Daily records
Page built 2026-10-16
Data as of 2026-10-14
Search
Built 2026-10-16 (16 October 2026)

WFO Sterling Weather Records (USC00448084)

Record envelope, standing records and threshold days for WFO Sterling (USC00448084), Virginia, United States, with 50 years of record.

Key Facts for WFO Sterling

  • WFO Sterling (USC00448084) is a weather station in Virginia, United States at 38.98 latitude and -77.49 longitude, 88 m (288 ft) above sea level.
  • The station reports from 1977 to 2026, 50 years of record.
  • 1,464 records set at WFO Sterling still stand.
  • Records are tracked for tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd: an element needs 30 years of data to be eligible.
  • WFO Sterling set a daily record low maximum temperature of 17.8 C (64.0 F) on 22 September 2026 (provisional).

Provisional Records

Records set in the last 60 days are provisional until they clear the revision window.

About the Station

  • Location: Virginia, United States, 38.98 latitude, -77.49 longitude.
  • Elevation: 88 m (288 ft).
  • Period of record: 1977 to 2026, 50 years.
  • Eligible elements: tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd.

Daily Record Envelope and 2026

19 days at or beyond a record
Daily record high and record low at WFO Sterling, with 2026 drawn through them The band shows the record high and record low for each calendar day at WFO Sterling. The lines show the 2026 daily maximum and minimum. 19 days in 2026 matched or passed a record. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius. -40-2002040 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
The band shows the record high and record low for each calendar day at WFO Sterling. The lines show the 2026 daily maximum and minimum. 19 days in 2026 matched or passed a record. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
Daily record high and record low at WFO Sterling, with 2026 drawn through them
MonthHighest record highLowest record low2026 highest maximum2026 lowest minimum
Jan25.0 C (77.0 F)-28.3 C (-18.9 F)16.1 C (61.0 F)-16.1 C (3.0 F)
Feb26.7 C (80.1 F)-27.2 C (-17.0 F)19.4 C (66.9 F)-12.8 C (9.0 F)
Mar32.2 C (90.0 F)-18.9 C (-2.0 F)30.6 C (87.1 F)-5.0 C (23.0 F)
Apr35.0 C (95.0 F)-8.3 C (17.1 F)33.3 C (91.9 F)-2.8 C (27.0 F)
May35.6 C (96.1 F)-2.2 C (28.0 F)35.6 C (96.1 F)4.4 C (39.9 F)
Jun38.3 C (100.9 F)2.2 C (36.0 F)34.4 C (93.9 F)11.1 C (52.0 F)
Jul40.0 C (104.0 F)3.9 C (39.0 F)37.2 C (99.0 F)15.6 C (60.1 F)
Aug40.0 C (104.0 F)2.2 C (36.0 F)33.3 C (91.9 F)13.3 C (55.9 F)
Sep37.2 C (99.0 F)-1.1 C (30.0 F)34.4 C (93.9 F)10.6 C (51.1 F)
Oct35.0 C (95.0 F)-7.2 C (19.0 F)31.1 C (88.0 F)5.0 C (41.0 F)
Nov28.3 C (82.9 F)-13.3 C (8.1 F)n/an/a
Dec27.2 C (81.0 F)-20.6 C (-5.1 F)n/an/a

Which Years Hold Standing Records

1,464 standing records
Standing records at WFO Sterling by the year they were set 1,464 records at WFO Sterling still stand. 1979 holds the most, with 55. 02040601977: 141978: 321979: 551980: 281981: 241982: 291983: 411984: 441985: 311986: 401987: 331988: 411989: 521990: 381991: 451992: 221993: 231994: 211995: 211996: 321997: 351998: 481999: 212000: 332001: 342002: 422003: 232004: 192005: 72006: 192007: 212008: 92009: 162010: 372011: 332012: 332013: 192014: 262015: 352016: 362017: 232018: 432019: 232020: 212021: 272022: 152023: 192024: 372025: 132026: 311977198219871992199720022007201220172022
1,464 records at WFO Sterling still stand. 1979 holds the most, with 55.
Standing records at WFO Sterling by the year they were set
Year setStanding records
197714
197832
197955
198028
198124
198229
198341
198444
198531
198640
198733
198841
198952
199038
199145
199222
199323
199421
199521
199632
199735
199848
199921
200033
200134
200242
200323
200419
20057
200619
200721
20089
200916
201037
201133
201233
201319
201426
201535
201636
201723
201843
201923
202021
202127
202215
202319
202437
202513
202631

