May 2014 Weather Recap and MWN Forecast Accuracy

May Recap

Each month in 2014 has seen below normal average temperatures and May continued the trend, but just barely. The average temperature for the month was just 0.3 degrees below normal at 71.4 degrees. There was a cool spell in the middle of the month that resulted in one record low temperature of 46 degrees and the month started with a low of 44 on the 1st, though it was not a record. Conversely, Memphis reached 89 on 3 occasions, but there were no 90 degree readings.

Precipitation for the month was about an inch below the long-term climate average with no records set or tied. The annual precipitation is now less than 2" above normal. Despite typically seeing severe weather in May, the cooler temperatures that existed for much of the month prevented severe weather from being a problem. In fact, it was probably the best weather for Memphis in May activities in some time!

For the period March-May, which is defined as "meteorological spring," temperatures were cooler than normal by 1.9 degrees (61.0 degree average) and precipitation was above normal by nearly 2" (17.84", +1.93" compared to normal).

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 71.4 degrees (0.3 degrees below average)
Average high temperature: 80.8 degrees
Average low temperature: 62.0 degrees
Warmest temperature: 89 degrees (12th, 24th, 26th)
Coolest temperature: 44 degrees (1st)
Records set or tied: Record low temperature: 46 degrees on the 16th
Comments: 21 days had maximum temperatures above 80 and no days had a high temperature of 90. For the year, the average temperature at Memphis is 52.0 degrees, which is 3.1 degrees below average.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.32 " (0.93" below average)
Snow/ice total: 0"
Days with measurable precipitation: 12
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.02" (May 27-28)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: Zero days had more than 1" of rain and three days recorded more than 0.50". For the year, the total precipitation has been 25.96", which is 1.68" above average.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southwest/38 mph (8th)
Average wind: 8.2 mph
Average relative humidity: 65%
Average sky cover: 60%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 71.8 degrees
Average high temperature: 81.6 degrees
Average low temperature: 60.5 degrees
Warmest temperature: 90.6 degrees (24th)
Coolest temperature: 40.6 degrees (1st)
Comments: 22 days had high temperatures above 80 and three days topped 90 degrees.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.35" (automated rain gauge), 4.66" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Snow/ice total: 0"
Days with measurable precipitation: 12
Wettest date: 0.96" (13th)
Comments: No days with more than 1" of rain and four days with more than 0.50".

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southwest/25 mph (14th)
Average relative humidity: 75%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.80 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 77%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.96 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 72%

MWN's forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.

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