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Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.68 inches statewide which was 0.26 inches below normal and 73% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.39 inches, Central 0.69 inches, Bluegrass 0.63 inches and East 0.99 inches, which was -0.60, -0.33, -0.20 and 0.08 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at MORGANFIELD 4E to a high of 1.32 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 16 to December 22, 2013 Well Above Normal Temperatures and Precipitation Warm temperatures made it feel more like fall this past period, but a very active pattern resulted in an exceptionally wet weekend. After a cool start to the work week, temperatures increased each day through the first half of the weekend. Temperatures by Friday and Saturday were well into the 60s with some locations even hitting 70. Paintsville owned the highest reading at 75 degrees. Much of the work week consisted of mostly dry conditions until the pattern changed dramatically Thursday night and heading into the weekend as a cold front stalled just north and west of the state. Multiple waves of low pressure rode along this boundary and resulted in an unseasonable, prolonged period of rainfall. Widespread showers brought extremely high rainfall totals, especially in western portions of the Commonwealth. Some locations recorded more than 4 inches in a 24 hour period, which is normally only seen once every 5 years. Overall, the state averaged 1.94 inches for the weekend, which was over an inch and a half above normal. In addition to the heavy rainfall, an unstable atmosphere Saturday night produced a line of storms pushing through the state. Damaging winds were reported across the area with even a weak, isolated tornado in Taylor County. Some wind gusts were even recorded at around 70 mph. Temperatures for the period averaged 48 degrees across the state which was 11 degrees warmer than normal and 16 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 10 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 13 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 76 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 17 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.95 inches statewide which was 0.98 inches above normal and 201% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.88 inches, Central 1.78 inches, Bluegrass 1.82 inches and East 1.33 inches, which was 1.81, 0.72, 0.98 and 0.41 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.70 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 5.45 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 9 to December 15, 2013 Below normal temperatures and precipitation: Very cool temperatures and a couple more rounds of wintry weather topped the headlines this past period. The work week started off with an upper level disturbance dropping snowfall across the Commonwealth Tuesday. Most areas in eastern portions of the state had snowfall accumulations ranging from a half to 2 inches. A reinforcing cold front on Wednesday was then followed by Arctic high pressure pushing into the region for the second half of the work week. Areas mainly in the northern portions of the state had more snow-cover and resulted in much cooler temperatures compared to southern Kentucky. Temperatures Wednesday night dropped into the single digits and lower teens for much of the state. Henderson even got down to a low of -1 degree. Wind chill values dropped well into the single digits, approaching 0 at times, which pushed the livestock cold stress index into the emergency category. The work week then ended with a low pressure system heading northeastward into the Ohio Valley. This system ended up producing a wintry mix across the Bluegrass State Friday night and into Saturday. Much of the eastern half of the state saw at least a quarter inch of precipitation. Temperatures for the period averaged 31 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees cooler than normal and 12 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 37 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 12 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 23 degrees in the West to 26 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 53 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was -1 degree at HENDERSON 5E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.70 inches statewide which was 0.34 inches below normal and 68% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.75 inches, Central 0.65 inches, Bluegrass 0.63 inches and East 0.79 inches, which was 0.37, 0.48, 0.28 and 0.19 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.42 inches at FORT CAMPBELL to a high of 1.47 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 2 to December 8, 2013 Above normal temperatures and above normal rainfall: Two winter storms controlled Kentucky last week as copious rain, snow and ice were the rule during the latter half of the workweek. The first half of the week was mostly dry and very mild with temperatures in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees on Wednesday. The first storm crossed the Ohio Valley on Dec. 5-6* with most of the snow in the west and along the Ohio River and freezing rain and sleet south of that location and into central Kentucky. And if that was not enough, on Dec 7-8, a second storm from the south provided rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet to the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 43 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 50 in the West to 51 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 9 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 75 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 8 degrees at MORGANFIELD 4E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.53 inches statewide which was 1.45 inches above normal and 234% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.73 inches, Central 2.61 inches, Bluegrass 2.35 inches and East 3.44 inches, which was 0.49, 1.45, 1.43 and 2.43 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.02 inches at HENDERSON 5E to a high of 4.20 inches at WHITLEY CITY 3N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 25 to December 1, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth got an early look at winter this past period with very cold temperatures in place and even some snowfall. The work week started off with unsettled conditions as low pressure passed southeast of the state. A wintery mix Monday transitioned to an all-snow event by Tuesday night. Snowfall was mainly confined to eastern and Bluegrass portions of the state with most getting between 0.5 to 2 inches. High pressure of arctic origen then slid into the Commonwealth Wednesday. Highs stayed well below normal with temperatures only getting into the upper 20s to low 30s during the day before plummeting into the teens that night. Clearing skies then gave way to a very cool Thanksgiving Day with highs only in the 30s. One inch of snow was still on the ground at the National Weather Service in Jackson and resulted in the greatest snow depth ever recorded for this station on the holiday. Southerly flow then commenced on Saturday as high pressure shifted east. This brought a bit of a warming trend, but average temperatures for the week remained very cool. The state was on average 9 degrees below normal, which made for the 6th week out of the past 7 that the Commonwealth has seen below normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 43 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 11 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 26 degrees in the West to 24 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 58 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W and the extreme low was 11 degrees at CARLISLE 5SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.52 inches statewide which was 0.55 inches below normal and 49% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.28 inches, Central 0.30 inches, Bluegrass 0.33 inches and East 1.16 inches, which was -0.97, -0.83, -0.57 and 0.16 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at HENDERSON 5E to a high of 2.14 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 25, 2013 35-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced dry conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.53 inches, 0.47 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 42 degrees, 3 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco and seeding winter wheat. Crops: As of Sunday, November 24, 96 percent of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to 100 percent for last year and the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 99 percent for last year and the five-year average. Tobacco: Fifty percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 43 percent last year and 61 percent for the five-year average. Condition of stripped tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Other Crops: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 91 percent, compared to 95 percent last year and 94 percent for the five-year average. Fifty-nine percent of the winter wheat crop was reported to be emerged. Condition of winter wheat was rated at 18 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 18 to November 24, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: Dry conditions returned to the Bluegrass State this past period. Surface high pressure was dominant through the early stages of the work week with clear skies evident on a daily basis. Highs generally stayed in the upper 40s to mid 50s with lows dropping into the upper 20s to low 30s. Clouds then began to increase Wednesday night ahead of an approaching cold front. While rainfall was mostly confined to northern portions of the state later in the day on Thursday, coverage became more widespread on Friday. Rainfall totals ranged mostly between a quarter and half inch across the state. Strong, Arctic high pressure then moved in for the weekend. High temperatures on Saturday only made it into the upper 30s to mid 40s behind breezy northwesterly flow. Many awoke to temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s Sunday morning before only rising into the 30s during the day. This helped push the Bluegrass State to a third straight week of below normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 52 in the West to 51 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 68 degrees at HINDMAN 5N and the extreme low was 11 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.53 inches statewide which was 0.47 inches below normal and 53% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.45 inches, Central 0.59 inches, Bluegrass 0.37 inches and East 0.72 inches, which was 0.7, 0.47, 0.5 and 0.19 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at OWENSBORO AWSS to a high of 1.27 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 18, 2013 34-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced varied conditions last week including snow, severe weather, and cold and warm temperatures. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.08 inches, 0.19 in above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 46 degrees, 2 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco and seeding winter wheat. Crops: As of Sunday, November 17, 94 percent of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 99 percent. Seventy-eight percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 95 percent last year and 93 percent for the five-year average. Tobacco: Forty-two percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 38 percent last year and 47 percent for the five-year average. Condition of stripped tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Other Crops: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 78 percent, compared to 90 percent last year and 88 percent for the five-year average. Forty-four percent of the winter wheat crop was reported to be emerged. Condition of winter wheat was reported 25 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 18 percent excellent Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 11 to November 17, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: This past period provided a little bit of everything when it came to weather conditions with snow, severe weather, and both cold and warm temperatures seen throughout the week. An arctic cold front dove through the Commonwealth Monday night and into Tuesday. Precipitation started out as rain, but slowly transitioned to snow through the overnight as temperatures became sub-freezing. Surface high pressure then moved into the area for the midsection of the work week. Most locations struggled to hit 40 on Tuesday before dropping into the upper teens to low 20s that night. After another very cool day on Wednesday, breezy southerly flow started ushering in much warmer air for the remainder of the week. Temperatures by Sunday were hovering in the mid 60s to around 70. An upper level disturbance brought a light rainfall event to the Bluegrass State on Friday, but Sunday had a much more significant impact. A very strong storm system dragged a cold front through the area with damaging winds and even some isolated tornadoes as the primary hazards. Combined with another batch of rainfall earlier in the morning, the Commonwealth averaged just under an inch. Temperatures for the period averaged 46 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 57 in the West to 57 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 33 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 71 degrees at JACKSON 3SE and the extreme low was 14 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.08 inches statewide which was 0.19 inches above normal and 121% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.09 inches, Central 1.35 inches, Bluegrass 1.39 inches and East 0.50 inches, which was 0.03, 0.42, 0.62 and -0.31 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.18 inches at MONTICELLO AWOS to a high of 2.82 inches at LOUISVILLE APT. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 12, 2013 33-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced very dry conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.47 inches, 0.31 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 50 degrees, 1 degree cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco and seeding winter wheat. Crops: As of Sunday, November 10, 90 percent of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent. Sixty-six percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 90 percent last year and 86 percent for the five-year average. Tobacco: Thirty-five percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 32 percent last year and 34 percent for the five-year average. Condition of stripped tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Other Crops: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 64 percent, compared to 84 percent last year and 79 percent for the five-year average. Thirty-three percent of the winter wheat crop was reported to be emerged. Condition of winter wheat was reported as 30 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 4 to November 10, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Dry conditions were in control across the state for much of this past period. High pressure sitting over southeastern portions of the US kept the Commonwealth warm and dry for the first half of the work week behind breezy southerly flow. Temperatures warmed to around normal by Tuesday with highs in the low to mid 60s. A cold front then swept through the region on Wednesday with winds ahead of the boundary becoming quite breezy. Wind speeds of 20 mph with gusts around 30 were common. The front passed through the region during the afternoon and evening hours with rainfall totals between a quarter and half inch. This ended up being the only rainfall event for the week. Out of the past 10 weeks, this period marked the 7th time the state has seen below normal rainfall. High pressure then moved in for the remainder of the period with clear skies and highs hovering in the 50s. Temperatures for the period averaged 50 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 61 in the West to 61 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to near normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 77 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 24 degrees at BOONEVILLE 2S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.31 inches below normal and 61% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.38 inches, Central 0.51 inches, Bluegrass 0.48 inches and East 0.49 inches, which was 0.51, 0.3, 0.21 and 0.22 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.23 inches at FORT CAMPBELL to a high of 0.91 inches at LOUISA 1S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 4, 2013 32-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced very wet and windy conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.20 inches, 0.43 in above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 56 degrees, 3 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco and seeding winter wheat. Crops: As of Sunday, November 3, 83 percent of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to 98 percent last year and the five-year average of 93 percent. Ninety percent of soybeans were considered mature, compared to 99 percent for last year and the five-year average. Fifty-one percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 81 percent last year and 76 percent for the five-year average. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 34 percent excellent. Tobacco: Twenty-seven percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 25 percent last year and 26 percent for the five-year average. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Condition of stripped tobacco was rated at 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. While tobacco is in mostly good condition, some producers are reporting its weight is lighter than normal. Other Crops: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 50 percent, compared to 73 percent last year and 68 percent for the five-year average. Twenty percent of the winter wheat crop was reported to be emerged. Condition of winter wheat was reported as 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 28 to November 3, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: A strong cold front making its way through the region made for a very wet and windy work week across the Ohio Valley. As low pressure approached the region earlier in the period, a warm front lifting north sparked widespread showers across the area. Temperatures then warmed significantly on Wednesday behind the frontal passage. Breezy southerly flow put highs back into the upper 60s to mid 70s. The front then swept through the region on Halloween and through the overnight. Winds increased drastically ahead of the boundary with wind gusts over 40 mph common across the state. Some severe wind gusts were recorded with even some isolated, weak tornados. Dry conditions then moved briefly into the Bluegrass State for the day Friday before scattered showers once again formed Saturday as an upper level disturbance passed through the eastern half of Kentucky. Overall, the Commonwealth averaged over an inch of rainfall over the course of the week, which is nearly a half inch above normal. This helped push Louisville to the wettest October on record. Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees warmer than normal and 12 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 66 in the West to 64 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 12 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 79 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 28 degrees at HARTFORD 3E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.20 inches statewide which was 0.43 inches above normal and 156% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.92 inches, Central 1.41 inches, Bluegrass 1.50 inches and East 0.97 inches, which was 0.06, 0.61, 0.79 and 0.26 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.44 inches at BURKESVILLE 3W to a high of 2.36 inches at SHEPHERDSVILLE 6SE. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 28, 2013 31-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced very cool conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.14 inches, 0.58 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 45 degrees, 10 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.0 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and harvesting soybeans. Crops: As of Sunday, October 27, all of Kentucky’s corn crop had reached the mature stage. Seventy-six percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 96 percent last year and the five-year average of 89 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 5 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 54 percent excellent. Ninety-one percent of soybeans were reported to be shedding leaves, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 100 percent. Seventy- six percent of soybeans were considered mature, compared to 92 percent last year and the five-year average of 95 percent. Thirty-eight percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 68 percent last year and 65 percent for the five-year average. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 38 percent excellent. Tobacco: Eighteen percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 18 percent last year and 19 percent for the five-year average. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Other Crops and Pasture: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 34 percent, compared to 58 percent last year and 54 percent for the five-year average. Eleven percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged. Condition of winter wheat was reported as 1 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 21 to October 27, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Extremely cool conditions gradually settled across the Commonwealth this past week as multiple cold fronts passed through the state. Each front was accompanied by only light showers and resulted in minimal accumulations across the area. Kentucky as a whole only averaged 0.14 inches over the period, which was over a half inch below normal. This made for the third straight week the Bluegrass State has been below average. High temperatures dropped into the mid 40s to low 50s by Wednesday and stayed that way through the end of the work week. The coldest temperatures were felt Friday and Saturday morning as surface high pressure of Arctic origen moved into the Ohio Valley. A combination of skies clearing and winds going calm allowed for the coldest temperatures of the season with lows plummeting into the mid to upper 20s each night. Some locations even dropped into the lower 20s. This was around 20 degrees below normal as lows are normally in the mid 40s at this point in the year. This essentially brought the growing season to an end across the area. For the week, the Bluegrass State was on average 10 degrees below normal, which was the largest below normal deviation since the end of 2010. Breezy southwesterly flow then commenced on Saturday allowing for temperatures to rebound back into the 50s for the remainder of the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 45 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees cooler than normal and 12 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 57 in the West to 55 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 12 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 13 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 35 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 71 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 21 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.14 inches statewide which was 0.58 inches below normal and 20% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.08 inches, Central 0.13 inches, Bluegrass 0.15 inches and East 0.22 inches, which was 0.72, 0.59, 0.51 and 0.46 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at HENDERSON 5E to a high of 0.54 inches at LOUISA 1S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 21, 2013 30-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced rainy conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.47 inches, 0.24 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 56 degrees, 2 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.6 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco, harvesting corn, and harvesting soybeans. Crops: As of Sunday, October 20, 97 percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 99 percent. Sixty- five percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 94 percent last year and the five-year average of 84 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 5 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 54 percent excellent. Eighty percent of soybeans were reported to be shedding leaves, compared to 93 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent. Sixty-one percent of soybeans were considered mature, compared to 81 percent last year and the five-year average of 84 percent. Twenty-five percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 52 percent for last year and the five-year average. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. Tobacco: Ninety-seven percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 100 percent for last year and the five-year average. Thirteen percent of burley tobacco has been stripped, compared to 15 percent last year and 13 percent for the five-year average. Ninety-one percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 100 percent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Other Crops and Pasture: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 22 percent, compared to 37 percent last year and 35 percent for the five-year average. Condition of winter wheat was reported as 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pasture condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of farmers were reported as having adequate hay supply for this winter’s feeding. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 14 to October 20, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Unsettled conditions kept chances of rain in the forecast for much of this past week. The first significant system came over the midsection of the work week with the passage of a slow moving cold front. Light to moderate showers overspread the Commonwealth as the boundary pushed east through the state with most receiving less than a quarter inch. After a brief period of dry weather on Friday, conditions once again became unsettled on Saturday with the passage of yet another cold front and upper level trough across the area. Moisture was limited and resulted in low rainfall totals, but coverage was quite high. Areas across the state averaged just over a tenth of an inch with higher totals across the Bluegrass. Cool high pressure then settled into the lower Ohio Valley Saturday night and into Sunday morning. This brought about the first frost of the season as clear skies and calm winds allowed temperatures to drop into the mid 30s for many locations. Some low lying and sheltered areas even dropped to around freezing. Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 66 in the West to 65 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 78 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 31 degrees at CAMPBELLSVILLE 7W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.24 inches below normal and 67% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.41 inches, Central 0.54 inches, Bluegrass 0.50 inches and East 0.44 inches, which was 0.34, 0.18, 0.17 and 0.24 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at PEABODY to a high of 0.93 inches at TRIANGLE MOUNTAIN. --- Due to the Federal Government shutdown, the Kentucky Weather and Crop Summary for this previous week is currently not available. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 7 to October 13, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Dry conditions are normally a common theme throughout the month of October for the Bluegrass State and this past week was no exception. The work week started off with clouds on the decrease and surface high pressure moving into the area as a strong cold front departed the state. Low temperatures Monday and Tuesday morning dropped into the low 40s in many locations. Some areas dropped into the upper 30s briefly, but once again, frost was not an issue over the course of the week. The Commonwealth then continued under the influece of high pressure through the remainder of the work week, keeping dry conditions in place. Highs in the mid to upper 70s were common, which helped push the state to its third straight week of above normal temperatures. Focus over the weekend then turned toward a weakening cold front. Most locations remained dry with the frontal passage. Any locations that did receive rainfall were light in nature. Over the course of the week, the state was 0.41 inches below normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 73 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 50 degrees in the West to 49 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 82 degrees at MAYFIELD 6SW and the extreme low was 38 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.34 inches statewide which was 0.41 inches below normal and 45% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.22 inches, Central 0.10 inches, Bluegrass 0.36 inches and East 0.69 inches, which was 0.54, 0.68, 0.36 and 0.07 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BOWLING GREEN APT to a high of 1.68 inches at MCKEE 5S. --- Due to the Federal Government shutdown, the Kentucky Weather and Crop Summary for this previous week is currently not available. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 30 to October 6, 2013 Well Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall Exceptionally wet and warm conditions led to a very unordinary first week of October. An upper level area of low pressure passing north through Kentucky on Wednesday brought the first significant amount of rainfall for the week. Scattered showers were mainly limited to the western half of the state. An upper level disturbance then pushed light showers into the region Thursday morning; before conditions dried off for the end of the work week. While it was dry, temperatures became very warm for this time of the year. Highs pushing into the low to mid 80s and lows only dropping into the 60s led the way in average temperatures 7 degrees above normal for the week. This was the highest above normal deviation since early January. Conditions then once again became unsettled for the weekend. An area of low pressure pushed a strong cold front through the Ohio Valley. A very moist air mass allowed for substantial rainfall totals across nearly the entire state. Over the course of the weekend, most of the state, with the exception of the east, averaged over 2 inches of rainfall. Louisville even recorded 7.53 inches for the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 63 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 12 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 12 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 87 degrees at CALHOUN 5NW and the extreme low was 51 degrees at RICHMOND 8E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.93 inches statewide which was 1.13 inches above normal and 242% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.47 inches, Central 2.22 inches, Bluegrass 2.70 inches and East 0.33 inches, which was 1.65, 1.38, 1.96 and -0.46 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at HINDMAN 5N to a high of 7.57 inches at LOUISVILLE APT. