Midwest Overview - April, 2003

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April 2003 was close to normal for the Midwest in many respects. The precipitation total average for the Midwest was the 49th wettest in 108 year, while the temperature average for the Midwest was 37th warmest. There were many variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the month, as weather patterns became more active than in previous months. Precipitation totals were substantial in the northern and southern Midwest (Figure 1), exceeding 2.5 inches in the previously dry central Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and 4 to 8 inches in parts of Missouri and most of Kentucky. Kentucky had its 11th wettest April on record, while just to north, Ohio had its 31st driest April. Some of the drought areas in the central Midwest where well below normal in precipitation (Figure 2), but this was largely alleviated in precipitation occurring on the 30th and recorded in May. Air temperatures were above normal by a few degrees in most of the western and southern Midwest, and were below normal 2-4°F in the northern Great Lakes area (Figure 3). Indiana had its 21st warmest April on record, while Michigan had its 40th coolest April. The near normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for most of the month increased drought status in the Midwest to substantial severe levels in the central Midwest (Figure 4, National Drought Mitigation Center). Substantial relief reached the most drought-impacted areas at the end of the month, and will be reflected in the next Drought Monitor map.