Multiple days in the 80s drives up Columbus’ monthly average temperature in April — again
In April, Columbus reached an 87-degree high four times, followed by 86 and 85-degree highs for eight days. These are maximum temperatures that aren’t typically experienced until May.
Because of this, the monthly average temperature for April has increased, continuing an upward trend that the area has experienced for decades.
Between 1991-2020 the average temperature for April in Columbus was 66.9 degrees. It’s now moved to 68 degrees
The average highest temperatures high for April is 77 degrees, according to the National Center for Environmental Information (NOAA).
The April of the 1970s is not the April of today
“Aprils in Columbus are getting hotter, leading to a change of 1.7°F since 1970,” Lauren Casey, a meteorologist with Climate Central wrote in an email.
The record daily highs in April hover around 90-91 degrees. Though Columbus didn’t break any daily record highs, the monthly record was broken from the consistent warming for nearly half of April being so warm.
Casey said that is just as significant as record breaking temperatures.
“I liken it to fevers in the human body,” she said. “If the normal body temperature is 98.6 and within a couple of temperatures you’re in a fever. These small increments make a big difference.”
Our core normal is changing in Columbus and around the world.
Globally, the planet has been on a record-breaking streak for 11 months straight.
April wasn’t only warmer in Columbus, it was drier.
Columbus averages 4 inches of rain in April, but the city only collected 3.48 inches.
“3.48 inches of precipitation was 89% of the normal amount,” Casey wrote.
The ensuing La Niña weather pattern suggests that drought conditions are likely to continue.
This story was originally published May 6, 2024 at 2:16 PM.
