Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 144

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Climate and Rainfall

Newport enjoys the temperate climate of the southern New England region, which is heavily influenced by the Gulf
Stream and is characterized by four seasons. The City of Newport's proximity to the ocean minimizes extreme
temperatures which, according to recent National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) information,
average approximately 70 degrees in summer and about 30 degrees in winter. The prevailing winds during the
summer are from the southwest and from the northwest during the winter.
Newport's comfortable summer climate is a prime attraction, particularly for persons seeking to escape sweltering
New England cities where 100 degree temperatures and high humidity are not uncommon.
Historically, winters in Newport were much colder, characterized by ice floes on the Bay, which occurred as recently
as 1975. In the last twenty-five years, however, winters have been generally mild with little snow accumulation.
Figure 10-1 depicts Newport’s average monthly rainfall. Rainfall is distributed evenly from month to month and
averages about 46 inches for the entire year. A lush growing season occurs between April and September.
Figure 10-1 – Newport Average Precipitation in Inches
5

4.53

4.21

4

4.29

3.54

3.7

3.5

3.11

2.99

May

Jun

Jul

3

3.58

3.7

4.49

4.33

Nov

Dec

2
1
0
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Aug

Sep

Oct

Source: US Climate Data, 2015

Although the six-month period from June to November is considered to be the hurricane season, most occur in
August, September and October. On the average of one major hurricane every ten years. In the recent past, Newport
was hit by Hurricane Gloria in 1985, Hurricane Bob in August 1991, and most recently Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Often, Newport and the Rhode Island south coast experience gale force winds, heavy rain and flooding—from coastal
storms that are not of tropical origin. These coastal storms, called Nor’easters, are hard to forecast and can do as
much damage as a hurricane. In recent years, the frequency of heavy rainfall events has increased, leading to
damaging flooding, particularly in low lying areas. Portions of the State received between 15 to almost 20 inches of
rain in March of 2010, breaking records set just five years earlier in 2005.

Soils

Soils in Newport are generally derived from unconsolidated glacial till. Layers of tightly packed soil are called
hardpan. According to the Soil Conservation Service, about 90% of the soils on Aquidneck Island can be expected to
contain hardpan approximately 20 to 30 inches below the surface. Hardpan affects percolation rates, drainage,
runoff, and erosion and can cause septic system failures.

Page 10-2

Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)