Climate of 2016 – Cabrillo National Monument

Tercek, Michael

This report details the climate (temperature, precipitation, drought, and streamflow) of Cabrillo National Monument during 2016. Gridded GIS maps are used to present broad-brush conditions across the region for each month. This regional presentation is compared to detailed data from weather stations in the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN), automated meteorological stations, and data from USGS stream gages. Prior to analysis, a set of data quality control checks were performed by the author in accordance with an established National Park Service protocol. The region entered into drought conditions in April 2012 (Tercek 2013) and became progressively drier throughout 2013 and 2014. During 2015 and 2016, the area in and near Cabrillo National Monument was classified as “D3 - Extreme Drought” by the US Drought Monitor (Figure 2). ENSO switched from an El Nino to a La Nina Phase during 2016. Normally, La Nina conditions produce drier conditions in southern California while El Nino produces wetter conditions. Northern California saw increased rain during 2016, but the drought gripping southern California did not materially slacken. Annual precipitation was near normal (99% the 1981 – 2010 average) and annual average temperatures were slightly cooler than in 2015. The average of the daily highs for the year was 2.3 degrees above the 30 – year average and the average of daily lows was 2.8 degrees above average. Despite being cooler than 2015, calendar year 2016 was still notably warm. Every month had average temperatures above the 30 – year average (Figures 4,6,7). February had average daytime highs 9.4 degrees above the 30 – year average.

Climate of 2016 – Cabrillo National Monument

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