A Break from the Heat

Through much of the Midwest, the previous week’s elevated temperatures were replaced by normal to below normal temperatures (Figure 1). Average temperatures through Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan were 1 to over 5°F below normal, resulting from a stalled out frontal system over Missouri. Charleston, Illinois’ average temperature was 71.2°F, which was 5.3°F below normal for the week. Daily maximum temperatures played a larger role in the below normal temperatures because of the abundant cloud cover and precipitation in the region (Figure 2). In northern Minnesota, temperatures remained above normal. Big Falls (Koochiching County), Minnesota’s average temperature was 67.9°F, which was 4.9°F above normal.

Increased Precipitation

Stalled out frontal systems allowed for ample precipitation throughout much of the Midwest (Figure 3). Several rounds of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms yielded up to 12.82 inches of rainfall, which occurred in Howard County (Fayette 7 ESE), Missouri. This was 11.39 inches above normal for the week. The axis of heaviest rainfall stretched from southwestern Missouri through central Michigan (Figure 4). Several agricultural crops were flooded. Meanwhile, areas of Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio received less than 0.75 inches of rainfall.

Elevated Severe Weather Reports

June 22-30 yielded 187 storm reports (23 tornado, 27 hail, and 137 wind). On June 26, 11 tornadoes were reported through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (Figure 5). An EF2 tornado occurred in Austin, Michigan causing 7 injuries and damage to homes and outbuildings. Additionally, 42 wind events occurred. June 29 was another busy wind report day with 41 total wind reports in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky (Figure 6).

Flooding Reports

Significant rainfall from northern Missouri through southern Lower Michigan led to flooding and flash flooding from June 24th –30th. Minor and moderate flooding appeared overnight in northwestern Missouri on June 25th. One fatality was reported in Clinton County, Missouri after a vehicle became stranded in flood waters. Flooding also impacted central Illinois and northwestern Indiana. Flash flooding occurred in the Chicago metropolitan area as 2 inches of rain fell injust a few hours. Flash flooding led to agricultural and domestic impacts, with homes in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois seeing high water in lawns and basements due to the area’s flat terrain, and the Interstate 55 roadway southwest of town damaged by flooding and closed. The Detroit, Michigan metro area was also severely impacted from flash flooding, as the Detroit Public Library and other public buildings were flooded. Interstate 94 in metro Detroit was also closed for several days as water covered the roadway. Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, declared a state of emergency due to excessive flooding on June 26th.

Drought Relief and Enhancement

On June 29, 2021, drought conditions improved in much of Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. No drought was reported in 51.66 percent of the Midwest, an improvement from 45.90 percent on June 22 (Figure 7). Drought conditions continued through northern and central Iowa into Minnesota, where D2 (severe) drought persisted. D3 (extreme) drought continued through southeastern Wisconsin and northeast Illinois.