Above-normal Temperatures for Most, Below-normal for West

Temperatures were 1 to 4°F above normal for the central and eastern Midwest this week; whereas, temperatures were 1 to 4°F below normal in eastern Missouri, most of Iowa, and western Minnesota (Figure 1). Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky were warmest as temperatures were 3.9°F, 2.5°F, and 2.4°F above normal, respectively. Iowa was coolest, as the statewide average temperature was 2.5°F below normal. Minimum temperatures followed a similar pattern (Figure 2). The largest maximum temperature departures were more localized, as a large portion of the central Midwest experienced near normal temperatures (Figure 3). Eastern Wisconsin and western Michigan experienced maximum temperatures that were up to 4°F above normal and western Iowa had departures that were nearing 5°F below normal for the week.

Ohio River Valley Experiences Heavy Rain, Other Areas Receive Variable Precipitation

Heavy precipitation was observed stretching from northern Missouri eastward. These locations received more than 1.5 inches of rain this week (Figure 4) and was more than 0.5 inches above normal (Figure 5) or more than 150 percent of normal (Figure 6). On July 2, the Chicago area had locations receiving more than 6 inches of rain. As a result, highways were closed down and sporting events were postponed. Southern Iowa and east-central Kentucky measured up to 4 inches of precipitation this week, which was nearly 300 percent of normal. There were 102 daily precipitation records that were broken or tied this week (Figure 7). Despite the rain, not everyone saw good rain. Central and southern Missouri and the upper Midwest received less than 75 percent of normal precipitation. More localized areas received less than 25 percent of normal precipitation for the week.

US Drought Monitor Responses

The July 4 US Drought Monitor brought minor improvements and degradations across the Midwest, as there was a little over a one percent decrease in land classified in drought (Figure 8). Moderate Drought (D1) expanded in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri. Additionally, Extreme Drought (D3) was introduced in south-central Wisconsin as a result of ongoing missed rains. Drought improvement occurred in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio. East-central Missouri saw some improvement to the D3 drought because of the recent localized rain totals.

Storm Reports

There were over 500 preliminary storm reports (4 tornado, 55 hail, and over 445 wind) this week (Figure 9). Widespread damaging winds stretched from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio on July 1. A rooftop anemometer measured a 103-mph wind gust in Jefferson, IL along with many other surrounding areas observing winds in excess of 60 mph. There were several reports of downed trees, power lines, and unfortunately two separate fatalities near St. Louis from downed trees. Additional wind events occurred on July 2 as the same area saw winds in excess of 60 mph. Three non-life-threatening injuries were reported in Union County, Indiana, as multiple trees fell at a state park.