On Wednesday, February 5th, the National Weather Service presented Ms. Charlotte Spence with her 25 year Length of Service Award. Her commitment to tracking and documenting weather conditions for the National Weather Service has provided an invaluable record for the community. Over the past two and half decades, she has meticulously measured an incredible 659 inches of rainfall, including a remarkable 6.00 inches in a single 24-hour period on October 10, 2011. Her attention to detail ensures that these important weather patterns are preserved for researchers, meteorologists, and future generations.
In addition to rainfall, Ms. Spence has also carefully recorded 14.6 inches of snowfall, with the most in a single day being 3.0 inches on February 15, 2021. Her observations of extreme temperatures are equally impressive, as she’s documented an astounding 605 days where temperatures reached 100°F or higher. Among those, August 30, 2020, stands out as the hottest day she has recorded at a blistering 113°F. Her work during both heat waves and cold snaps helps paint a comprehensive picture of our local climate.
Ms. Spence’s dedication to accuracy and consistency has made a lasting impact, especially in tracking extreme events like the coldest day she recorded, 2°F on February 16, 2021. The value of her contributions cannot be overstated, as they provide essential data that helps communities prepare for and understand weather trends.
Ms. Spence, thank you for your years of service, your passion for weather observation, and your unwavering commitment to this important work. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement, and here’s to many more years of success!