All-Time Record Progression

7 new records
When WFO Sterling set new all-time records 7 all-time records were set at WFO Sterling between 7 September 2008 and 3 July 2026. Each dot is a new record. Record daily precipitationRecord daily snowfallRecord snow depthRecord high minimum temperature7 September 2008: Record daily precipitation 168.7 mm (6.6 in)6 February 2010: Record daily snowfall 58.9 cm (23.2 in)11 February 2010: Record snow depth 71.1 cm (28.0 in)8 July 2010: Record high minimum temperature 25.0 C (77.0 F)12 August 2010: Record high minimum temperature 25.6 C (78.1 F)24 July 2011: Record high minimum temperature 26.1 C (79.0 F)3 July 2026: Record high minimum temperature 27.2 C (81.0 F)2010201520202025
7 all-time records were set at WFO Sterling between 7 September 2008 and 3 July 2026. Each dot is a new record.
When WFO Sterling set new all-time records
DateKindDetail
2008-09-07Record daily precipitationRecord daily precipitation 168.7 mm (6.6 in)
2010-02-06Record daily snowfallRecord daily snowfall 58.9 cm (23.2 in)
2010-02-11Record snow depthRecord snow depth 71.1 cm (28.0 in)
2010-07-08Record high minimum temperatureRecord high minimum temperature 25.0 C (77.0 F)
2010-08-12Record high minimum temperatureRecord high minimum temperature 25.6 C (78.1 F)
2011-07-24Record high minimum temperatureRecord high minimum temperature 26.1 C (79.0 F)
2026-07-03Record high minimum temperatureRecord high minimum temperature 27.2 C (81.0 F)

Wettest Day of Each Month

Sep: 168.7 mm (6.6 in)
Record daily precipitation for each month at WFO Sterling The wettest day on record for each calendar month at WFO Sterling. The most was 168.7 mm (6.6 in) on 7 September 2008. 050100150200 Jan: 71.9 mm (2.8 in), 31 January 2013 Jan Feb: 68.6 mm (2.7 in), 6 February 2010 Feb Mar: 74.4 mm (2.9 in), 7 March 2011 Mar Apr: 70.1 mm (2.8 in), 21 April 2008 Apr May: 103.9 mm (4.1 in), 12 May 2008 May Jun: 118.6 mm (4.7 in), 26 June 2006 Jun Jul: 112.3 mm (4.4 in), 21 July 2018 Jul Aug: 147.1 mm (5.8 in), 11 August 1984 Aug Sep: 168.7 mm (6.6 in), 7 September 2008 Sep Oct: 147.3 mm (5.8 in), 30 October 2012 Oct Nov: 117.1 mm (4.6 in), 28 November 1993 Nov Dec: 63.0 mm (2.5 in), 15 December 2018 Dec
The wettest day on record for each calendar month at WFO Sterling. The most was 168.7 mm (6.6 in) on 7 September 2008.
Record daily precipitation for each month at WFO Sterling
MonthRecord daily precipitation (mm)Date
Jan71.9 mm (2.8 in)31 January 2013
Feb68.6 mm (2.7 in)6 February 2010
Mar74.4 mm (2.9 in)7 March 2011
Apr70.1 mm (2.8 in)21 April 2008
May103.9 mm (4.1 in)12 May 2008
Jun118.6 mm (4.7 in)26 June 2006
Jul112.3 mm (4.4 in)21 July 2018
Aug147.1 mm (5.8 in)11 August 1984
Sep168.7 mm (6.6 in)7 September 2008
Oct147.3 mm (5.8 in)30 October 2012
Nov117.1 mm (4.6 in)28 November 1993
Dec63.0 mm (2.5 in)15 December 2018

