Above Normal Temperatures for Most of the Midwest

Average temperatures trended above normal for most of the Midwest this week (Figure 1). Everywhere except Minnesota and northern Michigan to be exact. There, temperatures were 1-5◦F below normal. By the end of the week, freeze watches and warnings were issued for much of Minnesota, parts of central Wisconsin, and northern Michigan (Figure 2). To the south and east, temperatures were 1-7◦F above normal with isolated locations up to 8◦F above normal for the week. Defiance County, Ohio observed an average temperature of 68.4◦F, which was 7.8◦F above normal. The highest maximum temperature was 88◦F, which occurred on May 20, 2022. Minimum (Figure 3) and maximum temperatures (Figure 4) followed similar trends. There were 37 maximum and 52 minimum daily high temperature records broken or tied this week (Figure 5).

Heavy Precipitation in the Ohio River Valley and Central Wisconsin

Heavy rain was observed from southwestern Missouri and extending into northeast Ohio. Many of these areas observed 1.5 – 2.5 inches, with isolated areas in Missouri and Indiana receiving 2.5 – 4.0 inches of rain (Figure 6). In this swath of heavy rain, many locations received 150 - 300 percent of normal precipitation (Figure 7). The highest rainfall total (5.13 inches, 4.07 inches above normal) this week occurred in Franklin County, Indiana. Their highest single-day maximum total was 2.8 inches, which fell on May 15. River and stream gauges were recording above-normal due to the heavy rains (Figure 8). In central Wisconsin, 1-2 inches of rain fell this week, which was 125 – 200 percent of normal. Below normal precipitation was observed through central and eastern Kentucky, Iowa, southern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and Minnesota. Many of these areas received less than 75 percent of normal precipitation. Northern Iowa and isolated portions of Minnesota received 10 – 25 percent of normal precipitation. There were 40 daily precipitation records broken or tied this week (Figure 9).

Thunderstorms Bring Severe Weather across the Midwest

Multi-day thunderstorms generated 18 tornado, 285 hail, and 338 wind reports this week (Figure 10). The heaviest concentration of storm reports occurred in the Ohio River Valley and southeast Minnesota extending into northern Michigan. Daily details are below.

May 15 - An EF-0 tornado touched down in Marion County, IL with no damage reported. There were 8 hail reports in Missouri with the largest size confirmed to be 1.75 inches in diameter. Sixteen wind reports occurred across Missouri. There were several reports of broken power poles, trees downed, and damage to carports.

May 17 - There were 8 hail reports (1.0-1.50 inch diameter) occurring across Iowa and Missouri. There were 9 wind reports in Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Taylor County, Iowa recorded a 72-mph wind gust. There were several reports of downed trees, powerlines, and trees on homes.

May 18 - An EF-0 tornado was confirmed in St. Louis County, Minnesota. There were downed powerlines and trees. There were 17 hail reports ranging from 1.0-1.75 inches in diameter. There were 40 wind reports across Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Several trees were downed.

May 19 - There were 11 preliminary tornado reports occurring across Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Mt. Carmel, Illinois had an EF-2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 115 mph. The tornado was on the ground for 26 miles and had a max width of 300 yards. There were no injuries or deaths, but there were many trees uprooted and caused structural damage. There were three confirmed tornadoes (2 EF-1, 1 EF-0) in Missouri. These caused structural damage, downed trees, and power outages. An EF-0 touched down near Sparta, Wisconsin. There were 91 hail reports 1.0 – 2.0 inches in diameter. Fayette and Harrison Counties in Kentucky recorded 3.0 inch diameter hail. There were 86 wind reports in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Perry County, Illinois had the highest observed wind gust of 73 mph.

May 20 - An EF-3 tornado hit Gaylord Michigan, tragically killing 2 people and injuring 44. The tornado had estimated peak winds of 150 mph, a path length of 16.6 miles, and a max width of 200 yards. There were 8 hail reports in Michigan, and Missouri ranging from 1.0 – 3.0 inches in diameter. There were 12 wind reports in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri with the highest wind gust of 76 mph in Michigan.

May 21 - Three tornadoes (1 EF-1, 2 EF-0) were confirmed in Indiana. There was damage to cars, buildings, trees uprooted, and powerlines downed. There were 16 additional hail (1.0 – 2.0 inches in diameter) reports. There were 83 wind reports across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. A 71-mph wind gust was recorded in Bartholomew County, Indiana.

A Windy Week

Six of the 7 days this week had widespread wind gusts in excess of 20 mph. The windiest day for the entire Midwest was May 20 (Figure 11). Many locations had gusts of 21-25 mph with some areas having gusts up to 40 mph.