Maps and Graphics:
It should be emphasized that all of the temperature
and precipitation ranks and
values are based on preliminary data. The ranks will change when
the final data are processed, but will not be replaced on these
pages. Graphics based on final data are available on the National Temperature and Precipitation Maps
page.
For graphics covering periods other than those mentioned above or
for tables of national, regional, and statewide data from
1895-present, for January, last 3 months or other periods, please
go to the Climate At A Glance
page.
National Overview:
- January temperatures were record warm
for the nation with all states warmer than their long-term
means. Fifteen states established new statewide January temperature
records. For information on temperature records during the month,
please go to NCDC's Extremes
page.
- Precipitation was above average for the contiguous US. Much
wetter than average conditions occurred in the Northwest and
Northeast, with below average precipitation for parts of the
Southwest. For more information on drought during January, please
visit the U.S. Drought page.
For additional details, see the Monthly
Highlights section. For details and graphics on weather
events across the U.S. and the globe go to NCDC's Global Hazards page.
|
Monthly and Seasonal Highlights:
National:
For tables of national, regional, and
statewide data from 1895-present, for January, last 3 months or
other periods, please go to the Climate At A Glance page. |
- January 2006 ranked as the
warmest January in the 1895 to present record. The preliminary
nationally averaged temperature was 39.5°F (4.2°C), which
was 8.5°F (4.7°C) above the long-term mean. In a typical
winter, January is colder than December by 2.4°F (1.3°C).
January 2006 was warmer than December 2005 by 6.1°F
(3.4°C).
- January 2006 had above average
precipitation, nationally, ranking 29th wettest.
- For the last 3 months temperature was
much above average and ranked as the 3rd warmest such period in the
1895 to present record. The preliminary nationally averaged
temperature for November-January was 39.5°F (4.2°C) which
was 3.8°F (2.1°C) above the long-term mean.
- November 2005-January 2006 had near
average precipitation, ranking 46th wettest in the last 111
years.
- Temperature over the past 6 months
(August-January) was record warm for the nation. The
preliminary nationally averaged temperature was 52.8°F
(11.6°C) which was 2.8°F (1.6°C) above the long-term
mean.
- August 2005-January 2006 had near
average precipitation, nationally, ranking 52nd wettest.
- The February 2005-January 2006
temperature was above average and ranked as the 5th warmest such
period in the 1895 to present record. The preliminary nationally
averaged temperature was 54.7°F (12.6°C) which was
1.9°F (1.1°C) above the long-term mean.
- Precipitation was near average for February-January, ranking 51st wettest for the
last 12 months based on a record of 111 such periods.
Regional and Statewide:
|
It should be emphasized that all of the temperature and
precipitation ranks and values
are based on preliminary data. The ranks will change when the final
data are processed, but will not be replaced on these pages.
Graphics based on final data are available on the National Temperature and Precipitation Maps
page.
Citing This Report
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, State of the Climate: National Climate Report for January 2006, published online February 2006, retrieved on January 18, 2021 from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/national/200601.