Birkel speaks with BDN about above average precipitation over winter, spring
Sean Birkel, Maine’s state climatologist and a research assistant professor at the University of Maine’s School of Earth and Climate Sciences and Climate Change Institute, was interviewed by the Bangor Daily News for the article, “Lots of rain, above average temperatures recorded in June in northern, eastern Maine.” Above average precipitation throughout the state over the winter and spring helped ease the 2016 drought conditions, according to Birkel. The statewide average precipitation was 2.3 inches higher than normal for the months of December, January and February, and spring precipitation was 2.5 inches above normal for March, April and May, Birkel said. He also acknowledged that the state experienced both a warm, wet winter and a cool spring. He said the average statewide winter temperature was 20.1 degrees Fahrenheit and the average statewide spring temperature was 38.