BALTIMORE — What a year for weather in Maryland, in particularly the rain. The final numbers for rain are in for the year and they are astonishing. Nearly 6 feet of rain (71.82") fell in Baltimore during 2018. Most of that came during the months of May, July, September, and November where 42.23" of rain fell. In July alone we had 16.73". This is was the month of course with the historical flood in Ellicott City and Frederick.
If we really break the numbers down we had 191 days of rain for the year. Out of those 191 days 36 weekend days were wet leading many during 2018 to spend extra time indoors.
You would think that "Aquaman" or even "Flipper" took up residency here in Maryland this year with these crazy totals. We are about 30" above the average rainfall for the year of 41.88".
On the flip side though our severe weather season was down nationwide. Yes while many of us dealt with a prolonged deluge from storms and hurricanes 0 violent tornadoes(EF4-EF5 Rating) were to be reported. This is a first in the historical book since 1950. With no violent tornadoes and better warnings system we had less tornado fatalities. Only 10 fatalities were reported this year which is the lowest on record since 1875. Unfortunately 2 of those deaths came in Maryland (Dundalk Amazon Tornado) breaking a streak of no fatalities since La Plata (2002).
So what will 2019 behold?
We kicked in the New Year with highs in the 60s which is a stark contrast to last year's 23 degree reading on New Year's Day. 2018 was the 4th coldest New Year's Day on record so that's a plus. Long range trends continue to suggest above average temperatures and precipitation. No big snowstorms on the horizon just more rain at the end of the week. It can't be any worse then all that rain in 2018, can it?
A New Year and a new slate of weather to explore for 2019 ahead.
