Midwest Weekly Highlights - October 8-14, 2014

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Significant Precipitation Across Southern Midwest

It was an active week for precipitation across the southern Midwest, with highest weekly totals of 5" to 6" falling in southwest Missouri (Figure 1). A majority of the significant rainfall in southwest Missouri fell in the 24-hour period ending the morning of the 10th (Figure 2). A large portion of Missouri received at least 3" of rainfall, along with the southern half of Kentucky. The precipitation totals across the southern Midwest were 300% to 750% of normal for this time of year (Figure 3). Much of the Midwest experienced above normal precipitation during the second week of October, with the exception of Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, northwest Iowa, central Michigan, and northern Ohio.

The wetter-than-normal trend this fall across the region has resulted in a drought-free Midwest as of the most recent October 14th U.S. Drought Monitor (Figure 4). There are, however, a few scattered areas reported as abnormally dry. While the first measurable snowfalls of the season were reported last week, the second week of October saw no snowfall in the region (Figure 5).

Near to Below Normal Temperatures Except in Southern Midwest

A majority of the Midwest experienced near to below normal temperatures during the second week of October, with the exception of the extreme southern Midwest, which had above normal temperatures (Figure 6). The greatest departures of 4°F to 5°F below normal were in Iowa and portions of Wisconsin and southern Minnesota. On the other hand, southern Kentucky was 3°F to 5°F above normal for this time of year. Overnight low temperatures were a mix of above and below normal, with significantly above normal minimum temperatures dominant in the southern Midwest (Figure 7). On the other hand, daily high temperatures were below normal throughout much of the region (Figure 8).
 

Tornado Reports in Missouri and Illinois

The Midwest did not see many severe weather reports during the second week of October (Figure 9). However, of the severe weather that did occur, there were multiple tornado reports. Other severe weather reports were mainly high winds, with a couple of large hail reports as well.

The tornado reports occurred on October 12th and 13th in Missouri and Illinois. On the 12th, an EF-1 tornado was reported in Lampe, Missouri (Stone County) and on the 13th, reports were in the Illinois counties of St. Clair, Shelby, and Macon. The tornado in Shelby County destroyed a house and several 15-inch diameter trees were blown down. For more information, visit the Tornado Damage Survey Report from the Central Illinois NWS Office.

-MW-
Extension Climatologist for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the Midwestern Regional Climate Center