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 30, 2013 27-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced drier conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.29 inches, 0.56 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 66 degrees, 1 degree warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 25 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 22 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco and harvesting corn. Crops: As of Sunday, September 29, 97 percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 100 percent for last year and the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 98 percent last year and the five- year average of 92 percent. Thirty-six percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 79 percent last year and the five-year average of 56 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 7 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 47 percent excellent. Forty-nine percent of soybeans were reported to be shedding leaves, compared to 70 percent last year and the five-year average of 71 percent. Nineteen percent of soybeans were considered mature, compared to 48 percent last year and the five-year average of 43 percent. Four percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 24 percent last year and the five-year average of 14 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. Tobacco: Eighty-three percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 79 percent last year and 85 percent for the five-year average. Eighty-five percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 87 percent last year and the five-year average of 85 percent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. The amount of tobacco ready for stripping was 10 percent while the amount of tobacco already stripped was 2 percent. Other Crops and Pasture: Winter wheat seeded was reported at 3 percent, compared to 6 percent last year and 4 percent for the five-year average. Pasture condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 23 to September 29, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Rainfall was below normal by over a half inch for the third week this past month. Surface high pressure kept the Commonwealth dry through Tuesday before low pressure began sweeping through the state that night and into Wednesday. This system brought a round of light scattered showers to mainly the southern half of the state with most getting less than a quarter inch. Skies then cleared Wednesday night with winds becoming calm. This allowed for a rather significant fog event Thursday morning. Some areas in south central Kentucky witnessed some dense fog with visibility limited to under a half mile at times. Focus then turned toward a cold front set to move through the Ohio Valley over the course of Sunday. This system slowly weakened as it moved east with a shield of light rainfall over western portions of the state tapering to only isolated showers to the east. Western portions of the state averaged 0.67 inches over the course of day with all other sections of the state under a tenth of an inch. Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was 1 degree warmer than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 78 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 56 degrees in the West to 54 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 85 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 42 degrees at RICHMOND 8E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.29 inches statewide which was 0.56 inches below normal and 34% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.89 inches, Central 0.12 inches, Bluegrass 0.04 inches and East 0.10 inches, which was 0.03, -0.81, -0.73 and -0.73 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CARLISLE 5SW to a high of 2.07 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 23, 2013 26-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced cool and wet conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.57 inches, 0.74 in above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 68 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 20 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.4 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco, preparing equipment for grain harvest, and harvesting corn. Crops: As of Sunday, September 22, 94 percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent. Seventy- four percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 96 percent last year and the five-year average of 85 percent. Twenty-five percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 69 percent last year and the five-year average of 44 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 7 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 45 percent excellent. The average moisture content of corn being harvested was at 21 percent. Twenty-eight percent of soybeans were reported to be shedding leaves, compared to 58 percent last year and the five-year average of 55 percent. Eight percent of soybeans were considered mature, compared to 33 percent last year and the five-year average of 26 percent. One percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, compared to 13 percent last year and the five-year average of 6 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 30 percent excellent. Farmers reported 59 percent of the soybean crop was safe from frost damage. There were some reports of damage to the soybean crop due to lodging. Tobacco: Seventy-four percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 69 percent last year and 76 percent for the five-year average. Seventy-six percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 79 percent last year and the five-year average of 77 percent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. There were some reports that while hay production has been abundant, the quality is low due to delayed harvest and rain. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 16 to September 22, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Autumn-like temperatures continued across the Bluegrass State this past period, but the passage of a strong cold front made for a particularly wet weekend. The state averaged 1.57 inches over the course of the week, which was the wettest period since early August. Surface high pressure to the north kept the Bluegrass State locked in a dry pattern to start out the work week. Then conditions began to turn unsettled as a mid-level disturbance passed through the state early on Wednesday bringing the first round of rainfall for the week. Rainfall was then scattered in nature through the remainder of the work week, before a cold front passed through the Commonwealth over the first half of the weekend. Extremely moist conditions for this time of the year made for an exceptional rainfall event. Soaking rains led to average rainfall totals over an inch. A narrow corridor extending through central and bluegrass portions of the state received more than 2 inches. Cool temperatures and dry air then descended into the Bluegrass State for the remainder of the weekend. Lows in the mid 40s to around 50 were common Saturday night. Temperatures for the period averaged 68 degrees across the state which near normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 60 degrees in the West to 58 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 89 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W and the extreme low was 45 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.57 inches statewide which was 0.74 inches above normal and 189% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.61 inches, Central 1.70 inches, Bluegrass 2.00 inches and East 0.96 inches, which was 0.76, 0.79, 1.25 and 0.14 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.51 inches at MONTICELLO AWOS to a high of 3.81 inches at SHELBYVILLE 10W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 16, 2013 25-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced exceptionally dry conditions again last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.22 inches, 0.62 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 70 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 23 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco and beginning to harvest corn. Crops: As of Sunday, September 15, 97 percent of corn had reached the dough stage, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 99 percent. Eighty- nine percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 94 percent. Sixty-three percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 92 percent last year and the five-year average of 75 percent. Fourteen percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 58 percent last year and the five-year average of 33 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 7 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 48 percent excellent. Producers who have started harvesting corn reported very good crop conditions and yields. Soybean setting pods reached 95 percent, compared with 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 100 percent. Fifteen percent of soybeans were reported to be dropping leaves, compared to 47 percent last year and the five-year average of 36 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 33 percent excellent. While soybean conditions have been improving, there were a few reports of soybean sudden death syndrome in some areas. Tobacco: Sixty-two percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 59 percent last year and 68 percent for the five-year average. Sixty-six percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 67 percent last year and the five-year average of 67 percent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 5 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Nine percent of housed tobacco showed signs of houseburn. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Pasture conditions are continuing to deteriorate due to the lack of rain. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 9 to September 16, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The dry trend continued across the lower Ohio Valley as Kentucky remained below normal for the second straight week by a half inch. The period started off with isolated to widely scattered showers and storms in place as weak disturbances passed through the Commonwealth. This activity was accompanied by an unusually warm and humid air mass for this time of the year. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s with dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s put the livestock heat stress index back into the danger category. A cold front then pushed through the area on Thursday. This brought the first autumn-like air mass of the season with much drier conditions present through the remainder of the week, in addition to very cool temperatures. Breezy northerly flow only allowed for highs in the upper 60s to low 70s Friday and Saturday. Some even awoke to temperatures in the low 40s Saturday morning. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 95 degrees at MORGANFIELD 4E and the extreme low was 41 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.22 inches statewide which was 0.62 inches below normal and 26% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.18 inches, Central 0.38 inches, Bluegrass 0.06 inches and East 0.24 inches, which was 0.67, 0.55, 0.7 and 0.57 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 2.66 inches at BOWLING GREEN APT. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 9, 2013 24-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced exceptionally dry conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.17 inches, 0.6 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 72 degrees, 1 degree cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco, cutting and baling hay, and preparing for grain harvest. Crops: As of Sunday, September 8, 92 percent of corn had reached the dough stage, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent. Seventy- nine percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 96 percent last year and the five-year average of 88 percent. Forty-two percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 85 percent last year and the five-year average of 62 percent. Five percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 46 percent last year and the five- year average of 22 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 46 percent excellent. Some producers reported the corn crop is looking very good and that they expect high yields. Soybean setting pods reached 90 percent, compared with 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent. Six percent of soybeans were reported to be dropping leaves, compared to 34 percent last year and the five-year average of 22 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 33 percent excellent. Tobacco: Ninety percent of Burley tobacco was topped, compared to 96 percent last year and the five-year average of 99 percent. Fifty-four percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 48 percent last year and 56 percent for the five-year average. Fifty-three percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 49 percent last year and the five-year average of 55 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Many farmers were busy cutting and baling hay. Wet conditions this year have been challenging for hay growers. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 2 to September 8, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Exceptionally dry conditions overtook Kentucky this past week as the state ended over a half inch below normal. While it was dry, it has to be taken into account that September and October are the state’s driest months of the year. A cold front on Monday brought the only significant rainfall for the period. Most locations only received less than a quarter inch. Much drier and cooler air then filtered into the Ohio Valley by Tuesday with high pressure of Canadian origen sticking around for the remainder of the work week. Highs hovered in the 80s with lows dropping into mainly the mid 50s to low 60s. Patchy fog was evident just about each morning as skies cleared and winds became calm through the overnight. As high pressure moved off to the mid-Atlantic coast by Saturday, winds shifted to the southwest and ushered in a bit warmer air for the weekend. The week then closed with a weak front dropping south from the Great Lakes on Sunday with only light, isolated showers and storms. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 84 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 91 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 49 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.17 inches statewide which was 0.6 inches below normal and 22% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.07 inches, Central 0.23 inches, Bluegrass 0.11 inches and East 0.28 inches, which was 0.65, 0.62, 0.62 and 0.51 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 1.81 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 3, 2013 23-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced very hot and humid conditions last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.30 inches, 0.56 in above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 78 degrees, 4 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 15 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included cutting and housing tobacco and preparing for grain harvest. Crops: As of Sunday, September 1, 85 percent of corn had reached the dough stage, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 92 percent. Sixty-six percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 92 percent last year and the fiveyear average of 80 percent. Twenty-two percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 77 percent last year and the five-year average of 46 percent. One percent of corn has been harvested, compared to 35 percent last year and the five- year average of 12 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 44 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 93 percent complete, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 100 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 80 percent, compared with 91 percent last year and the five-year average of 91 percent. Two percent of soybeans were reported to be dropping leaves, compared to 21 percent last year and the five-year average of 12 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. There were some reports of soybean sudden death syndrome observed last week. Tobacco: Eighty-two percent of Burley tobacco was topped, compared to 81 percent last year and the five-year average of 90 percent. Forty-one percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 32 percent last year and 43 percent for the five-year average. Ninety-five percent of dark tobacco was topped, compared to 100 percent last year and 100 percent for the five-year average. Thirty-five percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 37 percent last year and the five-year average of 44 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 4 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Condition of housed tobacco was rated at 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. Twentyone percent of respondents reported evidence of houseburn. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pastures still remain in mostly good to excellent condition, however, field and hay conditions are continuing to decline in locations that have not received as much rain. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 26 to September 1, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Very hot and humid conditions took control of the Bluegrass State this past week. Statewide average temperatures were 4 degrees above normal as high temperatures stayed in the upper 80s to low 90s for much of the week. This was the first week since mid-July that the state had an above normal period of temperatures. The livestock heat stress index stayed in the danger to emergency category on nearly a daily basis. While it was hot, the combination of surface high pressure at the surface and aloft, kept the state locked into a mostly dry pattern through the first half of the work week. This ridge then began to break down going into the latter half, allowing for some upper level disturbances to rotate around the periphery into Kentucky. This allowed for isolated to scattered coverage before more pronounced activity Saturday and into the overnight. This led the way in the Commonwealth averaging 1.3 inches over the course of the week, which was over a half inch above normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 78 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 90 in the West to 86 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 69 degrees in the West to 68 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 97 degrees at MORGANFIELD 4E and the extreme low was 54 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.30 inches statewide which was 0.56 inches above normal and 176% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.20 inches, Central 1.55 inches, Bluegrass 1.52 inches and East 0.95 inches, which was 0.53, 0.77, 0.79 and 0.17 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.07 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 3.86 inches at SHELBYVILLE 10W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 26, 2013 22-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below average rainfall and warmer temperatures last week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.34 inches, 0.49 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 75 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 13 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.4 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting tobacco and starting to harvest early corn for grain. Crops: As of Sunday, August 25, corn milking was rated at 90 percent, compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent. Seventy-two percent of corn reached the dough stage, compared to 93 percent last year and the fiveyear average of 84 percent. Forty-eight percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 86 percent last year and the five-year average of 66 percent. Eight percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 66 percent last year and the five-year average of 29 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 48 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 86 percent complete, compared to 99 percent last year and the five- year average of 96 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 66 percent, compared with 86 percent last year and the five-year average of 82 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. There were some reports of soybean sudden death syndrome observed last week. Tobacco: Eighty-seven percent of Burley tobacco was blooming, compared to 94 percent last year and 95 percent for the five-year average. Seventy-one percent of Burley tobacco was topped, compared to 69 percent last year and the five-year average of 79 percent. Twenty-seven percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 21 percent last year and 27 percent for the five-year average. Eighty-nine percent of dark tobacco was topped, compared to 99 percent last year and 96 percent for the five-year average. Twenty-one percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 21 percent last year and the fiveyear average of 28 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 4 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 5 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. While pastures remain mostly in good to excellent condition, fields were beginning to show signs of stress in a few locations that have not received as much rain. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 19 to August 25, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: After a rather cool first half of August, temperatures returned to near normal this week, while rainfall was below normal by nearly a half inch. The work week started off rather quiet, but with skies clearing, winds going calm, and a moist atmosphere, fog formed on each morning. An upper level low pressure system then moved in across the Bluegrass State through the middle section of the work week. This sparked scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, before coverage increased later in the day on Wednesday. Most activity was limited to the eastern half of the state and was the only significant event of the week. Some of the stronger storms produced localized flooding and small hail. An upper level ridge then began to build into the Ohio Valley for the weekend with high pressure at the surface. This kept conditions dry with temperatures warming slightly into the mid to upper 80s by Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was near normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 66 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 93 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 54 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.34 inches statewide which was 0.49 inches below normal and 41% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.22 inches, Central 0.41 inches, Bluegrass 0.37 inches and East 0.35 inches, which was 0.53, 0.43, 0.47 and 0.54 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BENTON 4N to a high of 2.98 inches at STANFORD 4NE. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 19, 2013 21-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of unseasonably cool conditions. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.14 inches, 0.28 above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 70 degrees, 6 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 10 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.5 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included topping and cutting tobacco and preparing equipment for grain harvest. Crops: As of Sunday, August 18, corn silking was rated at 96 percent compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 99 percent. Seventy-eight percent of corn reached the milk stage, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 91 percent. Fifty-four percent of corn reached the dough stage, compared to 86 percent last year and the fiveyear average of 72 percent. Twenty-seven percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 76 percent last year and the five-year average of 52 percent. Two percent of corn reached the mature stage, compared with 51 percent last year and the five-year average of 14 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 47 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 79 percent complete, compared to 90 percent last year and the five-year average of 89 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 54 percent, compared with 77 percent last year and the five-year average of 71 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 34 percent excellent. Tobacco: Eighty-three percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 83 percent last year and 86 percent for the five-year average. Burley was 60 percent topped, compared to 62 percent last year and the five-year average of 67 percent. Fifteen percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 15 percent last year and for the five-year average. Dark tobacco reached 95 percent blooming, behind last year at 99 percent and the five-year average of 98 percent. Eighty percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 90 percent last year and 86 percent for the five-year average. Five percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 13 percent last year and the five- year average of 14 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 4 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Other: Pasture condition was reported as 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Livestock were reportedly in good shape and have benefitted from good pasture conditions. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 12 to August 18, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: The middle of August is usually known to be one of the warmest periods of the year, but just like this past month, cool temperatures made this previous week feel more like September. Over the course of the period, the Commonwealth averaged 6 degrees below normal. Highs were typically in the upper 70s with lows dropping into the low 60s. This helped in accounting for the 4th straight week of near to below normal temperatures. The work week started off on the unsettled side as a couple frontal boundaries passed through the state. The eventual departure of a cold front on Tuesday allowed skies to clear as surface high pressure of Canadian origen pushed in from the north. This air mass stayed over the region through Thursday with very dry and cool conditions in place. While highs only rose into the low to mid 70s, the most noticeable difference was during the overnight hours. Clear skies allowed temperatures to plummet into the low to mid 50s. Some locations even dropped into the mid 40s. This was the case in Bath County, when the mercury dropped to 46 early Thursday morning. This reading is nearly 20 degrees below normal for this time of the year. Conditions then become unsettled for the weekend as isolated to scattered showers were the trend as moisture pooled into the area ahead of an area of low pressure. Over the course of the week, most portions of Kentucky with the exception of the Bluegrass saw over an inch of rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 77 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 9 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 86 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 47 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.14 inches statewide which was 0.28 inches above normal and 133% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.35 inches, Central 1.38 inches, Bluegrass 0.53 inches and East 1.30 inches, which was 0.56, 0.54, -0.34 and 0.37 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 3.73 inches at JACKSON. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 12, 2013 20-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of extremely humid conditions. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.78 inches, 0.86 in above normal. Temperature for the week averaged 76 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.0 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, August 11, corn silking was rated at 92 percent compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 96 percent. Sixty-nine percent of corn reached the milk stage, compared to 89 percent last year and the five- year average of 79 percent. Forty percent of corn reached the dough stage, compared to 75 percent last year and the fiveyear average of 56 percent. Fourteen percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to 61 percent last year and the five-year average of 36 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 45 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 69 percent complete, compared to 84 percent last year and the five-year average of 82 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 42 percent, compared with 66 percent last year and the five-year average of 57 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. Tobacco: Seventy-four percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 73 percent last year and 72 percent for the five-year average. Burley was 47 percent topped, compared to 47 last year and the five-year average of 51 percent. Six percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 5 percent last year and the five-year average. Dark tobacco reached 89 percent blooming, behind last year at 94 percent and the five-year average of 93 percent. Seventy-two percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 81 percent last year and 76 percent for the five-year average. Two percent of dark tobacco was cut, compared to 4 percent last year and the five-year average. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 5 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 5 to August 11, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Unsettled conditions kept the Commonwealth wet for much of this past period as the state remained in a rather unstable and very moist air mass. Over the course of the week, the state averaged over 1.5 inches, which was nearly an inch above normal. The rain started falling on Tuesday in mainly western portions of the state as a complex of showers and storms moved east into Kentucky over the course of the day. This was then followed by a front slowly sagging south into the region for the latter half of the work week and into the weekend. This feature allowed for higher coverage at the statewide level as multiple upper level disturbances rode across this boundary. This resulted in a number of rainfall opportunities across the state during this period. The week then ended with the focus for showers primarily in southern portions of the Commonwealth as the front sagged south and drier air moved in from the north. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was near normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 69 degrees in the West to 67 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 51 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.78 inches statewide which was 0.86 inches above normal and 195% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.53 inches, Central 1.99 inches, Bluegrass 1.86 inches and East 1.75 inches, which was 0.65, 1.1, 0.97 and 0.75 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.09 inches at SHEPHERDSVILLE 6SE to a high of 5.32 inches at MAYFIELD 6SW. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 5, 2013 19-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of unseasonably cool conditions. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.56 inches, 0.41 in below normal. Temperature for the week averaged 71 degrees, 6 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.3 out of a possible seven. Crops: Corn silking was rated at 84 percent compared to 95 percent last year and the five-year average of 89 percent. Fifty-three percent of corn reached the milk stage, compared to 80 percent last year and the five-year average of 64 percent. Twenty-six percent of corn reached the dough stage, compared to 60 percent last year and the five-year average of 41 percent. Nine percent of corn reached the dent stage, compared to the 42 percent last year and the five-year average of 20 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 40 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 54 percent complete, compared to 78 percent last year and the five-year average of 72 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 28 percent, compared with 55 percent last year and the five-year average of 41 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Tobacco: Sixty percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 62 percent last year and 58 percent for the five-year average. Burley was 33 percent topped, equal to last year and the five-year average. Dark tobacco reached 80 percent blooming, behind last year at 85 percent and the five-year average of 82 percent. Sixty percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 69 percent last year and 61 percent for the five- year average. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 4 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 29 to August 4, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Dry, cool, and comfortable conditions were the dominant factors over much of this past period. Surface high pressure was in control to begin the work week with dry conditions and temperatures hovering in the upper 70s to low 80s. This feature then moved on to the east through the day Tuesday allowing for a minor rainfall event to unfold later that night and into Wednesday. Scattered to widespread, light to moderate showers only allowed for most locations to pick up less than a tenth of an inch. Dense cloud cover kept temperatures in the upper 70s through Wednesday. Another area of weak high pressure moved into the Ohio Valley to close the week before a cold front dropped across the region on Saturday. This brought another round of scattered showers and isolated storms to the region, but once again, rainfall totals were meager with most recording less than a tenth of an inch. Overall, rainfall for the week was below normal by nearly a half inch. This made for the 3rd week out of the past month that has been below normal. In addition, high temperatures in the upper 70s to around 80 and lows dropping into the low 60s paved the way for temperatures to average 6 degrees below normal for the week. This was the highest below normal deviation since the end of March. Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 86 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 48 degrees at MCKEE 5S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.56 inches statewide which was 0.41 inches below normal and 58% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.06 inches, Central 0.40 inches, Bluegrass 0.31 inches and East 0.46 inches, which was 0.13, -0.55, -0.65 and -0.58 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at LOUISA 1S to a high of 1.95 inches at PRINCETON 2SE. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 29, 2013 18-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of unseasonably cool conditions. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.09 inches, 0.12 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 72 degrees, 4 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 2 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.0 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, July 28, corn silking was rated at 69 percent compared to 91 percent last year and the five year average of 81 percent. Twenty-six percent of corn reached the milk stage, compared to 71 percent last year and the five year average of 51 percent. Eight percent of corn reached the dough stage, compared to 49 percent last year and the five year average of 28 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 41 percent complete, compared to 69 percent last year and the five year average of 61 percent. Soybean setting pods reached 16 percent, compared with 41 percent last year and the five year average of 26 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Tobacco: Forty-seven percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 50 percent last year and 44 percent for the five year average. Burley was 21 percent topped compared to 22 percent last year and the five year average of 21 percent. Dark tobacco had 66 percent blooming, behind last year at 75 percent and the five year average of 71 percent. Forty percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 48 percent last year and 46 percent for the five year average. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 5 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 22 to July 28, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: An unseasonably cool pattern was the highlight of this past week as temperatures across the Bluegrass State were on average 4 degrees below normal. A cold front approached the state Tuesday night and sparked isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the state. As this feature passed through the Commonwealth on Wednesday, high pressure of Canadian origen settled across the state. Cool and dry conditions overspread the Ohio Valley for the remainder of the work week with temperatures mainly in the upper 70s to low 80s and dew points dropping into the 50s. The weekend started off with another cold front passing through the Commonwealth. Moisture was meager with this system and only light accumulations were observed. More than anything, this front acted to reinforce dry and cooler air across the state. Highs over the weekend stayed mainly in the mid 70s to around 80 with lows dropping into the 50s Saturday night. Some locations in west-central portions of Kentucky even dropped into the upper 40s. Overall, this is normally the state’s warmest period of the year, but cool conditions made it feel more like September. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 92 degrees at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS and the extreme low was 48 degrees at HENDERSON 5E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.09 inches statewide which was 0.12 inches above normal and 113% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.22 inches, Central 0.94 inches, Bluegrass 1.46 inches and East 0.76 inches, which was 0.30, -0.04, 0.50 and -0.25 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.09 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 3.47 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 22, 2013 17-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of exceptionally hot and humid conditions. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.62 inches, 0.36 inches below normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 80 degrees, 3 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.0 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, July 21, the corn crop was 70 percent tasseled, trailing both last year at 99 percent and the five year average of 75 percent. Corn silking was rated at 50 percent compared to 86 percent last year and the five year average of 71 percent. Eight percent of corn reached the milk stage, compared to 59 percent last year and the five year average of 36 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 33 percent excellent. Soybean blooming reached 25 percent complete, compared to 61 percent last year and the five year average of 48 percent. Soybean setting pods reach 5 percent, compared with 29 percent last year and the five year average of 16 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Tobacco: Thirty-two percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 36 percent last year and 29 percent for the five year average. Burley was 12 percent topped compared to 13 percent last year and the five year average of 12 percent. Dark tobacco had 53 percent blooming, behind last year at 66 percent and the five year average of 55 percent. Twenty-seven percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 31 percent last year and 29 percent for the five year average. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 5 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 15 to July 21, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Exceptionally hot and humid conditions dominated the Bluegrass State this past week as an upper level ridge of high pressure built into the region. This pattern brought the first heat wave of the summer, whereas on many days throughout the week temperatures peaked in the upper 80s to low 90s with dew points in the low 70s. Many locations even had highs in the mid 90s. These warm and moist conditions led to the heat index rising into the upper 90s to around 100 and the livestock heat stress index in the danger category for much of the week. Conditions remained rather dry throughout the period with Kentucky only seeing an average of just over a half inch. This made for the state’s second straight week with below normal rainfall. Most activity was focused toward the afternoon and evening periods when the atmosphere was most unstable with storms remaining isolated to scattered in coverage. This held true even into the weekend as the ridge broke down and a slow moving cold front worked into northern portions of the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 80 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 90 in the West to 88 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 71 degrees in the West to 69 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 96 degrees at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS and the extreme low was 63 degrees at MCKEE 5S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.62 inches statewide which was 0.36 inches below normal and 63% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.84 inches, Central 0.59 inches, Bluegrass 0.49 inches and East 0.56 inches, which was 0.1, 0.41, 0.46 and 0.46 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CARROLLTON 2E to a high of 3.87 inches at RUSSELLVILLE 2W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 15, 2013 16-13 Agricultural News: This week consisted of drier conditions with rainfall totals at nearly half an inch below normal. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.54 inches, 0.45 inches below normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 76 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 41 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 2 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.3 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, July 14, the corn crop was 56 percent tasseled, trailing both last year at 89 percent and the five year average of 62 percent. Corn silking was rated at 37 percent compared to 75 percent last year and the five year average of 55 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 35 percent excellent. The soybean crop was 93 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 99 percent. Soybean blooming was 11 percent complete, compared to 50 percent last year and the five year average of 34 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Tobacco: Nineteen percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 26 percent last year and 17 percent for the five year average. Burley was 5 percent topped compared to 5 percent last year and the five year average of 3 percent. Dark tobacco had 32 percent blooming, behind last year at 56 percent and the five year average of 37 percent. Five percent of dark tobacco was topped compared to 13 percent last year and 8 percent for the five year average. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 4 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Reports of damage due to excess moisture in fields continue throughout the state. Small Grains: As of July 14, 93 percent of the winter wheat crop had been harvested compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 99 percent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 8 to July 14, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The Commonwealth finally got the opportunity to dry out this past period as rainfall totals were nearly a half inch below normal. This marked the first time since the early stages of June that the state had a week of below average precipitation. The period started off with high pressure off the east coast pumping warm, humid air from the Gulf. Temperatures reached around 90 in many locations with dew points in the low 70s through the early portions of the work week. This pushed the livestock heat stress index into the danger category each day. Wednesday brought the only significant rainfall event for the week as strong to severe storms fired ahead of a cold front passing through the area. South central Kentucky saw the highest totals with amounts over a half inch common. Drier and cooler air filtered into the lower Ohio Valley by Thursday night. Lows were well below normal with readings dropping into the upper 50s to low 60s statewide. The weekend brought another period of unsettled weather as an unusual upper level low moved west across the area. This acted to spark another round of isolated to scattered thunderstorms. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was near normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 68 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 95 degrees at Poplar Bluff ASOS and the extreme low was 57 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.54 inches statewide which was 0.45 inches below normal and 54% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.17 inches, Central 0.61 inches, Bluegrass 0.50 inches and East 0.89 inches, which was 0.81, 0.39, 0.48 and 0.12 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CARBONDALE ASOS to a high of 1.76 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 8, 2013 15-13 Agricultural News: Exceptionally wet conditions throughout the state hampered field activity for most of the week. Precipitation for the week totaled 3.55 inches, 2.56 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 72 degrees, 4 degrees cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 44 percent adequate and 56 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 56 percent adequate, and 44 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.0 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, July 7, the corn crop was 34 percent tasseled, trailing both last year at 81 percent and the five year average of 49 percent. Corn silking was rated at 16 percent compared to 63 percent last year and the five year average of 38 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 32 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 95 percent complete which trails last year at 100 percent and the five year average of 100 percent. The soybean crop was 83 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 95 percent. Soybean blooming was 4 percent complete, compared to 35 percent last year and the five year average of 21 percent. Average soybean height for the state was 11 inches. