the second half of the year in hopes that water resources will rebound, and by spring, drought will not be of great concern. Some progress in that direction was made from late November through December, but far more is needed in upcoming months. Following a recap of December conditions, this report will conclude with an overview of the Garden State’s weather/climate of 2024, including a link to our annual top 10 event list.

Statewide, December precipitation was more plentiful than any month since August, though still below the 1991–2020 normal. The rain and melted snow averaged 3.67”. This was 0.60” below normal and ranks as the 65th driest (66th wettest) since statewide records commenced in 1895. As seen most often throughout 2024, south Jersey was drier than the north in December. The southern climate division (Mercer/Middlesex/Monmouth south, except east of the Garden State Parkway) averaged 3.55” (-0.73”, 63rd driest/68th wettest), the coastal division (east of the Parkway) came in at 3.21” (-1.15, 55th driest/76th wettest), and the northern division (Hunterdon/Somerset/Union and north) averaged 3.92” (-0.33”, 70th driest/61st wettest).

Following a remarkably dry, record-breaking October, and the two driest consecutive months on record, you had to wonder if November would have anything of note to add to a rather peculiar fall. In short, it did not disappoint. Drought continued (but it precipitated!), warmth prevailed, and a November snowfall record was established for a single storm and location. More on fall 2024 will be presented below. First, a recap of November conditions.

Statewide, November precipitation (rain and melted snow) averaged 2.65”. This was 0.71” below the 1991–2020 normal and ranks as the 52nd driest November dating back 130 years to 1895. The extreme northwest was wettest and the extreme south driest. The northern climate division (Hunterdon-Somerset-Union counties and northward) averaged 2.89” (-0.58”, 50th driest), the southern division (Mercer-Middlesex-Monmouth southward, except along the coast) 2.51” (-0.78”, 51st driest), and the coastal division (mainly east of the Garden State Parkway) 2.41” (-0.93”, 49th driest).

The statewide monthly average temperature of 49.1° was 4.0° above normal, ranking 5th mildest on record. Seven of the eight mildest Novembers in the past 130 years have occurred since 2001. The average high was 59.6°, which was 4.9° above normal and tied as the 4th mildest. The average low was 38.6°, which was 3.1° above normal and tied for 10th mildest. The north averaged 47.0° (+3.9°, 5th mildest), south 50.3° (+4.0°, tied for 4th mildest), and the coast 51.5° (+4.2°, tied for 3rd mildest).

Perhaps the title for this month’s report has captured your attention. Hope so, because while September was a rather quiet month weather-wise for New Jersey, it certainly was an unusual one. As many of you reading this report know, the prevailing winds across the middle latitudes, including New Jersey, tend to be westerlies, comprised of winds blowing from west to east. However, an unusually persistent atmospheric pattern this past month resulted in easterly winds most often blowing across the state. This led to minor coastal flooding, rip currents, and foggy conditions along the coast, and to moderate air temperatures and exceedingly dry conditions throughout NJ.

Looking first at precipitation, the general absence of notable storms either of coastal, tropical, or thunderstorm varieties led to the 3rd driest September on record. With records back 130 years to 1895, the statewide average of 0.83” was only greater than 0.29” in 1941 and 0.38” in 1914. The month fell 3.33” below the 1991–2020 average. The northern climate division averaged 1.12” (-3.34”, 7th driest), southern division 0.63” (-3.36”, 3rd driest), and coastal division 0.94” (-2.95”, 6th driest).

NJ’s statewide average September temperature was quite close to its 1991–2020 normal, coming in at 67.0°, 0.1° above normal. This ranks 31st warmest of the past 130 years due to the most recent 30-year average period being considerably warmer than earlier decades of the 20th century. The average high temperature of 76.7° was 0.5° below normal and the average minimum of 57.3° was 0.7° above normal, both indicative of a month with a prevailing maritime influence. The north averaged 65.0° (+0.1°, 34th warmest), south 68.2° (+0.1°, 31st warmest), and coast 68.7° (no departure, 35th warmest).

Yet another warmer-than-normal July is in the books. This first sentence is just how last July’s report began. With a statewide average temperature of 77.9°, July 2024 ranked as the 7th warmest since records commenced in 1895. It was 2.5° above the 1991–2010 normal. The average high of 87.8° was 2.1° above normal, ranking 10th warmest. The average low of 68.0° was 2.9° above normal, ranking 3rd warmest. Eight of the ten warmest Julys have occurred since 2010 and ten of fifteen since 1999. Only three Julys in the past 25 years have averaged below the 1991–2010 normal. The June-July average of 75.8° is the second warmest, only exceeded by 76.1° in 2010. The year-to-date average through July of 55.2° also ranks second warmest following 55.7° in 2012. Within the northern climate division, the average was 76.6° (+2.9°, 4th warmest), southern 78.8° (+2.3°, 9th warmest), and coastal 77.7° (+1.5°, 12th warmest). Summing things up, this month’s report title seemed an appropriate choice.

The 4.01” statewide average July precipitation was 0.70” below normal, ranking 52nd driest of the past 130 Julys. The north averaged 4.36” (-0.36’, 59th driest), south 3.77” (-0.97”, 51st driest), and coast 4.12” (-0.26”, 63rd driest).

As spring turns to summer, all in Jersey can be pleased that water supplies are in good shape. Also, while it took some time to become established, by late May, warmer temperatures brought out summer wardrobes. Spring (March–May) conditions will be covered later in this report, but first a look at May. As the title of the monthly portion of this narrative suggests, May 2024 never established a consistent atmospheric pattern. There were plenty of episodes where light to moderate showers dotted the state, but never a broad soaker. Temperatures fluctuated on a weekly basis, without a persistent leaning until warmth prevailed later in the month. Put it all together and May ended on a green note born of somewhat below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures. The statewide average temperature of 63.9° was 2.7° above the 1991–2020 normal. This ranks as the 11th mildest May dating back to 1895. This anomaly was driven by elevated minimum temperatures that averaged 54.0° which is 3.8° above normal and ranks as the 4th warmest on record. This no doubt due to persistent nighttime cloud cover. The average high temperature of 73.7° was 1.4° above normal, ranking 35th warmest. The northern climate division averaged 63.0° (+3.1°, 7th warmest). Across the southern division the average temperature was 64.5° (+2.3°, 13th warmest). The coastal division averaged 63.1° (+2.1°, 11th warmest).