| Month | Year | Total Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| May | 2009 | 451.0 |
| Sep | 2024 | 427.1 |
| Sep | 2022 | 399.3 |
| Sep | 2017 | 394.4 |
| Sep | 2004 | 339.9 |
4 Environmental
The following includes variables that establish the estuarine setting: rainfall, light intensity, water temperature, and salinity. These variables are driven primarily by climatic patterns and largely influence water quality condition.
4.1 Summary
Rainfall totals for the third quarter of 2024 exceeded the totals for the first and second quarters combined (Figure 4.1). September had the greatest monthly total rainfall for 2024 (Figure 4.1 (b)). September also had the greatest number of rain days exceeding 10 mm/day (Figure 4.1 (c)) and more storms producing heavy rainfall (Figure 4.1 (d)).
September 2004 had the second highest monthly rainfall total recorded at the Pellicer Creek weather station (Table 4.1) and had the greatest amount of rainfall when compared to annual September data (Figure 4.2; Figure 4.2 (a); Figure 4.2 (b)). Total rainfall so far in 2024 is 1090.9 mm (Figure 4.2 (c)).
Light intensity remained high in July and August but decreased drastically in September (Figure 4.3).
Daily average air temperatures were variable during the first part of the year but surprisingly fell within the historical range for the GTMNERR station through September (Figure 4.4). January and March experienced a few daily average air temperature extremes below and above the average range (Figure 4.4).
While there were some low water temperatures in January, daily water temperature averages were generally higher than average throughout the spring and early summer (Figure 4.5). Water temperature decreased in August and September with the onset of the large rain events and as a result water temperatures were below the historic average daily range at all four stations (Figure 4.5 (b); Figure 4.5 (c)).
Rainfall in January brought salinity levels lower than their average daily ranges (Figure 4.6), particularly at the stations farthest from the inlets (Figure 4.6 (a); Figure 4.6 (d)). However, the drought conditions in spring made salinity levels rise. Salinity stayed above the average daily range at all stations through July but was most pronounced at Pine Island (Figure 4.6 (a)). Salinity levels decreased to below the historic average daily range at all four stations in late August through September (Figure 4.6 (a); Figure 4.6 (b); Figure 4.6 (c); Figure 4.6 (d)).
4.2 Data
4.2.1 Rainfall
4.2.2 Light Intensity
The plot below is interactive. Clicking on elements in the legend (months) will select or deselect months of interest. Additionally, the axis can be adjusted by selecting portions of the plot to isolate.
4.2.3 Temperature
Air and water temperatures are presented as daily averages (blue line) with historic ranges (daily range and average daily range) provided in shades of gray.
4.2.4 Salinity