Period of Record Coverage

1977 to 2026
Days with data per year at WFO Sterling 50 years of record at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. 2 years have data for under 90 percent of days and are left out of rankings: 1977, 2026. 1977: 122 of 365 days1978: 365 of 365 days1979: 364 of 365 days1980: 366 of 366 days1981: 365 of 365 days1982: 334 of 365 days1983: 364 of 365 days1984: 365 of 366 days1985: 364 of 365 days1986: 365 of 365 days1987: 364 of 365 days1988: 360 of 366 days1989: 365 of 365 days1990: 334 of 365 days1991: 363 of 365 days1992: 366 of 366 days1993: 365 of 365 days1994: 364 of 365 days1995: 363 of 365 days1996: 366 of 366 days1997: 362 of 365 days1998: 360 of 365 days1999: 362 of 365 days2000: 366 of 366 days2001: 365 of 365 days2002: 365 of 365 days2003: 363 of 365 days2004: 366 of 366 days2005: 354 of 365 days2006: 362 of 365 days2007: 364 of 365 days2008: 358 of 366 days2009: 365 of 365 days2010: 359 of 365 days2011: 364 of 365 days2012: 361 of 366 days2013: 361 of 365 days2014: 361 of 365 days2015: 355 of 365 days2016: 362 of 366 days2017: 364 of 365 days2018: 360 of 365 days2019: 365 of 365 days2020: 365 of 366 days2021: 365 of 365 days2022: 362 of 365 days2023: 365 of 365 days2024: 361 of 366 days2025: 358 of 365 days2026: 283 of 365 days19801990200020102020
50 years of record at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. 2 years have data for under 90 percent of days and are left out of rankings: 1977, 2026.
Days with data per year at WFO Sterling
YearDays with dataShare of yearComplete
197712233%No
1978365100%Yes
1979364100%Yes
1980366100%Yes
1981365100%Yes
198233492%Yes
1983364100%Yes
1984365100%Yes
1985364100%Yes
1986365100%Yes
1987364100%Yes
198836098%Yes
1989365100%Yes
199033492%Yes
199136399%Yes
1992366100%Yes
1993365100%Yes
1994364100%Yes
199536399%Yes
1996366100%Yes
199736299%Yes
199836099%Yes
199936299%Yes
2000366100%Yes
2001365100%Yes
2002365100%Yes
200336399%Yes
2004366100%Yes
200535497%Yes
200636299%Yes
2007364100%Yes
200835898%Yes
2009365100%Yes
201035998%Yes
2011364100%Yes
201236199%Yes
201336199%Yes
201436199%Yes
201535597%Yes
201636299%Yes
2017364100%Yes
201836099%Yes
2019365100%Yes
2020365100%Yes
2021365100%Yes
202236299%Yes
2023365100%Yes
202436199%Yes
202535898%Yes
202628378%No

Latest Records

20
Latest records at WFO Sterling
DateStationRecordValueBeat old record byOld record stoodSignificance
22 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily low max (Provisional)17.8 C (64.0 F)0.5 C (0.9 F)27 years14 of 100 (Routine)
19 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Tie, Provisional)20.6 C (69.1 F)tie33 years3 of 100 (Routine)
13 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Provisional)22.2 C (72.0 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)39 years18 of 100 (Routine)
3 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily rain (Provisional)38.9 mm (1.5 in)16.3 mm (0.6 in)44 years27 of 100 (Routine)
2 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Provisional)22.8 C (73.0 F)1.7 C (3.1 F)44 years21 of 100 (Routine)
1 September 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Provisional)22.8 C (73.0 F)0.6 C (1.1 F)25 years13 of 100 (Routine)
16 August 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily rain (Provisional)32.8 mm (1.3 in)6.4 mm (0.25 in)4 years10 of 100 (Routine)
16 August 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Tie, Provisional)22.8 C (73.0 F)tie0 years1 of 100 (Routine)
3 August 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Tie)23.3 C (73.9 F)tie23 years2 of 100 (Routine)
2 August 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily rain30.5 mm (1.2 in)2.8 mm (0.11 in)21 years13 of 100 (Routine)
18 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily rain22.6 mm (0.9 in)1.5 mm (0.06 in)37 years17 of 100 (Routine)
17 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min23.9 C (75.0 F)0.6 C (1.1 F)37 years17 of 100 (Routine)
16 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min25.0 C (77.0 F)1.7 C (3.1 F)41 years22 of 100 (Routine)
9 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily rain32.5 mm (1.3 in)2.0 mm (0.08 in)15 years10 of 100 (Routine)
4 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high max37.2 C (99.0 F)0.5 C (0.9 F)24 years13 of 100 (Routine)
4 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min (Tie)23.3 C (73.9 F)tie8 years1 of 100 (Routine)
3 July 2026WFO Sterling, USall-time high min27.2 C (81.0 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)14 years32 of 100 (Routine)
3 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high max36.7 C (98.1 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)12 years11 of 100 (Routine)
2 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high min24.4 C (75.9 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)12 years11 of 100 (Routine)
2 July 2026WFO Sterling, USdaily high max36.7 C (98.1 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)8 years10 of 100 (Routine)

