February 2021 Summary – Seventh Snowiest on Record

Blue Hill Observatory February 2021 Summary:

February was warmer, wetter and much snowier than average. The 24-hour adjusted mean temperature for the month of 28.8 deg F was 2.2 degrees warmer than the 1891-2020 130-year average for February, but it was 0.3 degrees cooler than the 1981-2010 30-year average. The average maximum temperature of 35.2 deg F was 1.6 degrees colder than the 30-year mean, and the average minimum temperature of 22.9 deg F was 3.8 degrees warmer than the 30-year mean. The highest temperature observed all month was 49F on the 24th, and the lowest temperature was 8F on the 12th. The month got off to a very wet and snowy start, with two significant snowfalls in the first week. February total precipitation was 5.68 inches, which was about one and a half inches more than the long-term 130-year average and the 1981-2010 30-year mean. About half of this precipitation, 2.77 inches, fell as snow and rain on the 1st-2nd in a little over 24-hours with 2.76 inches of this falling within 24 hours, which was the greatest for the month. This amount included a new daily record of 1.86 inches on the 1st, which surpassed 1.30 inches set in 1898. Total snowfall for the month was 39.0 inches, which was 22 inches more than the long-term mean for February, and the month was the seventh snowiest February on record. The greatest snowfall in 24 hours was 14.3 inches on the 1st-2nd. This amount included a new calendar day record of 12.7 inches on the 1st, which surpassed the previous record of 11.0 inches in 1898. This storm was followed by a snowfall of 11.6 inches on the 7th. The mean wind speed for the month was 11.7 mph, which was the lowest on record for February, and the prevailing wind direction was from the northwest. The monthly peak wind gust was 53 mph from the northeast during the snow storm on the 1st. February sunshine was well below average at 105.7 hours, which is 37 percent of the possible bright sunshine and 13 percent less than the long-term average. The monthly sunshine was the 3rd lowest on record.

BHO Highest February Snowfall, inches (1886-2021):

1) 83.6 in 2015
2) 65.4 in 1969
3) 51.3 in 2003
4) 45.2 in 1967
5) 40.4 in 1920
6) 39.7 in 2013
7) 39.0 in 2021
8) 37.0 in 1893

BHO Lowest February Mean Wind Speed, mph (1886-2021):

1) 11.7 in 2021
2) 12.0 in 2020
3) 12.6 in 2014
4) 12.7 in 2005
   12.7 in 2012

BHO Lowest February Bright Sunshine, hours (1886-2021):

1) 85.6 in 1989 [30%]
2) 102.1 in 1939 [36%]
3) 105.7 in 2021 [37%]
4) 106.1 in 1950 [37%]
5) 106.3 in 1969 [37%]
6) 108.6 in 1918 [38%]
7) 109.2 in 1992 [37%]

Mike Iacono
Chief Scientist
Blue Hill Observatory