Above-Normal Temperatures in the Southeastern Midwest, Below-Normal Elsewhere

Above-normal temperatures were observed in the east this week (Figure 1). In Kentucky and southeast Ohio, average temperatures ran from near normal to 1-4°F above normal. To the west, temperatures were more than 1°F below normal. The coldest temperature departures were observed in northern Missouri, Iowa, and west-central Illinois, where temperatures were over 6°F below normal for the week. In Buena Vista County, Iowa, Sioux Rapids recorded an average temperature of 46.4°F (7.8°F below normal). Average minimum temperatures followed an east/west split (Figure 2). East of Illinois, minimum temperature departures were 1-7°F above normal. To the west, minimum temperatures were near normal to as many as 5°F below normal (Iowa and northeastern Minnesota). The most significant departures occurred in maximum temperatures this week, where almost the entirety of the Midwest recorded below-normal maximum temperatures (Figure 3). Maximum temperature departures were largely in excess of 2°F below normal. Isolated areas in the central Midwest observed departures ranging from 9-13°F below normal. As a result of the colder weather, 8 low minimum and 29 low maximum daily temperature records were broken or tied this week (Figure 4).

Variable Precipitation in the Midwest

This week, heavy precipitation was observed in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, southern Michigan, and eastern Kentucky (Figure 5). Many of these locations received 150-300 percent of normal precipitation (Figure 6). Southwestern Missouri measured more than 3 inches, which was over 300 percent of normal. Joplin Regional Airport recorded 7.55 inches this week with their largest single-day maximum of 3.8 inches falling on May 4. A large majority of streamflows in the central Midwest were above normal as a result of the heavy rainfall in the region (Figure 7). Southwestern Indiana and west-central Kentucky missed the heavy precipitation, where locations recorded half of normal precipitation. Near-normal precipitation was observed through Iowa, Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin. Below-normal precipitation was observed in northern Michigan, where many of these locations recorded 25-75 percent of normal precipitation. Across the region, there were 144 daily precipitation records broken or tied this week (Figure 8).

Severe Weather in Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio

There were 4 tornado, 22 hail, and 96 wind reports this week (Figure 9). The most significant events are summarized below.

May 3 - Two tornadoes were reported in Ohio on May 3. A tornado in Hancock County, Ohio was rated an EF-1 with peak winds in excess of 90 mph and Huron County, Ohio had an EF-0 with 80 mph winds. Fairfield County, Ohio measured 2.25 - 2.5-inch diameter hail. Wind damage reports included downed trees and powerlines and damage to buildings.

May 6 - An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Pulaski County, Kentucky. This tornado caused 2 injuries, considerable tree damage, and damage to mobile homes. An additional injury as a result of wind occurred in Pulaski County. Large trees were downed. An EF-0 tornado was confirmed in Jackson County, Indiana causing structural damage.