In 2023, Connecticut recorded 61.18 inches of precipitation. This was the highest precipitation within the 48 contiguous U.S. states that year. On the other hand, New Mexico was the driest state, with only 10.86 inches of precipitation recorded.
Precipitation across the United States
Not only did Connecticut record the largest precipitation volume in 2023, but it also registered the highest precipitation anomaly that year, around 14.31 inches above the 1901-2000 annual average. In fact, over the last decade, rainfall across the United States was generally higher than the average recorded for the 20th century. Meanwhile, the driest states were located in the country's southwestern region, an area which – according to experts – will become even drier and warmer in the future.
How does global warming affect precipitation patterns?
Rising temperatures on Earth lead to increased evaporation which – ultimately – results in more precipitation. Since 1900, the volume of precipitation in the United States has increased at an average rate of 0.20 inches per decade. Nevertheless, the effects of climate change on precipitation can vary depending on the location. For instance, climate change can alter wind patterns and ocean currents, causing certain areas to experience reduced precipitation. Furthermore, even if precipitation increases, it does not necessarily increase the water availability for human consumption, which might eventually lead to drought conditions.