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Tobacco: Nine percent of Burley tobacco was blooming compared to 17 percent last year and 7 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco had 12 percent blooming, behind last year at 45 percent and the five year average of 15 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Damage to the tobacco crop due to heavy rainfall was reported throughout the state. Small Grains: As of July 7, 84 percent of the winter wheat crop had been harvested compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 95 percent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 1 to July 7, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Well Above Normal Rainfall: Exceptionally wet conditions were in place across the Bluegrass State for the second straight week. Kentucky was wedged between an upper level low pressure system to the west and a Bermuda high to the east for much of the period. This placed the state in a southerly flow pattern with an abundant amount of moisture pushing north from the Gulf of Mexico. Showers were scattered in coverage to start the work week before becoming more widespread by the 4th of July. This put a damper on most activities across mainly central and Bluegrass portions of the state as areas received anywhere from 1 to around 3 inches of steady light to moderate rainfall. Widespread showers continued into the early part of the weekend before becoming mostly dry on Sunday. Over the course of the week, the Bluegrass State averaged over 3.5 inches of rainfall, which is over 2.5 inches above normal. Putting this into perspective, Kentucky normally only sees 4.5 inches for the entire month of July. This was the wettest week since mid-April of 2011. Dense cloud cover accompanied the rainfall for much of the week and in turn, temperatures were well below normal. High temperatures hovered in the upper 70s to low 80s, which were on average, 8 degrees below normal. The state has not seen a deviation of this magnitude since the end of March. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 92 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 57 degrees at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 3.55 inches statewide which was 2.56 inches above normal and 358% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.70 inches, Central 4.81 inches, Bluegrass 4.00 inches and East 3.67 inches, which was 0.7, 3.82, 3.04 and 2.65 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.03 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS to a high of 7.94 inches at RUSSELLVILLE 2W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 1, 2013 14-13 Agricultural News: Weather for the past week consisted of higher than normal rainfall. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.91 inches, 0.92 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 76 degrees, 1 degree warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 short, 75 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated, 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.2 out of a possible seven. The wheat harvest and soybean planting continued but was delayed in some areas due to the torrential rains that we experienced this week. Also, there were also some reports of decreased quality of hay because of late cutting due to the rains. Crops: The corn crop was 13 percent tasseled compared to 65 percent last year and the five year average of 33 percent. Corn siliking was rated at 5 percent in comparison to 45 percent last year and the five year average of 21 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 88 percent complete which trails last years progress at 100 percent and the five year average of 95 percent. The soybean crop is 71 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 89 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Tobacco: Ninety–five percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 99 percent last year and 100 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 98 percent set, behind last year at 99 percent and the five year average of 100 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Tobacco height is at 54 percent under 12 inches, 37 percent at 12-24 inches and 9 percent over 24 inches. Small Grains: Winter wheat crop harvested reached 66 percent compared to 99 percent last year and the five year average of 84 percent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 24 to June 30, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Well Above Normal Rainfall: Extremely wet conditions soaked the Bluegrass State this past week as an average of nearly 2 inches fell across the Commonwealth. The Bluegrass Region was the overall winner with almost 3 inches coming down, which was around 2 inches above normal. Numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms soaked Kentucky, with the most prominent system coming Wednesday and into the overnight. An upper level disturbance diving into the state made way for a very warm, humid, and unstable environment. Temperatures on Wednesday rose into the mid to upper 80s with dew points peaking in the low 70s. A line of storms formed later that evening with strong winds and heavy rainfall the primary threats. An EF2 tornado did touch down in LaRue County with winds estimated between 100 and 135 mph. As a side note, the state averaged 6.01 inches of rainfall this past month. This is in comparison to the drought of 2012, where only 0.88 inches fell across the Commonwealth. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was 1 degree warmer than normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 69 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 100 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 27 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.91 inches statewide which was 0.92 inches above normal and 193% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.76 inches, Central 1.48 inches, Bluegrass 2.95 inches and East 1.44 inches, which was 0.78, 0.5, 1.98 and 0.41 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at BOWLING GREEN APT to a high of 6.84 inches at MADISONVILLE 4S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 24, 2013 13-13 Agricultural News: Weather for the past week consisted of lower than normal rainfall. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.98 inches, 0.04 inches below normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 75 degrees, 1 degree warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 short, 79 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.9 out of a possible seven. Producers were busy harvesting winter wheat; planting soybeans and tobacco. Crops: As of Sunday, June 23, the corn crop was 99 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 100 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 77 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 99 percent and the five year average of 87 percent. The soybean crop is 60 percent emerged compared to 98 percent last year and the five year average of 80 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 68 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Tobacco: Ninety percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 95 percent last year and 96 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 89 percent set, behind last year at 95 percent and the five year average of 97 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Tobacco height is at 68 percent under 12 inches, 27 percent at 12-24 inches and 5 percent over 24 inches. Small Grains: Twenty-nine percent of the winter wheat crop had been harvested compared to 94 percent last year and the five year average of 57 percent. Condition of the winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Pasture: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 17 to June 23, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Rainfall: Summertime warm temperatures and high humidities started moving into the Bluegrass state last week. Much of the state received rain during the first half of the work week with mostly dry conditions for the remainder of the work week. The west and parts of central Kentucky received the greater rainfall totals with much of the remainder of the state receiving below normal rainfall and only about half of what the west received. Many locations west and central reported 90 degrees at least once during the work week. Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was 1 degree warmer than normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 93 degrees at OWENSBORO AWSS and the extreme low was 55 degrees at MOREHEAD 4NE. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.98 inches statewide which was 0.04 inches below normal and 96% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.45 inches, Central 0.78 inches, Bluegrass 0.71 inches and East 0.99 inches, which was 0.44, -0.23, -0.31 and -0.04 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at MAYSVILLE 3SW to a high of 3.93 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS. Summarized and averaged data for the period 20130617 to 20130623(Last 7 Days) (Not for Legal purposes. Departure from Norms based on climate divisional Averages) AIR TEMPERATURE PRECIPITATION ExtremeTemp STATION MAX DEV MIN DEV AVR DEV TOTAL DEV %NORM HI LO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WEST(CD1) 87 0 67 3 77 1 1.45 0.44 144 93 61 CENTRAL(CD2) 86 1 64 1 75 1 0.78 -0.23 77 91 58 BLUEGRASS(CD3) 84 0 63 1 74 1 0.71 -0.31 70 89 56 EAST(CD4) 84 0 63 3 73 1 0.99 -0.04 96 91 55 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE 85 0 64 2 75 1 0.98 -0.04 96 93 55 --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 17, 2013 12-13 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Weather for the past week consisted of higher than normal amounts of rainfall. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.25 inches, 0.23 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 74 degrees, 2 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 short, 80 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.6 out of a possible seven. CROPS: As of Sunday, June 16, the corn crop was 95 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 98 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. The overall average height of corn is 21 inches, while the average height of the most advanced corn is 35 inches. Soybean planting reached 63 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 94 percent and the five year average of 78 percent. The soybean crop is 46 percent emerged compared to 85 percent last year and the five year average of 65 percent. Condition of the soybean crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 69 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. TOBACCO: At this point of the season, setting of burley and dark tobacco is behind normal. Eighty percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 88 percent last year and 86 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 79 percent set, behind last year at 87 percent and the five year average of 86 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 2 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Tobacco height is at 83 percent under 12 inches, 16 percent at 12-24 inches and 1 percent over 24 inches. SMALL GRAINS: As of June 16, 6 percent of the winter wheat crop had been harvested compared to 81 percent last year and the five year average of 30 percent. Condition of the winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. PASTURE: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 10 to June 16, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The Bluegrass State saw above normal rainfall this past period with 1.25 inches falling on average across Kentucky. The week started off with an upper level disturbance sparking scattered showers and thunderstorms across the area. Strong to severe storms were evident across the southern reaches of the state, with an EF2 tornado touching down in Logan and Simpson Counties. High pressure moved over the region through Wednesday with mostly sunny conditions. Winds veered to the southwest Wednesday and became gusty. This resulted in the warmest day of the season thus far. A combination of temperatures in the low to mid 90s and very muggy conditions put heat indices approaching the century mark. Conditions remained quiet until Thursday morning when a cold front moved through the area. Severe thunderstorms erupted along a line with damaging winds as the primary impacts. Drier and cooler conditions moved in just after as surface high pressure hovered across Kentucky through Saturday, before turning wet again on Sunday as another upper level disturbance moved through the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 96 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 51 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.25 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches above normal and 123% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.51 inches, Central 1.33 inches, Bluegrass 1.62 inches and East 1.52 inches, which was -0.46, 0.30, 0.58 and 0.48 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 3.79 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 10, 2013 11-13 Agricultural News: Weather for the past week consisted mostly of cool and dry condition with limited rainfall mid week when temperatures increased to seasonal levels. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.99 inches, 0.09 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 70 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.5 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, June 9, corn planting was 96 percent complete, trailing both last year at 100 percent and the five year average of 98 percent. The corn crop was 84 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and the five year average of 93 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. The overall average height of corn is 13 inches, while the average height of the most advanced corn is 24 inches. Soybean planting reached 48 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 89 percent and the five year average of 67 percent. The soybean crop is 30 percent emerged compared to 77 percent last year and the five year average of 50 percent. Tobacco: At this point of the season, setting of burley and dark tobacco is behind normal. Sixty-six percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 82 percent last year and 75 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 67 percent set, behind last year at 78 percent and the five year average of 72 percent. Condition of set tobacco was rated as 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. PASTURE: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 3 to June 9, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Cool, dry conditions dominated the work week with little rainfall through mid-week when temperatures increase to seasonal levels. By the weekend, showers and thunderstorms threatened most of the Bluegrass state with widespread coverage Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was near normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 87 degrees at Owensboro and the extreme low was 48 degrees at Cynthiana. