Wettest Winter on Record For Lower 48

news image
Special Stories
6 Mar 2019 2:45 PM
A NOAA analysis of this winter's precipitation revealed that this winter was the wettest on record for the lower 48. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC - part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) climate look-back determined that December, January and February collectively produced more precipitation than any other meteorological winter. With an average nationwide precipitation total of 3.22", this winter narrowly squeaks by the winter of 1997-98 by 0.02" for the title of wettest winter on record for the lower 48. It was especially wet - and snowy - in the Midwest and the Southeast. Take a look at this map for a better idea for where the highest precipitation anomalies took place this winter: The month of February was a cold one for the lower 48, with the monthly temperature running 1.8° below average. Temperatures were especially cold in the northern Plains states of Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Montana. Much of the western third of the country was abnormally chilly, as well. That said, through the winter months of December, January and February, temperatures ran 1.2° above average across the contiguous United States. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi
All Weather News
More
Santa Ana Setup Bringing the Heat into Southern California

Santa Ana Setup Bringing the Heat into Southern California

Whenever we have high pressure systems out in

28 Oct 2025 11:15 AM
Northwest Parade of Systems

Northwest Parade of Systems

WEST - A series of atmospheric rivers has bee

28 Oct 2025 10:25 AM
Next Round of Rain for the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast

Next Round of Rain for the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast

As our first low-pressure system bringing rai

28 Oct 2025 10:25 AM
CAT 5 Melissa Closing in on Jamaica, Catastrophic Flooding Likely

CAT 5 Melissa Closing in on Jamaica, Catastrophic Flooding Likely

KEY MESSAGES:Catastrophic and life-threatenin

28 Oct 2025 10:15 AM
Flash Flood Emergency Triggered Sunday in Florida

Flash Flood Emergency Triggered Sunday in Florida

Slow-moving train thunderstorms produced extr

28 Oct 2025 10:15 AM
FORECAST: Halloween Night Shaping Up Okay For Many

FORECAST: Halloween Night Shaping Up Okay For Many

I will never forget the time it snowed in sou

27 Oct 2025 9:20 PM
Mississippi Tornado Caught on Camera

Mississippi Tornado Caught on Camera

GAUTIER, MS - Earlier Sunday morning, tornado

27 Oct 2025 12:40 PM