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What NOAA's newest climate normals mean for West Texas

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its newest climate normals for the years 1991-2020.
Credit: NOAA

SAN ANGELO, Texas — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its newest climate normals for the years 1991-2020. This latest report included the decade 2011-2020, and excluded the decade 1981-1990. The latest information will be used by the public, weather forecasters and businesses to compare today’s conditions to 30-year averages. 

When comparing the data from 1991-2020 ,to the data from 1981-2010, it was clear that the average temperature in the United States has risen slightly in almost all states in the contiguous United States. 

Annual mean temperature change:

Credit: NOAA

When analyzing precipitation changes, it was clear that the desert southwest has become drier, and the eastern United States has become wetter. 

Annual mean precipitation change:

Credit: NOAA

In West Texas, daily normal temperatures have increased one to three degrees overall in both Abilene and San Angelo. Daily highs have increased more than daily lows, and the increase in daily highs is most notable in the summer months of June, July and August.

For precipitation, Abilene has become slightly wetter with an increase in annual precipitation. San Angelo has become slightly drier with a decrease in annual precipitation. 

Credit: Meteorologist Joe DeCarlo

These are averages over a 30-year period and do not predict what will happen in day-to-day weather patterns. 

Stay with FOX West Texas for the very latest information. 

 

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