August 2002 Pennsylvania Weather Summary

 

Across much of the state, August brought above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.  In many of the major cities, record high temperatures were set during the mid-month.

 

The month began with a high pressure system dominating the area’s weather.  Between August 2 and 3, a weak cold front moved through the state bringing with it scattered showers.  Temperatures were left unaffected, with highs remaining in the lower 90’s. 

 

Another cold front moved through the state between August 5 and 6.  Isolated thunderstorms dropped up to an inch of rain in some areas.  More seasonable temperatures returned to the area with highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s.

 

Record breaking temperatures occurred August 12 through 19 across much of the state while a high pressure system remained settled to the east allowing for southwesterly flow to cause the hot temperatures.  Other than scattered showers most notably on August 16, there was little precipitation during this time. 

 

The hot, dry streak was finally broken by the passage of a cold front on August 19.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms occurred with up to a quarter inch of rain falling across the state.  More seasonable temperatures remained in the area for much of the rest of the month.

 

Another low pressure system affected the state between August 23 and 24.  Over an inch of rain was observed at numerous stations, especially in the eastern part of the state.  It was welcomed rain because of the severe drought that was occurring.

 

A low pressure system slid up the Atlantic coast August 28 through 29, dumping up to an inch of rain in the Philadelphia and Scranton areas.  After the system passed, the end of the month was dominated by a high pressure system to the north.