Midwest Weekly Highlights - July 22-31, 2020

Slightly Warmer

Temperatures remained hot across the Midwest during the last ten days of July (Figure 1).  Most of the region was either near or above normal during the period.  Areas in eastern Ohio were 3-4°F above normal, while most of Iowa, southern Wisconsin, southern Missouri, Michigan and Kentucky were 1-2°F above normal.  Minnesota, central Illinois and northern Missouri were near normal.
 

Very Wet in the Southern Midwest

Heavy precipitation fell across the southern Midwest during the last ten days of July (Figure 2). Many areas received more than three inches, with locally heavier amounts.  Most of this precipitation fell through the mornings of July 22 (Figure 3), July 30 (Figure 4) and July 31 (Figure 5).  Many areas had more than twice the normal amount of precipitation (Figure 6). Some of the heaviest amounts included 13.35 inches near Warrensburg, MO (Johnson County), 8.26 inches near Pleasant Hill, MO (Cass County), and 7.09 inches near Washington, IN (Daviess County).  Some minor to moderate flooding was reported in the Missouri River Valley (Figure 7).  More than 140 daily records were recorded across the region (Figure 8).
 

Drought Coverage Remains Steady

Drought area in the Midwest remained around 11 percent according to the July 28 U.S. Drought Monitor (Figure 9).  Only a few changes were observed, including reduction of drought area in northeastern Minnesota and expansion of moderate drought in southern Ohio.  However, wetter weather during the last few days of July likely reduced some drought and abnormal dryness in the southern Midwest.  Estimated population in drought-affected areas in the Midwest was around 7 million people.
 

Severe Weather Calms

After an active first three weeks of severe weather in July, the final ten days of the month were significantly quieter (Figure 10).  The only significant reports occurred on July 24 in northwestern Minnesota, which included a 95-mph wind gust near Erhard (Otter Tail County) from a likely microburst.  Strong winds were also reported in Indiana and Ohio on July 27.  Several weak tornadoes were also reported during the week in Minnesota and Missouri.
 

-BJP-