Midwest Weekly Highlights - October 18-24, 2010

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Rains Push into Midwest

The third week of October began with a continuation of the dry pattern that had been in place since late September. Light rain moved southeast across Michigan on the 21st, then a slow moving low pressure system from the southern plains (Figure 1) moved northeast on the 23rd and 24th bringing rains to the northwest part of the region. To the southeast, there was little precipitation (Figure 2) but rains were progressing to the east as the week came to an end. Several daily precipitation records were set, mostly on the 24th.
 

Another Week of Warm Temperatures

Temperatures again ranged from near normal to a few degrees above normal during the week (Figure 3). In Missouri temperatures ranged up to 6°F above normal with departures declining to near normal in the northeast parts of the region. Despite the warmer than normal average temperatures, there was a shot of cold air, extending from Wisconsin to southern Indiana, on the 22nd (Figure 4). There were a few daily temperature records set during the week .
 

Severe Weather

As the thunderstorms moved across the southern two-thirds of the region on the 23rd and 24th, there were a few storms that reached severe thresholds (Figure 5). One inch hail was reported in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. High winds and/or wind damage was reported in the St. Louis area (St. Louis County), Springfield, Illinois (Sangamon County), and Berrien County, Michigan. The National Weather Service also confirmed a weak tornado near Coloma, Michigan (Berrien County) on the 24th.
 

Dry Conditions Aid Harvest But Raise Fire Danger

The dry weather kept Midwest farmers in the fields, wrapping up corn and bean harvests well ahead of normal. The dry conditions had a downside as well, raising concerns about winter wheat germination and field fires. The field fires that were reported generally occurred after the crops had been harvested, thus limiting the damage done.
 

-MST-