Eastern Massachusetts ARRL

The Massasoit Amateur Radio Association took part in the 100th Anniversary of Flight at Bridgewater State College on December 17. Those who participated were: Allan, K1VQ; Phil, N1XTB; Gil, W1GMF; Bob, N1EDM, Joe, W1JOE.

—Thanks, MARA News, January 2004

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT

National Weather Service Taunton MA
955 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2004

It was an exceptionally Cold January across much of Southern New England

If you think January 2004 was exceptionally cold across Southern New England, you are correct. Average temperature readings were amongst the top ten coldest at the four major climatological sites. in addition, January 2004 was much colder in contrast to just two years ago.The polar jet stream was dominant during much of January 2004. a nearly persistent northwest flow of very cold and dry air covered the region during the month. January Monthly melted precipitation totals were well below normal since the airmass was very dry.

The following is a list and ranking of January temperature averages and precipitation totals across Southern New England.

Average temperature in degrees fahrenheit

Jan 2004 Departure rank

Worcester 15.3F -8.3F 2Nd coldest January

Boston 20.7F -8.6F Tied 2nd coldest January

Hartford 18.7F -7.0F Tied 5th coldest January

Providence 21.2F -7.5F 6Th coldest January

Melted precipitation in inches

Jan 2004 Departure rank

Worcester 1.43″ -2.64″ 9Th driest January

Boston 1.01″ -2.91″ 6Th driest January

Hartford 1.47″ -2.37″ 11Th driest January

Providence 1.52″ -2.85″ 9Th driest January

Worcester, official records since 1892

– The January 2004 average temperature of 15.3 degrees made it the second coldest January on record.

– It is the coldest January in 34 years (since January 1970).

– January 1970 Is the coldest January with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the coldest month since December 1989 when the average temperature was 15.1 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the fourth coldest month on record behind 14.4 degree average Feb 1934, 14.9 degree average Jan 1970, 15.1 degree average Dec 1989.

Significant January temperature departure since just years ago,

Month/year average temperature departure rank
Jan 2004 15.3 degrees -8.3F 2nd coldest
Jan 2003 17.7 degrees -5.9F tied 7th coldest
Jan 2002 31.8 degrees +8.2F 6th warmest

Net change in January average temperature since 2002 -16.5F.
– January 2004 Was the ninth driest on record with 1.43 inches of precipitation.

– It is the driest January in 15 years (since 1989) when 1.18 inch of melted precipitation was recorded.

– It is the driest month since February 2002 when 1.43 inches was recorded.

Boston, official records since 1872

– The January 2004 average temperature of 20.7 degrees tied January 1893 as the second coldest January on record.

– It is the coldest January in 111 years (since January 1893).

– January 1888 And 1875 are the coldest januarys, both with an average temperature of 20.1 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the coldest month in approximately 70 years (since February 1934) when the average temperature was 17.5 degrees.

– January 2004 Is tied for the fourth coldest month on record with 1893 and behind the following months, 17.5 degree average Feb 1934, 20.1 degree average Jan 1888 and Jan 1875, 20.6 degree average Feb 1885.

Significant January temperature departure since just years ago,

Month/year average temperature departure rank
Jan 2004 20.7 degrees -8.6F tied 2nd coldest
Jan 2003 24.1 degrees -5.2F
Jan 2002 36.8 degrees +7.5F 5th warmest

Net change in January average temperature since 2002 -16.1F.
– January 2004 Was the sixth driest on record with 1.01 inches of precipitation.

– It is the driest January in 15 years (since 1989) when 0.61 inch of melted precipitation was recorded.

– It is the driest month since November 2001 when 0.73 inch was recorded.

Hartford, official records since 1904

– The January 2004 average temperature of 18.7 degrees tied the 5th coldest on record.

– It is the coldest January in 27 years (since January 1977).

– Other colder januarys include 16.8 degrees in 1970, 16.9 degrees in 1961, 17.4 degrees in 1918, 17.8 degrees in 1981, (tied) 18.7 degrees in 1977.

– January 1970 Is the coldest January on record with an average temperature of 16.8 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the coldest month in approximately 14 years (since December 1989) when the average temperature was 18.1 degrees.

– January 2004 Is tied for the eighth coldest month on record behind 16.5 degrees Feb 1934, 16.8 degrees Jan 1970, 16.9 degrees Jan 1961, 17.4 degrees Jan 1918, 18.0 degrees Feb 1979, 18.1 degrees Dec 1989, (tied) 18.7 degrees Jan 1977.

Significant January temperature departure since just years ago,

Month/year average temperature departure rank
Jan 2004 18.7 degrees -7.0F tied 5th coldest
Jan 2003 20.9 degrees -4.7F
Jan 2002 33.9 degrees +8.2F 8th warmest

Net change in January average temperature since 2002 -14.2F.
– January 2004 Was the eleventh driest on record with 1.47 inches of precipitation.

– It is the driest January since just last year when 1.26 inches of melted precipitation was recorded.

– It is the driest month since January 2003 when 1.26 inches was recorded.

Providence, official records since 1904

– The January 2004 average temperature of 21.2 degrees is the sixth coldest on record.

– It is the coldest January in 23 years (since January 1981).

– Other colder januarys include 19.6 degrees in 1970, 20.3 degrees in 1981 and 1918, 20.7 degrees in 1912, 20.8 degrees in 1920, 20.9 degrees in 1977.

– January 1970 Is the coldest January with an average temperature of 19.6 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the coldest month in 23 years (since January 1981) when the average temperature was 20.3 degrees.

