North-South Split in Temperature Departures

Below-normal and above-normal temperatures were observed in the Midwestern region this week, showing a north-south divide (Figure 1). To the south, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky all observed near-normal temperatures to just over 4°F above normal. Fayette County, Kentucky, clocked in with an average temperature of 64.4°F, which was 4.6°F above normal for the week. Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan all showed below-normal temperature departures. The coldest temperatures were observed in northern Minnesota, where stations were 8-10°F below normal for the week. Minimum temperatures showed a similar north-south pattern (Figure 2). The largest departures can be seen in the maximum temperatures, also with a north-south pattern (Figure 3). Kentucky had the warmest departures in the region, with most of the state over 3°F above average. Again, the coldest maximum temperatures were recorded in Minnesota, where the entire state was greater than 8°F below normal for the week. There were 55 high max and 135 high minimum daily temperature records broken or tied this week, most in the southern part of the Midwest (Figure 4). There were 186 low min and 170 low maximum daily temperature records broken or tied this week (Figure 5).

East-West Precipitation Differences, with Some Exceptions

The heaviest precipitation fell across northern Minnesota and west of the Mississippi River this week (Figure 6). Also, an axis extending from Iowa into southwestern Michigan saw increased precipitation. Atchison County, Minnesota, recorded 4.31 inches of precipitation, with a single-day maximum precipitation total of 2.22 inches on April 29th. Many stations in northwestern Minnesota were in excess of 500 percent of normal precipitation for the week (Figure 7), which led to flooding concerns (see next section). To the south, many areas west of the Mississippi River were 100-125 percent of normal, with isolated areas 150 – 300 percent of normal. East of the Mississippi River, many areas saw less than an inch of precipitation. Central Kentucky into northeast Ohio was the driest with many of these areas receiving less than 50 percent of normal rainfall. Central Kentucky recorded 5 – 25 percent of normal precipitation for the week. There were 65 daily precipitation records broken or tied this week, most occurring west of the Mississippi and stretching from Iowa into Michigan (Figure 8).

Flooding in Northwest Minnesota

In northwest Minnesota, many gauges reported streamflow at or above the 90th percentile (much above normal) due to the enhanced precipitation and melting snow (Figure 9). The National Weather Service issued flood warnings throughout the region. The Red River of the North at Grand Forks was at 44.2 feet, which was 16.2 feet above flood stage. There were numerous reports of flooded and washed-out roads.

Scattered Severe Weather

There were 9 tornado, 66 hail, and 91 severe wind reports that occurred this week (Figure 10). The most significant reports are broken down by date of occurrence.

April 23 - In Boone County, Iowa a barn was destroyed by a small tornado. In Polk County, Minnesota there was a reported hail diameter that exceeded 1.5 inches. Wind gusts of 70 mph were reported in Adair and Dallas Counties in Iowa. Twelve storm reports in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri reported winds in excess of 60 mph and damage to buildings, trees, and powerlines.

April 24 - A wind gust of 67 mph was recorded in Clinton County, Michigan with several reports of damaged trees and powerlines.

April 25 - A 64-mph wind gust was reported in Shelby County, Ohio with several locations in Ohio reporting downed trees, powerlines, and damaged structures.

April 30 - There were three weak tornados confirmed in Illinois many snapped trees and damaged buildings. No injuries were reported. An EF-1 tornado damaged buildings in Perryville, Missouri. There was a confirmed report of 2.0-2.5-inch hail in Madison County, Missouri. An 80-mph wind was estimated for Winnebago, IL. Many trees and powerlines were downed, and there were 4 reports of 65 mph or greater winds in Illinois.

Drought Improvement Continues

Ample precipitation in the west and northwest improved drought conditions in regions this week. Drought extent went from 5.5% on April 19 to just 1.5% on April 26, a 4% improvement, according to the US Drought Monitor (Figure 11). Moderate (D1) drought in eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin was improved to D0 (abnormal dryness). The D0 in northern Minnesota was almost completely removed. The Severe Drought (D2) and D1 in western Iowa remained largely unchanged this week. D0 conditions persisted in extreme eastern Kentucky.

2022 Planting Progress

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, corn planting progress is 19% behind the 5-year average. In the Midwest, delays have been driven by persistently cool and wet conditions during April. Corn planting was behind the 5-year average for all Midwestern states, with the slowest progress in Iowa and Illinois where planting is 33 and 36 percent behind the 5-year average, respectively. Soybeans are 5% behind the 5-year average with the slowest planting progress reported in Iowa (13% behind), Illinois (14% behind), and Indiana (10% behind).