Climate Trend

44 complete years, 1978 to 2025
Annual mean temperature at WFO Sterling as warming stripes, 1978 to 2025 One stripe for each of 44 complete years at WFO Sterling, 1978 to 2025. Blue stripes are years cooler than the station's own mean of 12.4 C (54.3 F); red stripes are warmer. The coolest year was 1978, at 11.0 C (51.9 F), and the warmest was 2023, at 14.3 C (57.8 F). The strongest colour marks a difference of 2.0 C (3.6 F). 1978: 11.0 C, -1.3 C from the station mean1979: 11.5 C, -0.9 C from the station mean1980: 11.7 C, -0.7 C from the station mean1981: 11.3 C, -1.1 C from the station mean1983: 11.8 C, -0.6 C from the station mean1984: 12.0 C, -0.4 C from the station mean1985: 12.2 C, -0.1 C from the station mean1986: 12.1 C, -0.2 C from the station mean1987: 12.1 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1988: 11.6 C, -0.8 C from the station mean1989: 11.7 C, -0.7 C from the station mean1991: 13.2 C, +0.9 C from the station mean1992: 11.5 C, -0.9 C from the station mean1993: 12.0 C, -0.4 C from the station mean1994: 11.8 C, -0.5 C from the station mean1995: 12.1 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1996: 11.6 C, -0.8 C from the station mean1997: 11.6 C, -0.8 C from the station mean1998: 13.0 C, +0.6 C from the station mean1999: 11.9 C, -0.5 C from the station mean2000: 11.3 C, -1.1 C from the station mean2001: 11.8 C, -0.6 C from the station mean2002: 12.2 C, -0.2 C from the station mean2003: 11.2 C, -1.2 C from the station mean2004: 12.0 C, -0.4 C from the station mean2005: 12.0 C, -0.3 C from the station mean2006: 12.6 C, +0.2 C from the station mean2007: 12.3 C, -0.1 C from the station mean2008: 12.2 C, -0.2 C from the station mean2009: 12.2 C, -0.2 C from the station mean2010: 13.1 C, +0.7 C from the station mean2011: 13.3 C, +0.9 C from the station mean2012: 13.6 C, +1.3 C from the station mean2013: 12.3 C, -0.1 C from the station mean2014: 11.6 C, -0.8 C from the station mean2016: 13.5 C, +1.1 C from the station mean2017: 13.6 C, +1.2 C from the station mean2018: 13.1 C, +0.7 C from the station mean2019: 13.9 C, +1.5 C from the station mean2020: 14.0 C, +1.6 C from the station mean2021: 13.8 C, +1.5 C from the station mean2022: 13.3 C, +0.9 C from the station mean2023: 14.3 C, +2.0 C from the station mean2025: 13.6 C, +1.2 C from the station mean1978198519901995200020052010201520202025
One stripe for each of 44 complete years at WFO Sterling, 1978 to 2025. Blue stripes are years cooler than the station's own mean of 12.4 C (54.3 F); red stripes are warmer. The coolest year was 1978, at 11.0 C (51.9 F), and the warmest was 2023, at 14.3 C (57.8 F). The strongest colour marks a difference of 2.0 C (3.6 F).
Annual mean temperature at WFO Sterling as warming stripes, 1978 to 2025
YearAnnual mean temperatureDifference from the station mean
197811.0 C-1.33 C
197911.5 C-0.89 C
198011.7 C-0.69 C
198111.3 C-1.09 C
198311.8 C-0.58 C
198412.0 C-0.42 C
198512.2 C-0.14 C
198612.1 C-0.25 C
198712.1 C-0.27 C
198811.6 C-0.78 C
198911.7 C-0.71 C
199113.2 C+0.86 C
199211.5 C-0.86 C
199312.0 C-0.37 C
199411.8 C-0.53 C
199512.1 C-0.28 C
199611.6 C-0.82 C
199711.6 C-0.79 C
199813.0 C+0.63 C
199911.9 C-0.48 C
200011.3 C-1.09 C
200111.8 C-0.57 C
200212.2 C-0.18 C
200311.2 C-1.17 C
200412.0 C-0.36 C
200512.0 C-0.35 C
200612.6 C+0.20 C
200712.3 C-0.07 C
200812.2 C-0.21 C
200912.2 C-0.18 C
201013.1 C+0.69 C
201113.3 C+0.93 C
201213.6 C+1.27 C
201312.3 C-0.10 C
201411.6 C-0.77 C
201613.5 C+1.14 C
201713.6 C+1.18 C
201813.1 C+0.70 C
201913.9 C+1.51 C
202014.0 C+1.60 C
202113.8 C+1.47 C
202213.3 C+0.89 C
202314.3 C+1.97 C
202513.6 C+1.24 C

