Climate of Beaumont, Texas

The Climate of Beaumont, Texas covers the averages and extremes in past weather seen within the city of Beaumont, Texas, and is within the humid subtropical climate regime.^[1] This city is within the Piney Woods, which cover the eastern region of Texas.^[2] This region of Texas receives the most rainfall; more than 48 inches (1,200 mm) annually. This is due to the warm gulf waters that carry humid air to the region, where it condenses and precipitates. Hurricanes also strike the region, the most disastrous of which was the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike were the largest and most damaging hurricanes to hit Beaumont, causing $11.3 billion and $31.5 billion, respectively, in total damage to the U.S.^[3] The humidity of the region greatly amplifies the feeling of heat during the summer. The winters are kept moderate by warm gulf currents. Wintry precipitation is unusual, but does occur. The most recent snow events were December 11, 2008,and December 4, 2009, these snowfalls were first notable accumulation since December 24, 2004.And even more recently the Beaumont area had a trace of snow on February 24, 2010 that only lasted for only 30 minutes and quickly melted on contact with the ground. The area suffered a severe ice storm in 1997. And in unofficial records, Beaumont received as much as 30 inches of snow on February 14 and 15 during the blizzard of 1895 that impacted the gulf coast with unusual cold weather. The temperature reported a drop to a low of 4°F after the storm although it is unofficial.

Temperature

The humidity of the region greatly amplifies the feeling of heat during the summer. The winters are kept moderate by warm gulf currents.

Precipitation

This region of Texas receives the most rainfall; more than 48 inches (1,200 mm) annually in the far east. This is due to the warm gulf waters that carry humid air to the region, where it condenses and precipitates.

Wintry precipitation

The most recent snow event was December 4, 2009, the first such occurrence since 2008. The area suffered a severe ice storm in January 1997.

Severe weather

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricane Rita (2005)

In 1957, Hurricane Audrey, a strong category 4 hurricane (borderline category 5 at times), came onshore straight up the Texas/Louisiana border, causing massive flooding and wind damage. At least 416 people lost their lives (other estimates show over 500), mostly in Louisiana due to drowning from its storm surge.^[3]

In 1961, Hurricane Carla, the largest storm in terms of size, affected the entire Texas coastline from Jefferson County to Brownsville. Carla caused $2.6 billion (2006 dollars) in damage.^[3] Beaumont suffered tornadoes and massive flooding due to poor drainage.

In 1963, category 1 storm Hurricane Cindy affected the eastern Texas coast and western Louisiana. Much of the storm's damage was due to flooding resulting from over 20 inches of rain. 4,000 homes in Jefferson, Orange, and Newton counties were flooded.^[5]

Tropical Storm Danielle struck the area in 1980. Danielle also caused flooding. A National Hurricane Center preliminary report noted "...There was major Metropolitan area flooding in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area of Texas requiring evacuation of some homes....One fatality was caused directly by the storm when an automobile was driven beyond a barricade into 15 feet of water in Beaumont, Texas."^[6][7]

The majority of the damage from 1983 storm Hurricane Alicia was concentrated west of the Beaumont area; however, the city did receive some damage from the storm.^[8]

Beaumont went without another hurricane impact until June 26, 1986, when Hurricane Bonnie roared through the region with maximum winds at 90 miles per hour (140 km/h),^[9] with gusts to 125 miles per hour (201 km/h), which created havoc on local roadways because of the massive amounts of rain dumped on the area. Some locations near the city received 5 inches (130 mm) to 10 inches (250 mm),^[10] flooding homes and businesses. Many mobile home parks were destroyed, people were displaced, and some area businesses never recovered. Three people lost their lives in Bonnie.

Beaumonters dealt with Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. Beaumont and the vicinity did not experience the damage and destruction that Houston got, as only 7 inches (180 mm) to 10 inches (250 mm) of rain fell near Beaumont.^[11] Homes are still abandoned due to massive flooding that took place.

Hurricane Rita hit the city on September 24, 2005, leveling many buildings and leaving remaining residents without power. Virtually every building in the town was damaged, some even destroyed. Thousands of tall pine trees were toppled and hundreds of Beaumont's grand old oak trees were uprooted. Hurricane Rita clipped southeast Louisiana before moving into Southeast Texas as a strong Category 3 storm.^[9] Many residents of Jefferson County evacuated to northern counties only to find themselves swarmed by dozens of tornadoes that had been spawned by the storm. It was two weeks before residents were allowed to reenter the city. A curfew from dusk to dawn was imposed for a little more than one month.

The most recent hurricane to hit Beaumont was Hurricane Ike on the morning of September 13, 2008. Having caused $31.5 billion worth damage on its path of deadly destruction, Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States.

Floods

On May 29, 2006, a more typical rain event in Beaumont and surrounding areas received 10 to 15 inches (380 mm) of rain during the morning hours. Numerous homes were flooded, but no major flooding occurred. Several vehicles also became trapped in high water on some low-lying roads and highway underpasses.

See also

• Climate of Texas

References