Warmth Continues

Most locations across the Midwest continued to see temperatures well-above normal, with the warmest departures in the western and northwestern states (Figure 1). Only Kentucky, Ohio, and eastern Michigan had near normal or below normal temperatures. Average maximum temperatures across the upper Midwest were in the upper 70s and low 80s (Figure 2), which were 6-14°F above normal for this time of year (Figure 3). Minimum temperatures were 1-3°F above normal for the central Midwest states, with minimum temperatures near or below normal across the southern Midwest and in Iowa and Wisconsin (Figure 4).

Wet in the East, Dry In the West

Precipitation this week was largely confined to the eastern Midwest. While most of the east received about 1 inch of rainfall, large portions of Indiana, southeast Michigan, and northwest Ohio received 2-3 inches of rainfall (Figure 5). The majority of precipitation occurred September 22-23 with 2-day rainfall totals exceeding 4-6” in eastern Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southeast Michigan (Figure 6). To the west, little to no precipitation fell. Most locations across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota had 0-25 percent of normal precipitation (Figure 7). In response to continued low precipitation and warm temperatures, severe (D3) drought expanded in Iowa and Illinois this week (Figure 8).

Out Like A Lamb

The Midwest concluded September with a noticeable lack of severe weather. A handful of severe wind reports occurred on September 22 in eastern Kentucky, resulting in minor damage from downed trees. The remaining eight days accrued no additional reports of tornadoes, hail, or severe wind.