Very Warm Temperatures

Widespread warmth was recorded across the entire Midwest to start October. Average temperatures were 6-16°F above normal, with the greatest warmth in Wisconsin and Minnesota (Figure 1). Minimum temperatures were 10-18°F above normal across the Midwest (Figure 2), and most locations ranked within the top five for warmest low temperatures in early October (Figure 3). As a result of the ongoing warmth, few locations were yet to record the first 32°F freeze of the fall by October 10 (Figure 4).

Varying Precipitation

Total precipitation ranged from less than a 0.25 inch to over 4 inches across the Midwest (Figure 5). While most of the region was within a 0.5 inch of normal (Figure 6), locations in northwest Minnesota, central Michigan, central Kentucky, and southeast Missouri exceeded 200 percent of normal precipitation or more (Figure 7). Several weather stations in west central Minnesota and in central Kentucky recorded over 4” of precipitation. Lake Wappapello State Park in southeast Missouri recorded 6.88” this week. Locations from northwest Missouri to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan largely missed the rains throughout the week, with some locations receiving less than 0.25 inches.

Drought Lingers with Some Relief

Long-term drought conditions persisted in Minnesota, although timely rains in the northern part of the state since mid-September continued to reduced drought severity. Ample rainfall across northern Illinois resulted in a reduction in drought severity, although drought remained. Dryness and drought in Missouri and Iowa, which received the least amount of rain in early October, persisted (Figure 8).

Multiple Rounds of Isolated Severe Weather

Several storm systems tracked through the Midwest in early October, resulting in isolated severe weather reported on six separate days. Fifteen tornadoes were reported on three of those days, across five states, with no associated injuries. Severe weather damage was minimal and primarily affected crops, trees, power lines, and farm buildings.