– January 2004 Is the eighth coldest month on record behind 17.4 degrees Feb 1934, 19.6 degrees Jan 1970, 19.7 degrees Feb 1979, 20.3 degrees Jan 1981 and Jan 1918, 20.7 degrees Jan 1912, 20.8 degrees Jan 1920, 20.9 degrees Jan 1977.

Significant January temperature departure since just years ago,

Month/year average temperature departure rank
Jan 2004 21.2 degrees -7.5F 6th coldest
Jan 2003 25.1 degrees -3.6F
Jan 2002 35.2 degrees +6.5F tied 8th warmest

Net change in January average temperature since 2002 -14.0F.
– January 2004 Was the ninth driest on record with 1.52 inches of precipitation.

– It is the driest January in 15 years (since 1989) when 1.17 inches of melted precipitation was recorded.

– It is the driest month since July 2002 when 0.39 inch was recorded.

Strauss

ARRL Headquarters gave the Framingham ARA the “thumbs-up” for its spring flea market.

In a letter dated January 29, 2004 to FARA’s Beverly Lees, N1LOO, ARRL Convention Program Manager Gail Iannone wrote, “We’re pleased to tell you that Director Frenaye has approved the application of the Framingham Amateur Radio Association to hold an ARRL approved hamfest in Framingham, MA on March 28, 2004.”

FARA’s flea market is held bi-annually. The March 28 event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Walsh Middle School in Framingham. For further details, check the Framingham ARA website at http://www.fara.org.

On January 19, 2004 the ARRL Board of Directors voted to request that FCC amend Part 97 to restructure the Amateur Radio Service and to introduce a new entry-level “Novice” code-free license with HF privileges (see ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access).

ARRL Headquarters has produced an excellent Frequently Asked Questions document that answers your questions about restructuring and explains the rationale behind the League’s request.

Please take a moment and review this material. When the period for comment arrives, I would encourage everyone to voice their views–pro or con—on this important issue. -K9HI

Steve Telsey writes:

The Eastern Massachusetts ARES section is sponsoring an ARECC exam session:

Date: Saturday, February 28, 10:00am
Location: State Emergency Operations Center (MEMA HQ)
400 Worcester Road(Route 9 eastbound), Framingham, MA 01702-5399
(508) 820-2000

Directions: See
http://www.mass.gov/agency/documents/meme/MEMA_Headquarters_Directions.doc.

Note: This is a secure facility. Pre-registration by Monday, February 23 is required. Please contact Mike Neilsen at w1mpn@ema.arrl.org. You must bring a photo ID to be admitted.

Exams Offered: Exams for Levels I-III will be offered.

Exam Format: Multiple choice. Open-book, but no collaboration permitted.

Cost: The cost is $10.00 per exam, $30.00 to take all three levels. You may retake a level once if necessary without additional cost if you do not pass with 80% or better.

Exam Coordinator: Steve Telsey, N1BDA
40 Pine St.
Concord, MA 01742
978-369-7366 Evenings
n1bda@arrl.net

Members of the New England DX Century Club (formerly Patriot DX Association) participated in a “QSO Party” over a two week period in October and November.

“The activity was set up to stimulate on-the-air operating activity among NEDXCC members and potential members to contact as many DXCC countries as possible during the prescribed activity periods,” explained George Johnson, W1ZT, QSO Party Administrator. Another QSO Party is planned for February 14 through 20, and February 27 through March 5, 2004.

Shown receiving their QSO Party awards at the January 26, 2004 NEDXCC meeting (left-right): George Johnson, W1ZT; Harry Wilson, W1AAX; Tom Walsh, K1TW; Jim Tumelty, W1CWU. EMA ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator Frank Murphy, N1DHW and Section Manager Phil Temples, K9HI were in attendence for the awards presentation.

Steve Telsey, N1BDA wrote:

“The Colonial Wireless club in Concord is sponsoring a 4-day tech class culminating in an exam on the last day. Exams for other class licenses will be available upon prior notice. The classes will be held at Concord-Carlisle High School, 7-10pm, February 3, 5, 10, and 12. The class fee is $30 and covers registration and course materials only – the exam fee is additional. Please call 978-318-1540 (Adult Education) to register.

“If you are not in the class but would like to take one contact Steve Telsey, N1BDA, at n1bda@arrl.net or 978-369-7366 by early February.”

       PSLIST                                             January 20, 2004

    Public Service Volunteer Opportunities in the New England Division
Listing public events at which Amateur Radio communications is providing

a public service and for which additional volunteers from the Amateur

Community are needed and welcome.  Please contact the person listed to

identify how you may serve and what equipment you may need to bring.
The most up-to-date copy of this list is maintained as

http://purl.org/hamradio/publicservice/nediv
   **** Every event listed is looking for communications volunteers ****
Date    Location      Event                       Contact      Tel/Email
Feb 13  Laconia    NH Sled Dog races              David KA1VJU 603-581-2602

 to 15                                                    ka1vju@dmegin.com

Feb 14  Sandwich Notch NH  Sled Dog race          David KA1VJU 603-581-2602

                                                          ka1vju@dmegin.com

Apr 25  Groton     MA Groton Road Race            Ralph KD1SM  978-582-7351

                                                             kd1sm@arrl.net

May 15  Portsmouth NH Lung Association bike trek  David KA1VJU 603-581-2602

        to Ogunquit ME                                    ka1vju@dmegin.com

May 16  Ogunquit   ME Lung Association bike trek  David KA1VJU 603-581-2602

        to Portsmouth NH                                  ka1vju@dmegin.com
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