Below-Normal Temperatures for Most of the Midwest

Below-normal temperatures were experienced across most of the Midwest this week, with exception to southwestern Missouri, southeastern Indiana, eastern Kentucky and eastern Ohio where near normal temperatures were observed (Figure 1). Statewide temperature departures ranged from 1.0°F below normal in Kentucky to 5.7°F below normal in Iowa. Maximum temperatures were more than 4°F below normal in Iowa, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and northeastern Minnesota. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northeast Minnesota actually had locations where maximum temperatures were between 7 and 9°F below normal (Figure 2). Minimum temperatures followed suit, but departures were near normal to 2°F above normal in the Ohio River Valley (Figure 3). As a result of the cooler weather pattern, there were over 60 daily low minimum and maximum temperature records that were broken or tied this week (Figure 4).

Dry for Northwest Midwest, Historic Flash Flooding Event in the South

The northwestern Midwest received less than 75 percent of normal precipitation; whereas, the southern and eastern Midwest observed more than 100 percent of normal precipitation this week (Figure 5). Statewide precipitation totals ranged from 0.18 inches in Iowa (17 percent of normal) to 2.14 inches in Kentucky (245 percent of normal). The heaviest rain totals (Figure 6) fell in southern Illinois and western Kentucky (widespread 6 to 12 inches), which resulted in a historic flash flooding event on July 19. The flooding caused numerous water rescues, washed out roads, closed interstates, and crop damage exceeding a million dollars. There were 74 daily precipitation records that were broken or tied this week (Figure 7). Central and northwestern Iowa and southern and northwestern Minnesota had areas that received less than 10 percent of normal rainfall.

Storm Reports

For the third week in a row, there were over 500 preliminary storm reports (Figure 8). There were nearly 420 wind and high wind reports across all nine Midwestern states. On July 16, over 40 wind damage reports were submitted across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. A 72-mph wind gust was measured in Warren County, Missouri and caused downed trees and powerlines. The next day, several wind reports occurred in the Ohio River Valley. A 71-mph wind gust was measured in Webster County, Missouri and the region had downed trees and powerlines, damage to buildings, and two wind-related injuries in Madison County, Illinois. On July 18, additional wind and tornado reports occurred in Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Kentucky had two EF-1 tornadoes, which occurred in Ballard and Caldwell Counties. On July 19, Itasca County, Minnesota, had 2.75-inch diameter hail stones that broke windows and dented cars. Stearns County, Minnesota had a 74-mph wind gust causing further wind damage. July 20 brought additional wind reports and tragically resulted in a fatality in Van Wert County, Ohio.

July 18 US Drought Monitor Brought Slight Improvement across the Midwest

The July 18 US Drought Monitor brought nearly a 10 percent reduction in Midwest land in drought (Figure 9). One category improvement occurred in nearly every Midwestern state. Two-class improvement occurred in northern Illinois, western and northeastern Indiana, and eastern Missouri. Over 84 percent of the Midwest remained in a US Drought Monitor Category (abnormally dry to exceptional drought). The exceptional Drought (D4) remained in central Missouri with this week.