Resources
This page gathers the links and definitions used across the mini-site. It also includes quick guidance on interpreting the table.
Primary dataset source
Current Results — Average Annual Precipitation by State
Used for state-by-state average annual precipitation values (inches + millimetres).
How to interpret the columns
- Inches: average annual precipitation (rain + melted snow equivalent).
- Millimetres: the same value converted (1 inch = 25.4 mm).
- Region: broad region label (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) to compare geographic patterns.
- Rank: 1 = wettest, 50 = driest. This is the “core” comparison column.
Glossary
- Precipitation
- Any water that falls from the atmosphere: rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Annual Average
- A long-term mean value calculated from many years of observations.
- Rain Shadow
- A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range where air loses moisture before descending.
- Humidity
- The amount of water vapor in the air; higher humidity can increase the chance of rainfall.
- Coastal Influence
- Oceans can provide moisture and moderate temperatures, impacting precipitation patterns.