July - Record Wet, Record Warm

July precipitation ranged from 50% of normal to more than 200% of normal.

July featured above-normal rainfall for most of the Northeast, with multiple areas seeing extreme rainfall and flash flooding. The wettest areas saw more than 200% of normal and included parts of the Delmarva Peninsula, portions central and eastern Pennsylvania, multiple areas in New York, and a large portion of New England. Thirty-two of the region’s 35 major climate sites were wetter than normal, with Hartford, CT, and Albany, NY, seeing their wettest July on record. This July ranked among the 20 wettest Julys on record for another 17 major climate sites. Additionally, July 2023 ranked among the five all-time wettest months on record at Hartford and Albany, as well as Worcester, MA. The wet conditions allowed drought and abnormal dryness to contract across the region. However, a few drier areas such as central Maryland and eastern West Virginia saw drought persist.

This July ranked as the wettest on record for Hartford, CT, and Albany, NY, and among the 20 wettest for 17 other major climate sites. This July also ranked among the 20 all-time wettest months on record at a handful of sites.

July average temperatures ranged from 2°F below normal to 6°F above normal.

Much of the Northeast experienced a warmer-than-normal July, with average temperatures generally ranging from near normal to 6°F above normal. The largest above-normal departures were mostly found in Maine where Caribou had its warmest July on record. Overall, 31 of the 35 major climate sites wrapped up July on the warm side of normal, with 23 of them ranking this July among their 20 warmest on record. Additionally, July 2023 ranked as the all-time warmest month on record for Caribou and among the 20 all-time warmest months on record at 19 other major climate sites.

This July ranked as the warmest July and all-time warmest month on record for Caribou, ME. July also ranked among the 20 all-time warmest months on record for another 19 major climate sites.

August could be wetter than normal (areas shaded green) and cooler than normal (areas shaded blue) for parts of the Northeast. Click to enlarge.

The wet conditions of July may spill over into August according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which predicts an increased likelihood of above-normal precipitation for most of the Northeast. However, July’s heat may be missing in August as the outlook shows increased chances of below-normal temperatures for New England, much of New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey. Equal chances of below-, near-, or above-normal temperatures were forecast for the rest of the Northeast.