We had 25 inches of rain in May, compared with an average for May of 23 inches. Above normal, but no record.
In late April we learned of a regional report that suggested that rainfall in Chiriqui would be in the “high range of normal” for May through July. We could say that the prediction held for May. The graph shows that for the 18 years that we have data, this May’s rain was above average, but it was closer to average than it was to the maximum of 35.6 inches, which was recorded in 2007.
Some of that rain was associated with low pressure troughs, which showed up in the Caribbean Synoptic Chart as orange dashed lines. These lines are a chart feature that I had been unaware of until a neighbor called to ask what they were. Now that I know that they represent linear areas of low pressure, usually associated with a front, I am more conscious of the possibility of rain if I see one in our area.
It rained during 20 of May’s 31 days, with most of the rain coming toward the end of the month. Three days gave us more than 3 inches. For the record, our manual rain gauge also read more than 3 inches on those days. The difference between our new WeatherHawk rain gauge and the manual gauge was 12% for the month, a number I can live with. We’ll see whether the numbers continue to be compatible after the really heavy rains begin.
With increased rain and cloud cover, the average temperature was the lowest of the year, and solar input declined as did the wind velocity. Average wind direction was south by east, as it was in April.
So, what should we expect for June? June average rainfall is usually lower than May’s due to a commonly occurring several-day dry period known locally as “San Juan summer.” We missed it last year during the La Niña, but we can hope it returns this year.
