Barometric pressure records: Seattle and Spokane

No, it's not an exciting list. The TV and newspaper people don't so much as mention barometers. This list might not even get a second glance from meteorologists. But let's give it a try anyway.

Eleven years ago today, Seattle set a record low barometric pressure. Curiously, the record high was set this time of year, too. Same with Spokane. Hmmm. That just might be a tad interesting. Here are the high and low records for Seattle and Spokane.

Seattle
High: 30.83 (Dec 3, 1921)
Low: 28.65 (Dec 12, 1995)

Spokane
High: 31.04 (Jan 4, 1924)
Low: 28.91 (Jan 20, 1943)

Wettest months in Seattle history

By now, I'm sure you heard that it's official. All that rain last month in Seattle -- a city known nationally for being wet -- set a new record. And while November might have set a new standard, a gander at this list of the all-time wettest months in these parts might surprise you: another month from this year was already on the list.

1. 15.63 inches: November, 2006 RECENT
2. 15.33 inches: December, 1933*
3. 12.92 inches: January, 1953
4. 11.85 inches: December, 1979
5. 11.80 inches: December, 1897*
6. 11.65 inches: January, 2006

* Measured at Federal Building in downtown Seattle. All others were recorded at Sea-Tac Airport.
Data source: www.noaa.gov

The wettest days in Seattle history

We've had so much rain lately that I thought I'd put all that water in context. Sure enough, one day earlier this month shows up on the list at #3. I remember #1 vividly, too. It wasn't that long ago.

-1. 5.02 inches: October 20, 2003
-2. 3.41 inches: November 20, 1959
-3. 3.29 inches: November 6, 2006 RECENT
-4. 3.06 inches: February 8, 1996
-5. 3.04 inches: November 25, 1998
-6. 2.98 inches: January 18, 1986
-6. 2.98 inches: February 9, 1951
-8. 2.95 inches: November 9, 1990
-9. 2.92 inches: November 24, 1990
10. 2.83 inches: January 9, 1990