SPRINGFIELD, MASS (WGGB)- In the June “State of the Climate” report, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found the first half of 2012 was the warmest January-June period for the Lower 48 States, in records dating to 1895.
In all, a total of 28 states, all east of the Rocky Mountains, had a record warm first six months of the year, including Massachusetts. Another 15 states had their top 10 warmest January-June. Only Washington state recorded a cooler-than-average first half of 2012.
Colorado recorded its record hottest June. Potential all-time state records in South Carolina (113) and Georgia (112) are currently under review by the U.S. State Climate Extremes Committee. Over 170 all-time record highs were either tied or broken in June.
On the other end of the spectrum, Washington state had its seventh coolest June.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the warmth over the Lower 48 States:
- January: 4th warmest
- February: 17th warmest
- March: Warmest on record
- April: 3rd warmest
- May: 2nd warmest
- June: 14th warmest
Dan Brown
