Widespread Above-Normal Temperatures

Average temperatures were above normal throughout the whole Midwest, especially in the central Midwest (Figure 1). All states had average temperatures of at least 9°F above normal and Wisconsin saw the largest departure of 13.3°F above normal. Lake County, Minnesota’s average temperature this week was 19.9°F, which was 15.6°F above normal. Maximum temperatures followed similar trends, with temperatures ranging from 1-11°F above normal across the Midwest (Figure 2). The only exception to this was a small area in far western Minnesota where near normal temperatures were observed. Above normal minimum temperatures were widespread, but were significantly above normal in the central and northern Midwest (10-17°F above normal) (Figure 3). A small area on the Iowa/Minnesota border was the only area with normal minimum temperatures this week. There were 6 high maximum and 21 high minimum temperature records broken or tied this week (Figure 4). Multiple stations in the region have reported this as the warmest January to date and most stations were at least in the top 10 warmest beginnings to January on record.

Below-Normal Precipitation, Except in the East

Precipitation was below normal in all areas except for the eastern Midwest, where up to 300 percent of normal precipitation was recorded (Figure 5). Nearly all of Iowa received no precipitation this week and parts of Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan also missed out on precipitation (Figure 6). Madison County, Kentucky, took the title for highest one-day precipitation total this week with 2.51 inches received on January 13th. Overall, there were 42 precipitation records broken or tied this week, all of which occurred in Ohio and the southern Midwest (Figure 7). Despite this, most stations in the north and almost all stations in Iowa, ranked this week as (or tied) the driest second week of January on record (Figure 8). From the lack of precipitation, many streamflows that were in the 90th percentile (or much above normal) last week, returned to near-normal levels (Figure 9).

Below-Normal Snowfall

Only isolated areas throughout the Midwest received snowfall this week and totals were well below normal (Figure 10). Central Missouri was the only location to receive near-normal snowfall totals. The highest weekly snowfall occurred in Geauga County, located in northeast Ohio, where 5 inches of lake-effect snow was measured.

Severe Weather

This week, there were 7 tornado, 15 hail, and 29 high wind reports (Figure 11). The EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes occurred in Illinois and Kentucky on January 11-12th. The largest tornado occurred in Ballard County, Kentucky, on January 11th and had a path length of 6.7 miles. These tornadoes caused downed trees and damage to neighborhoods and buildings. Additionally, hail was reported in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana where most reports were for hail with a 1-inch diameter (some hail reached 1.75 inches in diameter). Wind gusts up to 70 mph were associated with this severe weather and caused damage to houses, barns, and trees.

Drought Improves Slightly

Drought conditions have continued to improve slightly in the Midwest, with 7.2 percent more area in no drought category when compared to last week (Figure 12). There was one class improvement in each Midwestern state this week along with localized one-class degradations in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.