The annual mean temperature here has risen by 0.5 C (0.3 to 0.6) per decade over 1978 to 2025. In Fahrenheit: 0.9 F (0.6 to 1.1) per decade. The slope is a straight line fitted to 44 complete years; the brackets give its 95 percent interval.

Fitted temperature trends per decade at WFO Sterling
MeasurePer decade (C)Per decade (F)PeriodComplete yearsReading
Annual mean temperature0.5 C (0.3 to 0.6) per decade0.9 F (0.6 to 1.1) per decade1978 to 202544Rise
Mean daily maximum0.3 C (0.1 to 0.4) per decade0.5 F (0.2 to 0.8) per decade1978 to 202544Rise
Mean daily minimum0.7 C (0.5 to 0.9) per decade1.2 F (0.9 to 1.6) per decade1978 to 202544Rise

A year is complete when all 12 months have at least 20 days of both daily maximum and daily minimum readings. The annual mean is the mean of the monthly means. The trend describes this one station over this period; it does not say what caused the change.

Extremes by Year

1977 to 2026
Yearly extremes at WFO Sterling: the record and the median year
MeasureRecordYear of the recordMedian yearYears with a value
Hottest day (TXx)40.0 C (104.0 F)198336.4 C (97.5 F)50
Coldest night (TNn)-28.3 C (-18.9 F)1984-17.2 C (1.0 F)50
Wettest day (Rx1day)168.7 mm (6.6 in)200870.8 mm (2.8 in)50
Wettest five days (Rx5day)239.5 mm (9.4 in)198499.5 mm (3.9 in)50
Longest dry spell (CDD)39 days200619 days50

Hottest day (TXx)

