Weather Station on the Reserve
Weather Station at The Watershed Institute in Hopewell Township: Providing Year-Round Climate Data
The Watershed Institute in Hopewell Township hosts an advanced weather station managed by Rutgers University, offering continuous weather data crucial for environmental monitoring. This weather station, located on a tall tower, provides real-time weather updates, which can be accessed by the public through the New Jersey Weather Network.
Key Features of the Weather Station
- Anemometer: Positioned at the top of the tall tower, the anemometer measures wind speed and direction, contributing to valuable wind data throughout the year.
- Rain Gauge: Located next to the tower, the rain gauge measures precipitation in all forms. Equipped with a heater, it provides accurate year-round readings for both rain and the water equivalent of melted snow. Using a tipping bucket mechanism, it records every 0.1 inch of precipitation, ensuring precise data.
- Solar Power System: The station operates independently on solar power. Photovoltaic panels charge a battery housed in a durable carbon fiber box, supplying power to all sensors.
- Solar Radiation Sensors: Two solar sensors are mounted on the tower to record solar radiation, helping assess sunlight levels at the site.
- Ground Sensor: Measuring soil temperature and soil water content, this sensor provides insight into ground conditions, crucial for agricultural and ecological studies.
- Temperature and Humidity Sensor: This sensor records ambient temperature and humidity, providing a comprehensive view of the local climate.
Residents, researchers, and enthusiasts can view the station’s data, updated every five minutes, through the Data Viewer page for Hopewell Township here. Additional data formats, including historical and tabular data, are available on the New Jersey Weather Network website.
Precipitation Study Done at The Watershed Institute
Notes about the study
Study of Year-Over-Year Average Monthly Temperatures and Precipitation Variations
Monthly Temperature Variation
The study reveals considerable variation in average monthly temperatures across years, as observed over an eight-year period:
- Winter: Temperature variations during winter months are relatively moderate:
- January: 2.14″ average variation.
- February: 4.44″ average variation.
- March: 2.62″ average variation.
- Summer: Summer months show greater fluctuation, with July experiencing the highest variation:
- July: 8.19″ average variation.
This variation highlights the distinct and shifting temperature patterns across seasons, with summer months showing more extreme changes.
Annual Precipitation Variation
Significant variation in annual precipitation has also been observed:
- The wettest year, 2021, recorded a maximum precipitation of 9.66”, influenced heavily by multiple hurricane events.
- The driest year, 2017, saw a minimum precipitation level of 4.54”.
Such fluctuations underscore the impact of severe weather events on annual precipitation totals, including tropical storms and hurricanes.
High and Low Points in Precipitation
The analysis identified five high and two low points in precipitation levels across the years, with high points frequently linked to severe weather events and low points associated with drought conditions:
High Points:
- Nor’easter (February 2018): Delivered up to 30 inches of snow in Mendham, NJ.
- Severe Storms (May 2019): Heavy thunderstorms impacted Eastern PA and Northern NJ.
- Tropical Storm Elsa (July 2021): Preceded by a stalled front, causing heavy rains.
- Hurricane Ida (August 2021): Brought extreme rainfall and flooding.
- North American Winter Snowstorm (November 2018): Early winter storm led to heavy snowfall and long commutes.
Low Points:
- Severe Drought (2023): The Palmer Z Index indicated severe short-term drought.
- Dry Winter (November and December 2021): Recorded as the driest November and December in 127 years in New Jersey.
For further information, please refer to the following resources:
This summary, along with a supporting bar graph, provides a comprehensive overview of temperature and precipitation trends, their annual variability, and the impact of major weather events on high and low points.
