Warm Temperatures Felt Region-Wide

Unseasonably warm temperatures were felt across all areas of the Midwest this week. Average temperatures ranged from 1-9°F above normal, with most locations 4-6°F warmer than expected (Figure 1). Maximum temperature departures were warmest in the central and upper Midwest (Figure 2) while minimum temperature departures were warmest in the lower Midwest (Figure 3).

Near Normal Rainfall For Most

Precipitation was within an inch of normal for much of the region (Figure 4). Minnesota, along with the Ohio River Valley and portions of Missouri, were on the wet side of normal this week with wide areas receiving more than double the normal precipitation (Figure 5). The most widespread precipitation fell on September 21, with Anderson, Missouri (McDonald County) receiving 4.72” that day. On the dry side were locations from Iowa eastward through the Great Lakes into northern Ohio where rainfall totals were generally below a half-inch (Figure 6).

Some Drought Improvement For Minnesota

Northern Minnesota saw some improvements in drought as timely rain continued this week. All exceptional (D4) drought was removed from the state, and the area included within extreme (D3) drought was reduced (Figure 7). Drought expanded and intensified slightly in northern Illinois, but the rest of the Midwest was largely unchanged this week.

Severe Weather

Severe weather affected the Midwest on two separate dates. On September 16, a frontal system that extended across Minnesota and extreme northwestern Iowa resulted in numerous tornado, hail, and wind reports. Four weak tornadoes were reported in Minnesota that caused damage to corn fields and downed trees onto houses. Large hail (3 inch diameter) in Saginaw, Minnesota damaged vehicles and stripped leaves from trees. Severe winds caused one fatality (a 4 year old child) in North Mankato, Minnesota when a downed tree branch landed on tent in a camp ground.

On September 20, a cold front that extended south from northeast MN to southwest MO resulted in numerous wind reports, including a 70 mph wind observation in Independence, Wisconsin. Impacts across the region included downed power lines and trees, and damage to homes and vehicles. No injuries were reported.