Hottest day (TXx) at WFO Sterling by year The hottest day of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 40.0 C (104.0 F) in 1983, marked on the chart; the median year is 36.4 C (97.5 F). 323436384019801990200020102020Record: 40.0 C (104.0 F) in 1983
The hottest day of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 40.0 C (104.0 F) in 1983, marked on the chart; the median year is 36.4 C (97.5 F).
Hottest day (TXx) at WFO Sterling by year
YearHottest day (TXx)
197733.9 C (93.0 F)
197835.0 C (95.0 F)
197934.4 C (93.9 F)
198037.2 C (99.0 F)
198134.4 C (93.9 F)
198233.9 C (93.0 F)
198340.0 C (104.0 F)
198434.4 C (93.9 F)
198537.2 C (99.0 F)
198638.3 C (100.9 F)
198737.8 C (100.0 F)
198839.4 C (102.9 F)
198935.0 C (95.0 F)
199036.7 C (98.1 F)
199136.7 C (98.1 F)
199235.0 C (95.0 F)
199337.2 C (99.0 F)
199435.6 C (96.1 F)
199536.1 C (97.0 F)
199635.0 C (95.0 F)
199738.9 C (102.0 F)
199836.7 C (98.1 F)
199937.8 C (100.0 F)
200033.9 C (93.0 F)
200136.7 C (98.1 F)
200237.8 C (100.0 F)
200335.0 C (95.0 F)
200432.8 C (91.0 F)
200535.6 C (96.1 F)
200637.2 C (99.0 F)
200737.2 C (99.0 F)
200835.6 C (96.1 F)
200935.6 C (96.1 F)
201038.3 C (100.9 F)
201140.0 C (104.0 F)
201238.3 C (100.9 F)
201335.0 C (95.0 F)
201435.6 C (96.1 F)
201535.0 C (95.0 F)
201638.9 C (102.0 F)
201734.4 C (93.9 F)
201835.6 C (96.1 F)
201937.8 C (100.0 F)
202036.7 C (98.1 F)
202137.8 C (100.0 F)
202236.1 C (97.0 F)
202336.1 C (97.0 F)
202438.9 C (102.0 F)
202536.1 C (97.0 F)
202637.2 C (99.0 F)

Coldest night (TNn)

Coldest night (TNn) at WFO Sterling by year The coldest night of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is -28.3 C (-18.9 F) in 1984, marked on the chart; the median year is -17.2 C (1.0 F). -30-25-20-15-10-519801990200020102020Record: -28.3 C (-18.9 F) in 1984
The coldest night of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is -28.3 C (-18.9 F) in 1984, marked on the chart; the median year is -17.2 C (1.0 F).
Coldest night (TNn) at WFO Sterling by year
YearColdest night (TNn)
1977-15.0 C (5.0 F)
1978-22.2 C (-8.0 F)
1979-27.2 C (-17.0 F)
1980-18.3 C (-0.9 F)
1981-21.1 C (-6.0 F)
1982-14.4 C (6.1 F)
1983-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1984-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1985-21.7 C (-7.1 F)
1986-17.2 C (1.0 F)
1987-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1988-21.1 C (-6.0 F)
1989-20.6 C (-5.1 F)
1990-12.8 C (9.0 F)
1991-14.4 C (6.1 F)
1992-14.4 C (6.1 F)
1993-18.9 C (-2.0 F)
1994-22.2 C (-8.0 F)
1995-19.4 C (-2.9 F)
1996-23.9 C (-11.0 F)
1997-17.8 C (0.0 F)
1998-15.6 C (3.9 F)
1999-17.8 C (0.0 F)
2000-19.4 C (-2.9 F)
2001-15.0 C (5.0 F)
2002-20.0 C (-4.0 F)
2003-17.8 C (0.0 F)
2004-17.2 C (1.0 F)
2005-13.9 C (7.0 F)
2006-13.9 C (7.0 F)
2007-16.1 C (3.0 F)
2008-16.1 C (3.0 F)
2009-17.8 C (0.0 F)
2010-16.1 C (3.0 F)
2011-15.0 C (5.0 F)
2012-11.1 C (12.0 F)
2013-12.8 C (9.0 F)
2014-18.9 C (-2.0 F)
2015-19.4 C (-2.9 F)
2016-13.9 C (7.0 F)
2017-12.8 C (9.0 F)
2018-18.3 C (-0.9 F)
2019-17.2 C (1.0 F)
2020-9.4 C (15.1 F)
2021-8.9 C (16.0 F)
2022-14.4 C (6.1 F)
2023-11.7 C (10.9 F)
2024-15.0 C (5.0 F)
2025-15.6 C (3.9 F)
2026-16.1 C (3.0 F)

Wettest day (Rx1day)

