Friday, May 9, 2014

BLOG POST # 3

    Weather and Climate Blog Post #3

     On a Micro Climate Scale Stockton, CA can see many different weather phenomenons from time to time.  The San Joaquin Valley can bring about sudden changes in weather but for the most part there is a certain predictability to the climate.  The Tule Fog is but one micro scale climate that is seen throughout early Autumn to early spring.  This fog is formed due to inversion.The cool air in and throughout this valley can bring havoc to farmers as early morning frost is always a threat to the livelihood of their crops.  From a Meso Climate Scale the Stockton area will always have the Maritime Polar air affecting it in the winter and the presence of the ITCZ during the summer.  The Maritime Polar brings fog and rain during the winter and the ITCZ brings on the summer heat suitable to successfully grow crops..with irrigation of course!

JANUARY: Mild and Moist

Average Highs and Lows for Stockton, CA Throughout January



Average Precipitation in Stockton, CA Throughout January



Types of Precipitation Seen in Stockton, CA Throughout January



     The average High in January is 57 degrees Fahrenheit with the average Low being 38 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Hottest day in January occurred in 2012 with a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Coldest day in January occurred in 2007 with a temperature of 19.9 degrees.

JULY:  Hot and Dry!

Average Highs and Lows for Stockton, CA Throughout July



Average Precipitation in Stockton, CA in July



Types of Precipitation Seen in Stockton, CA Throughout July



     The average High in July is 94 degrees Fahrenheit with the average Low being 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Hottest day in July occurred in 2006 with a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit.  The Coldest day in July occurred in 2009 with a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

When looking at the average monthly Highs and Lows in both January and July for Stockton, CA there is only a moderate swing in differences.  There is about a 30 degree or so swing with the average Highs and about a 20 degree swing with the Lows.  This is most likely due to continentality.

STOCKTON, CA  vs.  MINNEAPOLIS, MN

     The glaring difference in these two climates has to be the precipitation levels.  Minneapolis has a higher percentage of precipitation year round with approximately 95 inches per year with Stockton receiving an average of 20 inches per year.  This is most likely due to stronger developed mid latitude cyclones.  The temperature in Stockton is higher on average due to Maritime air masses and the influence of the ITCZ.  This is not to say that Minneapolis does not have its hot days in the summer.  The receding continental polar air and presence of many bodies of water throughout the state.  The presence of these water bodies allows for the area to remain at a fairly warm temperature as water heats and cools faster than the surrounding land.  The lack of albedo also helps the temperatures skyrocket during the summer as well.  The warm Maritime air also helps in the warming of the area along with the development of precipitous storms.  If only Stockton, CA could gather some of this precipitation it might be better suited for farming with less irrigation.  I am sure that folks in Minneapolis would like to have the milder winters but the Continental and Maritime Polar air doesn't allow for this as the area feels the affects because of the cooling of the land and bodies of water.  Needless to say I would rather be spending my time in Stockton, CA year round, but the climate (minus the humidity) and the great fishing during the summer doesn't make Minneapolis too bad of a location.

Graphs can be found at weatherspark.com