High temperatures for May were in the 80s. From the 5th to 8th, inclusive, it was in the 80s. On the 8th it reached 86, the highest for May. This is very unusual in respect that the rest of May had high temperatures only in the 50s and 60s even to the last days of the month.
Night time lows at frist were in the 30s, but other than a few 50s, were mainly in the 40s. Because of May's continued low temperatures during the last 3 weeks, cultivated crops have shown very slow plant growth.
All rains came by the 24th. Measureable rain fell on 13 days for a total of 3.51 inches. Long term average for the month of May is 3.82 inches. Heaviest rain was 1.20 on the 24th. Recoreded were 2 days with fog and 5 days or nights with thunder and lightning. On the afternoon of the 18th, gusts to 43 mph were recoreded for the strongest of May. Logged for May were 11 clear, 7 partly cloudy and 13 cloudy days. Our summer prevailing wind direction has set in. That is southwest, it was from this on 13 days. Temperatures for June could reach 90 degrees or higher. This makes evaporation maore rapid, and summer dryness will start. While a little late due to May's last 3 weeks of coolness local strawberries will be available before mid-June.
Due to the grinding and tumbling action of our past Great Glacial period over the New England States, a tremendous amount of trace minerals and elements were deposited in our soil across Long Island. These are now incorporated in our local grown fruits and vegetables, making them the highest in nutrition, vitamins and favor in the world!
I still expect a hot and dry summer with a hurricane or two as we have had none in years. Long over due?