REMARKS 



The outstanding feature of May weather was the large number 

 of rainy days, with the rainfall considerably above normal. Rain 

 fell on 15 days whereas the normal number of days of rain dur- 

 ing May is 12. The total precipitation during the month was 5.62 

 inches, the normal for May being 3.60 inches. The total precipita- 

 tion since January 1st is 16.90 inches, while the normal for this 

 period is 17.45 inches. 



The mean temperature during the month was 57.8 degrees com- 

 pared to a normal of 57.1 degrees. The highest temperature was 

 84 on the 17th and the lowest temperature 31 on the 2nd. The 

 domestic heating load during the month was 243 degree-days, 

 while the normal for May is 267. The total heating load for the 

 winter season is 6978 degree-days and the normal for this period 

 is 6778 degree-days. 



There were 274 hours of bright sunshine, the normal for May 

 being 252 hours. The total wind movement for the month was 

 4420 miles compared to the normal for May of 4504 miles. The 

 highest wind velocity was 39 miles on the 17th. The last frost 

 occurred on May 5. The normal date of last frost is May 14. 



Dr. J. K. Shaw, research pomologist, makes the following state- 

 ment on the progress of vegetation: "At apple blossom time, the 

 season, as measured by the date of full bloom of the Mcintosh 

 apple, was two weeks later than those of 1941 and 1942. The 

 progress of all vegetation has been delayed by cool weather and 

 frequent rains. Planting has been delayed by bad weather and 

 wet soils. Conditions have favored the development of apple scab 

 and made control difficult. Peach bloom was entirely wanting in 

 our orchards and nearly so in all northern peach areas. Peaches 

 will be scarce this season. Apple bloom was light on trees that 

 bore heavily last year. The apple crop will be less than the 

 heavy crop of last year. Peach trees were more or less injured 

 by the severe winter cold and other tender or half-hardy trees 

 show some injury, but at present, no material loss of trees is in- 

 dicated. There is an abundant water supply in the soil and if 

 warm sunny weather comes soon, fruit trees will progress rapidly." 



