Record Breaking High Temperatures Throughout the Midwest

This past week most of the Midwest saw consistent above-average temperatures (except for northern portions of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), as well as record-breaking high temperatures. In general, temperatures were between 2 to nearly 10°F above normal, with the largest departures in southern Missouri and Kentucky. Howell County, Missouri recorded an average temperature of 86.3°F, which was 9.5°F above normal for the week. This location’s single-day maximum temperature of 106°F occurred on July 7th, which was 2°F behind the record set in 2011. Northern Minnesota and Michigan ran 2°F to just over 5°F below normal for the week (Figure 1). The average maximum temperatures followed a similar trend with departures between 2°-8°F above normal, with isolated locations in southern Missouri reaching 10°F above normal (Figure 2). Northern Michigan and northern Minnesota observed maximum temperatures that were 2-8°F below normal. Most of the Midwest observed above-normal minimum temperatures, with the largest departures in the southern Midwest (Figure 3). There were 19 maximum and 140 minimum daily high temperature records that were either broken or tied throughout the Midwest, with the majority from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky (Figure 4).

Variable Precipitation Brings Minimal Relief to Midwest Drought

Rainfall returned to isolated locations in the Midwest, though it only provided slight relief to the ongoing drought. Precipitation exceeding two inches fell from northern Iowa through central Ohio this week (Figure 5). Many of these areas received 1-2 inches above normal (Figure 6). Franklin County, Ohio measured 5.42 inches of rain (4.26 inches above normal), with 4.15 inches falling on July 6. Additionally, higher rainfall totals also fell in northern Missouri, eastern Kentucky, and northern Michigan. Other areas received isolated rain. Northern Minnesota received less than 0.3 inches this week. Central Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and southern Missouri precipitation deficits were 0-1 inch below normal. Cumulatively, there were 91 daily high precipitation records broken; mostly along a band stretching from southern Minnesota down to central Ohio (Figure 7).

Severe Storms Produce Tornadoes and Strong Winds

Multiple severe weather events were reported this past week, including 5 tornadoes, 14 hail (1+ in) events, 1 large hail (2+ in) event, 309 wind events, and 14 high wind (65+ mph) events (Figure 8).

July 4 - Multiple wind gusts up to 65mph were reported in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Vermilion, IL reported a gust of 75 mph.

July 5 - A derecho affected southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The system caused several 70-85 mph wind gusts causing damage to buildings, trees, farm equipment, and powerlines. One confirmed tornado occurred in Buchanan, IA; no injuries resulted and no damage was reported. Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois all reported wind gusts up to 65 mph with O’Brien, IA reporting a gust of 79 mph.

July 6 - Three confirmed tornadoes occurred in Brown and Clermont Counties, OH. NWS confirmed an EF-1 tornado near Loveland, in Clermont County, which caused minor structural damage to homes and extensive tree damage. A second 4.6-mile-long tornado occurred near Pleasant Plain, also in Clermont; 2 injuries were reported as well. Lastly, NWS confirmed a 3.4-mile-long tornado near Lake Lorelei in Brown County. Multiple wind gusts up to 65 mph were reported in OH, IN, and KY.

Continued Drought Expansion Across the Midwest

The July 5 US Drought Monitor (Figure 9) showed a continuation of the abnormally dry (D0) and moderate drought (D1) in all Midwestern states. Several locations also saw an expansion of the D0 drought. Drought in east-central Illinois and southern Missouri intensified to a severe (D2) drought classification. Extreme (D3) drought in western Iowa was expanded northeast. Compared to the previous week, the total land area in the Midwest experiencing dryness or drought increased by 6.55%.