Midwest Weekly Highlights - August 8-14, 2018

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Heat Returns

Temperatures were above normal for most of the region during the week. Areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin were the warmest at 4-6°F above normal. (Figure 1) Most of Michigan, northern Iowa, northern Illinois, northern Indiana and northern Ohio were 2-4°F above normal. Most of Kentucky, southern Illinois, and areas in southern Ohio and Missouri were near normal. Maximum temperatures played a large role in the warmest temperatures, as many areas averaged warmer than 85°F (Figure 2). Despite the warmer maximum temperatures, few daily temperature records fell during the period.
 

A Drier Week

Little precipitation fell across a majority of the Midwest during the week, as many areas received less than half an inch of rainfall (Figure 3). Most of these areas had less than half the normal amount (Figure 4). Parts of western Iowa and northwestern Minnesota had no precipitation. However, heavier amounts of precipitation fell in the Ohio River Valley and southwestern Missouri throughout the week. Southern Ohio had more than twice the normal amount for the week.
 

Scattered Severe Weather

Isolated strong storms led to more than 100 reports of severe weather throughout the period (Figure 5). Most of these reports were for damaging winds that toppled trees and power lines. A 2.50 inch hailstone was reported near Two Harbors, MN (Lake County) on August 8. One tornado was reported for the week, an EF-0 near Deerfield, WI (Dane County). Damage consisted of uprooted trees and damage to roofs. No injuries were reported.
 

Exceptional Drought Expands in Missouri

Exceptional drought expanded from less than 1% of Missouri to more than 5% of the state (Figure 6). More than 80% of the state was in drought. Nearly 20% of the region was in drought, with only Indiana remaining drought free (Figure 7). Disaster declarations have been made for dozens of counties in Missouri and southeastern Iowa (Figure 8). As of the August 12th NASS Crop Progress Report, only 26% of corn and 32% of soybeans are rated good to excellent in Missouri. Concerns over yield have increased as ears of corn are running out of time to fill with kernels. Meanwhile, only 6% of pastures were rated as good across the state while 76% were rated poor to very poor. Feed for livestock remains limited as the supply of hay and roughages was 78 percent short to very short.
 

-BJP/MST-