(12 August 2020) I've added the next three paragraphs to my original post. For actual data-driven information, skip to the section 'Quantico', below. The next three paragraphs are my 'feel' of living in Virginia for nearly 26 years since the early 90s.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Obtaining weather data and climate information for Quantico
Northern Virginia experiences nearly the full effect of all four season: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Springs have varied over the past few years, with the most recent one being one of my favorites in recent history (5 years). Generally, Spring begins anywhere from late March to mid-April. We see days start to warm into the 50 and 60s. Summer begins anywhere from mid-May to mid-June, depending on the transition period from Spring to Summer. Summer usually takes over early-mid June, through late September. Cooler Fall temperatures last from early October through November. Winter generally lasts from December through early March.
The transition of Spring in 2020 occurred gradually from early to mid-May, through the end of June. At the onset of July, hot and humid days ensued (as is characteristic for Northern Virginia Summers). This temperatures will remain through August and partly into September. As a kid growing up in Virginia, I felt like I remembered the end of September heat yielding to cooler temperatures, but in recent years it hasn't appeared to follow suit. Hotter weather seems to persist through early October, with cooler Fall temperatures (low 80's max for highs, normally in the mid 70's for the high). Again, as a kid, I can remember fall lasting all of October and November. We'd see the occasional snow in late November, but in December certainly. In recent years, it seems as though December holds warmer temperatures (in 2016 and 2018 I believe it was nearly 70 around Christmas Day). Northern Virginia generally sees mild winters, with temperatures rarely getting in the single digits. Temperatures seem to stay mostly between mid teens (max) for lows and mid 40s for highs. In 2018 we had a solid 2-3 weeks, maybe a month of single-digit lows and barely mid-teens for highs. The Potomac River had reportedly frozen over, but I can't find any articles to support that, just anecdotal evidence and my memory (questionable, at best). Colder Winter temperatures last through late February to mid-March routinely.
Personally, I LOVE the seasonal changes that occur in Virginia, especially the fall colors (I've heard Michigan's colors are better). I've been let down the past few years with Virginia Fall and Winter weather - this may be my favorite two seasons. Winter of 2016 however, Northern Virginia saw nearly 24 inches of snow in one big storm. We haven't had too many snow events since.
Apart from my ramblings, here are some actual quality resources (not my memory) for accurate weather data specific to the base and/or region.
Quantico
As a military base, MCBQ itself provides a webpage of weather information. On
this website the base lists a 'base operating status' that mainly informs
employees of the conditions on the base. We most often see codes Blue and Red
during the winter when the area has moderate to heavy winter weather events.
Additionally, they provide phone numbers that provide the same information for
those without internet capabilities. They provide a heat index guide as well,
and a phone number for both sections of the base (mainside and west side) to
obtain this information. You can find this website here:
https://www.quantico.marines.mil/Resources/Weather/
Additionally, Quantico has both
Facebook
and
Twitter pages
that are updated to reflect the current base operating status. Personally, I
use the Facebook page often to find the most up-to-date weather
information.
Quantico has a meteorological station located on Turner Airfield (KNYG) on
mainside. This weather station provides weather information used by
NOAA.
>For generic weather information, I tend to use the National Weather Service website
(NOAA) as my weather reference, especially for hourly forecasts. The
hourly charts
provide you with charts with at least 10 different metrics, including
humidity, temperature, rainfall forecasts and wind data, among others for up
to 2 days in the future (on the hourly basis).
This past spring, I spent some time looking for information on soil
temperatures in the area while looking for Morel mushrooms. I found this
interactive map on an
NRCS website
that provides information on soil temperatures and moisture, precipitation
information (snowfall included), and various stream datasets.
If interested in topics regarding global climate change including datasets,
impacts of climate change, responses to climate change or even just basic
information on what climate change and the basics, you can explore either of
these options:
All three are excellent sources that provide you with as little or as much
information as you would like to learn about.
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