Climate change update: April was hotter and wetter than usual

This past April’s temperatures and rainfall continue to track with climate trends.

Climate change is making Philadelphia hotter and wetter. April followed this trend with an unusually warm and wet month, according to Climate Central.

Philadelphia’s average April temperature of 58.3°F was 3.8° above normal. Since 1970, Aprils in the City of Brotherly Love have increased by an average of 3.7°F.

The rainfall added up: the cumulative 5.17 inches of precipitation was 149% of the normal amount.

Source: Climate Central

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting that May will be slightly warmer than normal.

Photo: VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.