Wilkes-Barre (PA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Wilkes-Barre has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1076 mm (42 in) of rain/snowfall per year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Wilkes-Barre offers a pleasant mix of wetter and slightly drier months. The difference in precipitation between October (124 mm (4.9 in)) and January (64 mm (2.5 in)) is not too significant, making the climate enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 17°C (63°F). During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 2°C (36°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Wilkes-Barre Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
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almost none
Wilkes-Barre vs World: Rainfall Compared
Wilkes-Barre's average annual precipitation is 1076 mm (42 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Wilkes-Barre (PA):
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Wilkes-Barre (PA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Wilkes-Barre (PA) Climate page.