Scientists Discover Connecticut Is Getting More Rain

STORRS — Recent work by University of Connecticut scientists shows that the average rainfall across Connecticut has increased by ten percent over the past 100 years. The study, which began in 1995, was the result of a Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) task force created to standardize the methodology for making hydrological calculations.

David Miller, professor of natural resources management and engineering at UConn’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and former state climatologist, led the DEP-sponsored study.

“Our goal was to update the rainfall statistics for the state of Connecticut because we knew the information currently being used was half a century old,” said Mr Miller.

By calculating the statistical probability of receiving a certain amount of rainfall in a given period of time and the probability of having successive dry days, scientists successfully produced better climate and rainfall data that will be useful to engineers, researchers, and environmental consultants in Connecticut.

The statistics are used for a variety of purposes, such as estimating the buildup of pollutants on road and other surfaces and in the design of municipal structures such as storm drains, culverts, and bridges. New studies, such as this, may replace The Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the Eastern United States, known as TP40, because of the data’s ability to more precisely examine up to date weather specific to Connecticut.

For more information on the recent findings, contact David Miller at dmiller@canr.uconn.edu.