Wettest day (Rx1day) at WFO Sterling by year The wettest day of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 168.7 mm (6.6 in) in 2008, marked on the chart; the median year is 70.8 mm (2.8 in). 05010015020019801990200020102020Record: 168.7 mm (6.6 in) in 2008
The wettest day of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 168.7 mm (6.6 in) in 2008, marked on the chart; the median year is 70.8 mm (2.8 in).
Wettest day (Rx1day) at WFO Sterling by year
YearWettest day (Rx1day)
197749.5 mm (1.9 in)
197842.4 mm (1.7 in)
1979101.6 mm (4.0 in)
198045.7 mm (1.8 in)
198145.0 mm (1.8 in)
198250.8 mm (2.0 in)
198349.8 mm (2.0 in)
1984147.1 mm (5.8 in)
198550.3 mm (2.0 in)
198651.6 mm (2.0 in)
198791.9 mm (3.6 in)
198862.0 mm (2.4 in)
198973.7 mm (2.9 in)
199072.9 mm (2.9 in)
199193.7 mm (3.7 in)
199273.7 mm (2.9 in)
1993117.1 mm (4.6 in)
199481.5 mm (3.2 in)
199578.0 mm (3.1 in)
199681.3 mm (3.2 in)
199758.4 mm (2.3 in)
199857.4 mm (2.3 in)
199974.4 mm (2.9 in)
200064.0 mm (2.5 in)
200194.0 mm (3.7 in)
200249.5 mm (1.9 in)
200372.4 mm (2.9 in)
200453.3 mm (2.1 in)
2005119.9 mm (4.7 in)
2006118.6 mm (4.7 in)
200743.7 mm (1.7 in)
2008168.7 mm (6.6 in)
200972.9 mm (2.9 in)
201070.6 mm (2.8 in)
201174.4 mm (2.9 in)
2012147.3 mm (5.8 in)
201397.0 mm (3.8 in)
201495.5 mm (3.8 in)
201570.9 mm (2.8 in)
201653.8 mm (2.1 in)
201752.3 mm (2.1 in)
2018112.3 mm (4.4 in)
201966.8 mm (2.6 in)
202053.1 mm (2.1 in)
202143.2 mm (1.7 in)
202259.9 mm (2.4 in)
202370.1 mm (2.8 in)
202450.0 mm (2.0 in)
202578.0 mm (3.1 in)
202660.2 mm (2.4 in)

Wettest five days (Rx5day)

Wettest five days (Rx5day) at WFO Sterling by year The wettest five days of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 239.5 mm (9.4 in) in 1984, marked on the chart; the median year is 99.5 mm (3.9 in). 5010015020025019801990200020102020Record: 239.5 mm (9.4 in) in 1984
The wettest five days of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 239.5 mm (9.4 in) in 1984, marked on the chart; the median year is 99.5 mm (3.9 in).
Wettest five days (Rx5day) at WFO Sterling by year
YearWettest five days (Rx5day)
197792.5 mm (3.6 in)
197892.5 mm (3.6 in)
1979118.4 mm (4.7 in)
198065.0 mm (2.6 in)
198160.7 mm (2.4 in)
198281.0 mm (3.2 in)
1983110.0 mm (4.3 in)
1984239.5 mm (9.4 in)
198572.1 mm (2.8 in)
198660.9 mm (2.4 in)
1987141.5 mm (5.6 in)
1988107.5 mm (4.2 in)
1989114.6 mm (4.5 in)
1990139.8 mm (5.5 in)
1991113.0 mm (4.4 in)
1992109.0 mm (4.3 in)
1993119.4 mm (4.7 in)
199485.1 mm (3.4 in)
199578.0 mm (3.1 in)
1996144.3 mm (5.7 in)
199780.6 mm (3.2 in)
199899.6 mm (3.9 in)
199998.5 mm (3.9 in)
200082.3 mm (3.2 in)
200196.0 mm (3.8 in)
200266.6 mm (2.6 in)
2003121.9 mm (4.8 in)
200484.1 mm (3.3 in)
2005186.7 mm (7.4 in)
2006211.9 mm (8.3 in)
200795.8 mm (3.8 in)
2008202.3 mm (8.0 in)
200994.0 mm (3.7 in)
2010154.7 mm (6.1 in)
2011201.3 mm (7.9 in)
2012162.3 mm (6.4 in)
2013219.7 mm (8.6 in)
2014120.0 mm (4.7 in)
2015109.9 mm (4.3 in)
201670.8 mm (2.8 in)
201785.9 mm (3.4 in)
2018179.4 mm (7.1 in)
201986.6 mm (3.4 in)
202088.7 mm (3.5 in)
202170.3 mm (2.8 in)
202299.4 mm (3.9 in)
2023146.5 mm (5.8 in)
202477.7 mm (3.1 in)
2025125.0 mm (4.9 in)
202695.3 mm (3.8 in)

