Above Normal Temperatures

Above normal average temperatures were recorded for the first week of December throughout almost all of the Midwest, except for northern Michigan (Figure 1). Average temperatures were 8 to over 16°F above normal for western Iowa, Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana. Howell County, located in southern Missouri, recorded an average temperature of 55.2°F (16.2°F above normal). The rest of the Midwest experienced average temperatures 2-8°F above normal. Northern Michigan temperatures were 0.1-3.9°F below normal for the week. Similar trends were observed in the maximum and minimum average temperatures, with the most extreme departures in the recorded maximum temperatures (Figure 2). Iowa, Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Ohio, and Kentucky recorded average maximum temperatures anywhere from 10-20°F above normal. From December 1-7, there were 110 high maximum temperature records (mostly in Missouri) and 24 warm minimum temperature records either broken or tied.

Above normal Precipitation in Ohio River Valley and Snow in the Northern States

Southeast Missouri extending into the Ohio River Valley experienced 0.1-2 inches of above normal precipitation for the week. In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan, precipitation was 0.1-1.5 inches above normal (Figure 3). Accumulated precipitation was near normal to slightly below normal through the rest of the region. Missouri and southwest Illinois had locations that were up to an inch below normal. Much of the precipitation across the northern states fell as snow. Blizzard warnings, winter storm watches, and winter storm warnings occurred late in the week across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This storm system yielded widespread snowfall reports ranging from 5 inches to greater than 15 inches of snow (Figure 4). Much of this region ran 2 to 12 inches above normal for snowfall (Figure 5). Ostego County, located in northern Michigan (Gaylord 9SSW), recorded 20.5 inches, which was 12.9 inches above normal.

Severe Weather December 5-7

There were eight tornado reports from December 5-7, six of which affected Kentucky. Scott County, located in north central Kentucky, had a confirmed EF1 tornado with peak winds around 95 miles per hour. This tornado overturned two mobile homes, leading to two injuries. Additional storm reports included seven hail and 24 wind reports. A weather spotter reported half dollar size hail in Ozark County, located in southwest Missouri, on December 5.

Winds

Strong wind across the upper Midwest occurred from Dec 5-6. Max wind speeds of 30-40 mph were widespread across the upper Midwest. Iowa Falls Municipal Airport reported a maximum wind speed of 41 mph.