365 Days of Climate Awareness 147 – 2007 State of the Climate, North America and Europe

2007 US Climate Data

Global atmospheric CO₂ concentration: 382.9 ppm, +1.75 ppm from 2006

Average air temperature: 55.5°F, 13^th all-time 1895-2021

Average precipitation: 26.21”, 100^th wettest (28^th driest) 1895-2021

Tornadoes: 1081, 147 (12%) below the 1991-2010 average 1228

15 named tropical cyclones: 6 became hurricanes, 2 major (winds > 111 mph, 3-5 Saffir-Simpson)

ENSO: Neutral through August; La Niña through year’s end

North American & European Conditions

Warmer than average: Mountain west US; mid-Atlantic Eastern US; Tennessee; Kentucky; Canada; Mexico; Europe

Drought: southeastern US; southwestern US and California; Mediterranean Europe; Iberian peninsula

Above-average precipitation: Canada; Mexico

Wildfires: 9.3 million acres (then second place)

Snowfall across North America was slightly higher than average for the 2006-07 winter, but springtime snowpack was far below historical average, consistent with earlier melts of recent years. Seasonal warm spells occurred throughout the United States, with the east coast experiencing a warm winter, the Midwest and west coast having a warm spring, and the Rocky Mountains and southeast having a warm summer. An August heat wave hit much of the southeastern US, with more than 70 new local heat records being set. Arctic sea ice also hit a then-record low in August.

2007 US Area Percentage Very Warm vs Very Cold

Most of Europe was warmer than average, but Belgium, Denmark and southeastern Europe experienced record heat. A positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) correlated with dry conditions on the continent throughout winter (2006-07). Nearly-average precipitation throughout much of central Europe obscured a wet winter and dry spring in the north central contries such as Belgium and Germany.

2007 US Area Percentage Very Wet vs Very Dry

Tomorrow: 2007 state of the world climate.

Today (as I write) marks the one-year anniversary of the terrible attack on our government. We can and must never forget. It’s our duty as citizens to stand for freedom—not only our own, but for the freedom of the weakest and least-regarded among us. Be brave, and be well.

US Wildfires, Number and Acreage, 1960-2007