Longest dry spell (CDD)

Longest dry spell (CDD) at WFO Sterling by year The longest dry spell of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 39 days in 2006, marked on the chart; the median year is 19 days. 01020304019801990200020102020Record: 39 days in 2006
The longest dry spell of the year at WFO Sterling, 1977 to 2026. The record is 39 days in 2006, marked on the chart; the median year is 19 days.
Longest dry spell (CDD) at WFO Sterling by year
YearLongest dry spell (CDD)
19779 days
197819 days
197915 days
198022 days
198119 days
198216 days
198318 days
198419 days
198523 days
198621 days
198713 days
198822 days
198920 days
199019 days
199122 days
199218 days
199319 days
199420 days
199533 days
199612 days
199715 days
199825 days
199922 days
200021 days
200133 days
200218 days
200314 days
200417 days
200518 days
200639 days
200721 days
200825 days
200916 days
201018 days
201118 days
201221 days
201315 days
201412 days
201514 days
201617 days
201725 days
201812 days
201927 days
202014 days
202132 days
202212 days
202315 days
202438 days
202529 days
202620 days

Each chart shows one value per year; the dot marks the record year. TXx is the hottest daily maximum, TNn the coldest daily minimum, Rx1day and Rx5day the largest one-day and five-day rain totals, and CDD the longest run of days with less than 1 mm of rain. A year with missing days can understate an extreme.

Frost Dates and Growing Season

44 years with a frost

Across 44 years with a frost, the median last spring frost at WFO Sterling falls on 25 April and the median first autumn frost on 12 October, which leaves a median of 167 days between them.

Fitted over all years, the growing season changes by +14.6 days per decade at this station.

Frost dates and growing season at WFO Sterling
MeasureMedian, all yearsEarliest periodRecent period (1994 to 2025)Recent against earliestFitted trend
Last spring frost25 Apriln/a17 Apriln/a-6.6 days per decade
First autumn frost12 Octobern/a21 Octobern/a+8.0 days per decade
Growing days167 daysn/a187 daysn/a+14.6 days per decade

A frost day is a day with a daily minimum at or below 0 C (32 F). The last spring frost and the first autumn frost are the last and first such days of the cold season, and growing days are the days between them. A negative trend for the last spring frost means it comes earlier.

Rainfall Return Levels

48 years, 1978 to 2025

A day with at least 68.8 mm (2.7 in) of rain is expected about once in 2 years. A day with at least 190.9 mm (7.5 in) of rain is expected about once in 100 years.

Rainfall return levels at WFO Sterling: the daily rain expected about once in a given number of years
Expected about once inA day with at leastNote
2 years68.8 mm (2.7 in)
5 years93.9 mm (3.7 in)
10 years113.3 mm (4.5 in)
25 years141.2 mm (5.6 in)
50 years164.8 mm (6.5 in)Longer than the 48 years of record
100 years190.9 mm (7.5 in)Longer than the 48 years of record

The levels come from a generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution fitted by L-moments to the wettest-day total of each year, 48 years of values from 1978 to 2025.

A return level is an estimate. It is least reliable for the long periods, 50 and 100 years, and for any period longer than the record behind the fit, where the fit has to reach past the largest day actually observed. It is not a forecast.

The largest wettest-day totals in the fit: 168.7 mm (6.6 in) in 2008; 147.3 mm (5.8 in) in 2012; 147.1 mm (5.8 in) in 1984.

Station Changes

No change in the annual mean temperature of this station was found against its neighbours.

Download the Data

  • Data for WFO Sterling standing records by year: CSV or JSON. Field meanings are on the data page.
  • Data for WFO Sterling threshold days by year: CSV or JSON. Field meanings are on the data page.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-Daily). Records are computed by World Extreme Weather Monitor and are not official NOAA products. (US Government open data (NOAA NCEI)) Data as of 2026-10-14 (14 October 2026). Records are computed by this site and are not official.

Data as of . Last revised (2026-10-14).