So often over the past roughly year and a half, I have been writing about statewide monthly temperatures being among the warmest on record. In fact, February, May, August, and September 2018, as well as April 2019, have ranked as 2nd, 4th, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th warmest, respectively, since statewide averages began being generated in 1895 (see the accompanying figure). Throughout this century, this has so often been the case that, seemingly, it is almost expected each month. Not necessarily a top 5 ranking, but often in the top 20.

December Overview

It is appropriate that the weather of last month of 2018 was rather similar to many earlier months in the year. Statewide, precipitation was above average for the 10th month of 2018 and the temperature was above average for the 8th month. This resulted in the year being the wettest on record and the 11th warmest since statewide observations began being calculated in 1895. More on this later in the report.

As 2018 draws to a close, here in the state climate office, we have evaluated the myriad of daily, monthly, and annual observations gathered across New Jersey during the course of the year to choose what we feel were the most significant and impactful ten events (with one other knocking on the door). While the record book hasn’t quite closed on the year, below is our near-final assessment. Look for a completed listing early in January, when the book is closed on totals and averages for 2018.

Here is the Office of the NJ State Climatologist's ranking of the top 10 weather and climate events of 2017. More about each event can be found in the monthly narratives posted on njclimate.org. You might be tempted to rearrange the rankings, particularly as some of the events down the list may have affected you more than others ranked higher. Or perhaps you best recall one that didn't make the list. That's the enjoyment and frustration of lists! Unless stated otherwise, statewide values are based on an average of several dozen stations.

Snow in Hillsborough (Somerset County) on January 24, 2016, a day after a blizzard dropped 1.0–2.5 feet of snow over most of the state.

Surfers and other beach goers on Christmas day near Asbury Park (Monmouth County). Photo by Robyn Gerbush.

December Overview

Listed below is the Office of the NJ State Climatologist’s ranking of the top 10 weather and climate events of 2015. More about each event can be found in the monthly narratives posted on njclimate.org. You might be tempted to rearrange the rankings, particularly as some of the events down the list may have affected you more than others ranked higher. Or perhaps you best recall one that didn’t make the list. That’s the enjoyment (and frustration!) of lists.

December Overview