Alpena residents saw a notably wet August, as rainfall reached 4.76 inches — 1.67 inches more than the month’s normal total of 3.09 inches. Despite the extra precipitation, temperatures for the month remained close to long-term averages, according to National Weather Service information reported by The Alpena News.
The outlook for September calls for a modest shift: temperatures are expected to be “ever so slightly” above average, while precipitation is forecast to remain around normal for the rest of the month. The next several days are expected to be warmer and drier than typical.
August rainfall stood out
August’s rainfall was well below Alpena’s wettest August on record, which occurred in 1994, when precipitation totaled 6.26 inches. The largest single-day rainfall total this year came on Aug. 5, when 1.73 inches was recorded.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Sean Christensen said rainfall totals can vary significantly because many factors influence how much precipitation an area receives. Summer rainfall, in particular, often fluctuates from year to year.
Temperatures stayed close to normal
Although the monthly temperature average was close to normal, August’s average high was slightly below the long-term figure. The high temperature averaged 77.4 degrees, compared with a long-term average of 78.8 degrees. The month’s highest temperature was 86 degrees on Aug. 4.
Overnight and early-morning temperatures were somewhat warmer than the multi-year average. The low temperature averaged 55.9 degrees, compared with a multi-year average of 54.5 degrees. The lowest temperature recorded during the month was 47 degrees, reached on Aug. 20 and Aug. 28.
Overall, August’s average temperature was 66.7 degrees, nearly identical to the multi-year average of 66.6 degrees. Christensen characterized the month’s temperatures as slightly below normal.
What Alpena can expect in September
Forecasts indicate that temperatures should run a little above normal during the week ahead. Patchy fog is expected Wednesday night and Thursday, while showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Wednesday.
After that, the remainder of the week is expected to be mostly sunny, with highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 50s. The extended forecast for Labor Day weekend calls for temperatures in the low to mid-70s, with only a slight chance of rain.