Weather

Most New Englanders will remember the summer of 2023 as one of the wettest they have ever experienced. Vermont suffered catastrophic floods in mid-July, and the Mount Washington summit in New Hampshire recorded its wettest July ever. In Boston, from June 1 through August 31, a total of 20.33 inches fell, the second highest rainfall amount recorded during this time period. The record for Boston is 24.89 inches, set in 1955. Fifteen days in July had measurable rain in Boston, totaling 10.43 inches. The average for the month is 3.27 inches. The high temperature in Boston for the month was 91 degrees. The dew point throughout July was in the high 60s and low 70s, resulting in uncomfortable conditions.

A tornado touched down in North Brookfield on July 16, and another tornado was confirmed in the Easton and Foxborough area on July 30. Many areas noted powerful thunderstorms with heavy rain throughout the month, flooding streets and farms. Western Massachusetts and the Connecticut River Valley were especially hard hit. Northampton for example received almost 19 inches of rain for July alone.

MOUNTAIN PLOVER BY BONNIE TATE