Above Normal Temperatures Return

Above normal warmth returned to the Midwest this week, with the central states from Missouri and Iowa eastward to Ohio seeing average temperatures about 1-4°F above normal (Figure 1). Both maximum (Figure 2) and minimum temperatures (Figure 3) were above normal too in this region. Near normal temperatures were measured across the upper Midwest, with the only southern Kentucky and isolated pockets in northern Michigan having below normal temperatures.

Mostly Dry

Little precipitation fell across the Midwest this week. The entire state of Missouri saw almost no rain, and large swaths of Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio had precipitation at less than 25 percent of normal (Figure 4). Michigan and Wisconsin were the exceptions with some locations seeing 1-2.5 inches of precipitation (Figure 5). There was virtually no change in drought this week on the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, areas of abnormal dryness expanded across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and southern Michigan.

Wind Storm on September 14

Dozens of severe wind reports extending from Michigan to Missouri occurred on September 14 along a cold front that moved through the Midwest. Unfortunately, there was one fatality and one injury reported when a dead tree fell on a vehicle in Glover, Missouri. Other impacts across the region included downed power lines and trees, including trees and branches that damaged residential structures.