Seasons and sky
Climatological Normal
Direct answer
Climatological Normal: A Climatological Normal is a standardized average or statistic calculated over a defined reference period, commonly thirty years.
A Climatological Normal is a period-based reference for typical climate conditions.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related
- Phenology, Astronomical Season, Equinox, Solstice
A Climatological Normal is a period-based reference for typical climate conditions.
A Sun-Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.
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The story behind Climatological Normal
The World Meteorological Organization coordinated standard normal periods so national climate services could publish comparable summaries.
Climatological Normal in practice: an example
The 1991-2020 normal temperature is a thirty-year statistic, not the average of all years ever observed.
Where readings of Climatological Normal go wrong
It is a mistake to call a normal a forecast or assume it captures recent trends, extremes, microclimates, or future climate.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NOAA NCEI: U.S. Climate Normals - Official methodology and data for climate normals, degree days, growing seasons, and freeze dates.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Name the climate baseline
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Common questions
What is a Climatological Normal?
A Climatological Normal is a standardized average or statistic calculated over a defined reference period, commonly thirty years.
What do people get wrong about a Climatological Normal?
It is a mistake to call a normal a forecast or assume it captures recent trends, extremes, microclimates, or future climate.
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