Rutgers Climatologist Can Discuss the Record Wet Weather in N.J. in 2018 and Top 10 Events

New Brunswick, N.J. (Jan. 2, 2019) – Rutgers Professor David A. Robinson, the New Jersey State Climatologist, is available to provide insight on the wettest year on record in New Jersey and the top 10 New Jersey weather and climate events of 2018.

“2018 is the wettest year in New Jersey since record-keeping began in 1895. The preliminary (slightly incomplete) statewide average is 64.09 inches of precipitation, including rain, and melted sleet and snow. The second wettest year is 2011, when Tropical Storm Irene inundated the Garden State and precipitation averaged 63.95 inches,” said Robinson, a distinguished professor in the Department of Geography at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. “Statewide averages are based on measurements at several dozen National Weather Service cooperative stations.”

“Last year ranked 11th for warmth, tying 1999,” said Robinson, who runs the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist. “The statewide average temperature was 54.1 degrees Fahrenheit.”

The top 10 weather and climate events include: wettest year on record; numerous deluges; 11th warmest year; snowy March; February warmer than March; November 15 snow event; cold and snow to start the year; late spring green up and late fall leaf fall; cold Thanksgiving and Black Friday; and a large number of windy days.

Robinson oversees the Rutgers NJ Weather Network and helps coordinate the New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. He is available to comment at [email protected] or 848-445-4741.

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