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.99 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches below normal and 92% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.25 inches, Central 0.67 inches, Bluegrass 0.60 inches and East 1.44 inches, which was 0.21, -0.42, -0.50 and 0.36 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at Carbondale to a high of 4.16 inches at Benton. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 3, 2013 10-13 Agricultural News: Weather for the past week consisted mostly of mild and dry conditions with increasing humidity. A cold front moved in on Friday, however, which brought on large amounts of rainfall in the west and central sections of the state. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.25 inches, 0.13 inches above normal for this point in the season. Temperature for the week averaged 74 degrees, 5 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 10 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.5 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, June 2, corn planting was 91 percent complete, trailing both last year at 100 percent and the five year average of 94 percent. The corn crop was 70 percent emerged compared to 99 percent last year and the five year average of 85 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. The overall average height of corn is 8 inches, while the average height of the most advanced corn is 16 inches. Soybean planting reached 30 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 79 percent and the five year average of 51 percent. The soybean crop is 13 percent emerged compared to 66 percent last year and the five year average of 34 percent. Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Lodging of winter wheat was reported throughout the state due to damage from heavy winds and rainfall. Tobacco: At this point of the season, setting of burley and dark tobacco is behind normal. Forty-five percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 71 percent last year and 57 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 50 percent set, behind last year at 64 percent and the five year average of 54 percent. PASTURE: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 27 to June 02, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Mild and dry conditions with increasing humidity were the rule for most of the work week as a frontal system stalled over northern sections of the Ohio Valley. But as the slowly meandering cold front approached Kentucky on Friday, copious rainfall amounts fall in west and central sections of the state. Bluegrass and eastern locations received much less rainfall than west and central. Extensive flooding occurred in western sections of the state with Paducah reporting over 6 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees warmer than normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near from normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at LOUISA and the extreme low was 37 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.25 inches statewide which was 0.13 inches above normal and 112% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.22 inches, Central 0.68 inches, Bluegrass 0.63 inches and East 0.48 inches, which was 2.12, -0.48, -0.46 and -0.65 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.06 inches at MOREHEAD to a high of 6.40 inches at PADUCAH. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 28, 2013 Agricultural News: Planting progress was slowed due to heavy rainfall in the second half of the week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.60 inches, 0.51 inches below normal for this point in the season. Precipitation amounts were higher in the western and southern regions of the state. Temperature for the week averaged 66 degrees, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. Crops: As of Sunday, May 26, corn planting was 74 percent complete, trailing both last year at 100 percent and the five year average of 86 percent. The corn crop was 49 percent emerged compared to 95 percent last year and the five year average of 72 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 14 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 68 percent and the five year average of 36 percent. The soybean crop is 3 percent emerged compared to 50 percent last year and the five year average of 21 percent. Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. The expected date for the winter wheat harvest to begin is June 14. Tobacco: At this point of the season, setting of burley and dark tobacco is behind normal. Twenty-five percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 53 percent last year and 37 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 28 percent set, behind last year at 52 percent and the five year average of 38 percent. PASTURE: Pasture condition was reported as 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 20 to May 26, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Very warm and dry conditions started the workweek but on Tuesday cooler, wetter conditions took over for the remainder of the week. And by Friday morning, temperatures had dropped into the low 40s with some central and eastern locations reporting upper 30s. Many stations reported multiple days with small rainfall events. The west and south received the greater rainfall totals. Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 76 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 58 degrees in the West to 55 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 89 degrees at Mayfield and the extreme low was 37 degrees at Mckee. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.60 inches statewide which was 0.51 inches below normal and 54% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.01 inches, Central 0.48 inches, Bluegrass 0.34 inches and East 0.58 inches, which was 0.09, 0.67, 0.73 and 0.54 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.05 inches at Monticello to a high of 2.11 inches at Glasgow. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 20, 2013 8-13 Agricultural News: Kentucky farmers finally were granted some warm, dry weather in the first half of the week to aid in planting progress. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.44 inches, 0.7 inches below normal for this point in the season. Precipitation amounts were slightly higher in the central portion of the state. Temperature for the week averaged 67 degrees, 2 degrees higher than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 2 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 26 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. This week presented much more accommodating conditions for field activities. Crops: Farmers were finally able to make some decent headway getting their corn crop in the ground. Planting is 56 percent complete, trailing both last year at 98 percent and the five year average of 75 percent. The corn crop is 35 percent emerged compared to 88 percent last year and the five year average of 60 percent. Soybean planting reached 6 percent complete. Planting progress trails last year at 57 percent and the five year average of 24 percent. Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Eighty-two percent of the state’s Winter wheat crop is in the headed stage. Tobacco: The Commonwealth’s tobacco crop is behind schedule due to a very moist Spring. Twelve percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 35 percent last year and 20 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 15 percent set, behind last year at 36 percent and the five year average of 22 percent. PASTURE AND OTHER CROPS: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Pasture growth has flourished with the wet conditions this Spring. The hay crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 13 to May 19, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall Conditions dried out this past period with less than a half inch on average falling across the state. This was the first time since the start of April that the Commonwealth saw a week of below normal rainfall. The period started off with high pressure centered over the southeastern portion of the United States. This put Kentucky in line to see breezy southwesterly flow and a gradual warming in temperatures through the first half of the work week. Highs rose into the low to mid 80s for Tuesday and Wednesday. Some areas even saw the upper 80s, such as Louisville with high of 88 on Wednesday. Unsettled weather did not make a return until mid-work week when a frontal boundary slowly pushed south on Thursday. This was then followed by an upper level low spinning across the region through the weekend. Scattered showers and thunderstorms were common each afternoon as the state was placed in an unstable and moist air mass. Temperatures for the period averaged 67 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 77 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 59 degrees in the West to 55 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at MORGANFIELD 4E and the extreme low was 31 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.44 inches statewide which was 0.7 inches below normal and 39% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.24 inches, Central 0.43 inches, Bluegrass 0.64 inches and East 0.44 inches, which was 0.93, 0.76, 0.44 and 0.66 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 1.94 inches at CARLISLE 5SW. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 13, 2013 7-13 Agricultural News: The Commonwealth’s farmers continue to battle persistent precipitation and saturated soil as they attempt to get their field crops in the ground. Rainfall for the week totaled 1.38 inches, 0.28 inches above normal for this point in the season. Precipitation amounts were distributed fairly evenly throughout the state. Temperature for the week averaged 61 degrees, 1 degree cooler than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 47 percent adequate and 53 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 41 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1.8 out of a possible seven. Intermittent rain has kept farmers out of their fields and unable to make much planting progress. Crops: Farmers are steadily making corn planting progress as the weather conditions will allow. Planting is 39 percent complete, trailing both last year at 95 percent and the five year average of 66 percent. The corn crop is 23 percent emerged compared to 81 percent last year and the five year average of 50 percent. Soybean planting continues to move slowly with 2 percent in the ground. Planting progress trails last year at 45 percent and the five year average of 15 percent. Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Sixty-seven percent of Winter wheat has headed at this juncture. Tobacco: Like other field crops, tobacco planting is behind schedule due to a wet Spring. Three percent of Burley tobacco has been set compared to 22 percent last year and 10 percent for the five year average. Dark tobacco is 3 percent set, behind last year at 19 percent and the five year average of 10 percent. Pasture And Other Crops: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Pastures have benefitted from the continuous moisture. The hay crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. The size of Kentucky’s strawberries are reported as 50 percent small, 38 percent medium, and 12 percent large at this point in the season. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 6 to May 12, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall Wet and unsettled weather continued this past week across the Commonwealth. Kentucky was above normal in rainfall for the 5th straight week, as on average, 1.38 inches fell across the state. The last time that the Bluegrass State has seen a wet period to this extent was back at about this same time in 2011. Throughout the week, there was isolated to scattered rainfall on nearly a daily basis. The first half of the work week was dominated by cloud cover and rainfall rotating around a pesky upper level low traveling up the mid-Atlantic Seaboard. This was then followed by a cold front pushing through the area over the course of Friday. This system brought the most widespread coverage for the week with over an inch falling across much of central Kentucky and into the Bluegrass. The cold front eventually swept through the area later Friday night, but was then followed by a weaker, reinforcing cold front Saturday evening. Scattered showers were once again evident, but the bigger headline was cooler temperatures. After hovering in the 70s and at times, 80s throughout the week, Canadian high pressure bumped highs back into the upper 50s to low 60s for Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 72 in the West to 68 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 83 degrees at BOWLING GREEN APT and the extreme low was 35 degrees at Cynthiana 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.38 inches statewide which was 0.28 inches above normal and 126% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.89 inches, Central 1.61 inches, Bluegrass 1.63 inches and East 1.37 inches, which was -0.27, 0.45, 0.61 and 0.32 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 2.75 inches at HARTFORD 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 5, 2013 6-13 Agricultural News: Derby week began with promising weather conditions that gave way to falling temperatures and heavy precipitation as the weekend approached. Rainfall amount matched last week’s total of 1.77 inches, 0.69 inches above normal. The heaviest precipitation occurred in the central portion of the state. Temperature for the week averaged 62 degrees, 2 degrees higher than normal. Weather was very warm initially with highs in the upper 70s and 80s, however the weekend was much cooler bringing the weekly average down. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 44 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 30 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.8 out of a possible seven. Farmers continue to wait for accommodating weather to make significant planting progress. Crops: Corn planting continues to be impeded by wet conditions. Planting progress is at 32 percent, compared to 91 percent at this time last year and 57 percent for the five year average. Twelve percent of the corn crop has emerged, well behind last year at 73 percent and the five year average of 37 percent. Soybean planting is in the beginning stages with only 1 percent in the ground, trailing both the five year average of 9 percent and 31 percent for this juncture last year. The Commonwealth’s farmers will attempt to make up for lost time as better weather permits. Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 58 percent good and 27 percent excellent. Tobacco: Producers indicate there are adequate plants for tobacco setting. Tobacco transplants continue to progress as 24 percent are under 2 inches, compared to 45 percent last week. Forty-three percent of transplants are in the 2-4 inch range, while 33 percent are above 4 inches. PASTURE AND HAY: Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pastures benefitted from warm temperatures early in the week and rain at week’s end. The hay crop condition was reported as 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 29 to May 5, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall Soaking rains led the Commonwealth to its 4th straight week of above normal rainfall. Over these past 4 weeks, Kentucky has been over 2 inches above normal. Most of the rainfall this past period could be attributed to an upper level low over the weekend. This very slow moving system pulled large amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean as it progressed eastward. Throughout the weekend, the low provided over 1.5 inches of rainfall on average across the state with the most coming across central portions of the Commonwealth. While the period was wet, the start of the work week was dry as surface high pressure nosed into the Bluegrass State. Mostly clear skies were common with highs back into the upper 70s to low 80s. It was not until Saturday and on into Sunday that cloud cover kept temperatures below normal and thus, the Bluegrass Stated ended the week 2 degrees above normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 62 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 72 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 85 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 38 degrees at HICKMAN 2E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.77 inches statewide which was 0.69 inches above normal and 164% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.69 inches, Central 2.17 inches, Bluegrass 1.80 inches and East 1.40 inches, which was 0.48, 1.06, 0.81 and 0.39 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.42 inches at LOUISA 1S to a high of 2.86 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 29, 2013 5-13 Agricultural News: Weather for the past week consisted of cooling temperatures and scattered precipitation. Temperature statewide averaged 54 degrees which was 6 degrees cooler than the previous week. The last part of the week brought frost to some locations as nighttime temperatures dropped as low as the upper 20s. The rainfall average for the week was 1.77 inches, which was 0.73 inches above normal. The central part of the state received the heaviest precipitation with 2.52 inches. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 36 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.5 out of a possible seven. Planting remains the primary farming activity as wet weather continues to hold progress back. Crops: Condition of the Winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 62 percent good and 28 percent excellent. Eight percent of the wheat crop was heading by the end of the week compared to 86 percent last year and 30 percent for the five year average. As of Sunday, April 28, 24 percent of corn was in the ground. Corn planting is well behind last year at 84 percent and the five year average of 48 percent. Only 5 percent of the corn crop has emerged at this juncture of the season. Planting pace should pick up as more accommodating weather arrives. Tobacco: At 45 percent, the majority of seeded tobacco transplants are under 2 inches at this time. Thirty-eight percent were 2-4 inches, while 17 percent were larger than 4 inches. PASTURE: The precipitation this past week slightly improved pasture conditions despite cool temperatures. Pasture condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 22 to April 28, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall Unsettled weather was the focus of this past period as the Bluegrass State saw multiple opportunities for rainfall. Saying this, the week started off with high pressure to the east and an approaching cold front to the west. Southerly flow kept temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s. It was not until Tuesday evening and into the overnight that the boundary passed through the region. Rainfall amounts averaged over a half inch across the state during this event. Conditions dried out for the remainder of the work week as surface high pressure nosed into the region, but with much cooler temperatures. Clear skies and nearly calm winds created ideal conditions for frost Thursday and Friday morning. The most extensive coverage was seen Thursday as some locations even saw low temperatures drop into the upper 20s. The second round of rainfall came Friday and lasted through the weekend as a slow moving upper level disturbance passed over the Bluegrass State. This brought on and off periods of showers across Kentucky with an average of just over an inch. Highs stayed mainly in the 60s and assisted in leading to the first week of below normal temperatures since the start of the month. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 64 in the West to 66 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 45 degrees in the West to 43 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 76 degrees at PEABODY and the extreme low was 28 degrees at HARTFORD 3E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.77 inches statewide which was 0.73 inches above normal and 169% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.87 inches, Central 2.52 inches, Bluegrass 1.33 inches and East 1.37 inches, which was 0.67, 1.46, 0.37 and 0.41 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.38 inches at MORGANFIELD 4E to a high of 4.04 inches at BOWLING GREEN 5S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 22, 2013 4-13 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Heavy rainfall at mid week hampered field work. There were many farmers still waiting for soils to dry out before resuming corn planting and final field preparation. Temperatures averaged 60 degrees, 4 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. Patchy frost reported in some areas of northern and eastern counties. Precipitation averaged 1.64 inches statewide, .66 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.9 out of a possible seven. CROPS: As of April 22, 15 percent of the corn had been planted which is well behind last year’s 73 percent and the five year average of 32 percent. Winter wheat is reported in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 60 percent good and 25 percent excellent. Three percent of the crop was heading at the end of the week. Last year 77 percent had headed and the five year average is 19. TOBACCO: Seeded tobacco transplants were reported mostly good condition with 1 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. About 9 percent of transplants were over 4 inches in height as of April 22, with 33 percent at 2 to 4 inches and 58 percent under 2 inches high. PASTURE AND HAY: Pastures in most areas showed good growth during the week which allowed cattle producers to reduce feeding of hay. Current pasture condition was reported as mostly good to fair with 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. The projected first cutting of alfalfa is May 8th. OTHER CROPS: Strawberry condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. Pears, peaches, and apples are beginning to bloom. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 15 to April 21, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall The Bluegrass State was established in a rather unsettled weather pattern for much of this past work week. A surface frontal boundary crept south on Tuesday bringing a round of thunderstorms across primarily the northern half of the state. Some even reached severe limits with damaging winds and large hail the primary threats. Later in the day Wednesday, a developing low pressure system then pushed this boundary north as a warm front. Thursday became the warmest day of the period behind breezy southerly flow. Highs rose into the low 80s across the Commonwealth with numerous wind gusts over 40 mph. As the day wore on, a strong cold front approached from the west and eventually pushed through western portions of the state Thursday evening and exiting Kentucky later in the day Friday. Through its passage, it slowly weakened across the state. Western portions saw the most rainfall with areas averaging more than 1.5 inches, before tapering to less than an inch farther east. Noticeably cooler air filtered into the Ohio Valley following its passage. Highs in the 50s were common on Saturday with patchy frost across the state that morning as winds became calm, skies cleared, and lows got into the low to mid 30s. Temperatures for the period averaged 60 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 73 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 49 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 88 degrees at CADIZ 4SW and the extreme low was 29 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.64 inches statewide which was 0.66 inches above normal and 166% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.73 inches, Central 1.19 inches, Bluegrass 1.66 inches and East 1.96 inches, which was 0.6, 0.2, 0.76 and 1.04 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.78 inches at MONTICELLO AWOS to a high of 3.86 inches at BOONEVILLE 2S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 15, 2013 3-13 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Much needed rain and warmer weather improved crop prospects. Corn seeding was underway and farmers were preparing ground, applying fertilizer, and spraying for weed control. Temperatures averaged 61 degrees which was 6 degrees warmer than normal and the first week with above normal temperatures since mid February. Rainfall amounts for the week were above normal with precipitation averaging 1.25 inches statewide which is .23 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 6 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.8 out of a possible seven. CROPS: As of April 15, 7 percent of the corn had been seeded well behind last year’s 55 percent and the average of 18. Most seeding activity occurred in the southwest areas of the state. Farmers expect to seed corn as soon as field conditions permit, and planting could make considerable progress this week. Winter wheat is in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 63 percent good and 24 percent excellent. A mild winter has minimized winter kill. Reported wheat stand loss to winter kill was about 2 percent. TOBACCO: Condition of seeded tobacco transplants was reported as mostly good to fair with 1 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. As of April 15, 86 percent of the greenhouse and plant bed seedings had been completed compared with 88 percent last year and the five year average of 85. Fifty-eight percent of transplants had emerged compared with 68 percent last year and the five year average of 58. PASTURE AND HAY: Current pasture condition was reported as mostly good to fair with 3 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Pastures were starting to make good growth. Average height of alfalfa was 6 inches at the end of the week. Many farmers were fertilizing hay and pastures and spraying for weed and insect control. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 8 to April 14, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall Rebound may be the correct word to describe this past week's weather conditions. First, after going 9 straight weeks with below normal temperatures, the Commonwealth finally broke the cool spell and was above normal for the first time since mid February. Breezy southerly flow for much of the week pushed temperatures into the 70s and at times, low to mid 80s. This came as the state was sandwiched between high pressure along the east coast and an approaching area of low pressure from the west. Lexington even broke a record high on Wednesday when it got to a high of 84. Secondly, the state rebounded from a 2 week dry period, where the state averaged over an inch of rainfall through the week. Over the period, the west did see the most rainfall with an average of 1.78 inches. Most of this came over the course of Wednesday and into Thursday as a line of showers with embedded thunderstorms brought widespread soaking rainfall across the Ohio Valley. Behind the line, a cold front swept through the state sending temperatures plummeting. Westerly flow put temperatures only in the mid 50s to low 60s for Friday and Saturday with patchy frost each night for mainly sheltered and low lying areas. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees warmer than normal and 12 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 72 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 50 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 11 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 89 degrees at PEABODY and the extreme low was 30 degrees at HARTFORD 3E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.25 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches above normal and 123% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.78 inches, Central 1.33 inches, Bluegrass 1.10 inches and East 0.78 inches, which was 0.62, 0.29, 0.18 and -0.16 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at LOUISA 1S to a high of 3.01 inches at MURRAY 1W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 8, 2013 2-13 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Warmer weather finally arrived at the end of the week with temperatures in the 70's. Soil temperatures are still cool which limited field activities to fertilizing and plowing. Temperatures averaged 48 degrees which was 4 degrees below normal. This was the 7th consecutive week with below normal temperatures. Little precipitation was received this week with amounts ranging from none to .52 inches. Average rainfall was .10 inches statewide, which was .89 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 7 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.3 out of a possible seven. Major farm activities this week included reseeding pastures, preparing equipment for planting and some field preparation. Most fruit trees were just beginning to set buds and little frost damage had been reported at this time. A few producers began planting corn over the weekend. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, April 7, 74 percent of the greenhouse and plant bed seedings had been completed compared with 83 percent last year and the five year average of 74. About 37 percent of the transplants had emerged, well behind the 53 percent a year ago and the average of 39. WHEAT: Fall seeded wheat was in mostly good to excellent condition but lack of moisture and cool temper and causing some stress to the crop. Condition of the wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 57 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Average height of the crop was 9 inches. PASTURE & LIVESTOCK: Pasture condition was reported as 6 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. Many operators were still feeding hay and are hoping for rapid forage growth this week as hay supplies are running low in many areas. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 1 to April 7, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Bluegrass State finally saw some warmer temperatures this past week as highs crept into the 70s for the weekend. Saying this, it was still not enough to overcome cooler temperatures earlier in the period and Kentucky witnessed its 7th straight week of below normal temperatures. The week started off with a weak cold front moving through the area with breezy northwest winds and cloud cover limiting temperatures to mainly the mid 40s to mid 50s. High pressure then eventually followed with an extremely dry air mass in place. Relative humidity values dropping into the 20s on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons were common. Thursday was the only real shot at precipitation as an upper level trough passed through the region. The main focus was across the southern portion of the state, where widespread light rainfall was evident. As high pressure returned over the Commonwealth on Friday, temperatures returned to near normal levels. On Saturday, the combination of this high to the east and a low to the west situated Kentucky in strong southerly flow. Highs over the weekend peaked in the low to mid 70s each day. Temperatures for the period averaged 48 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 61 in the West to 59 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 6 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 76 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was 18 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.10 inches statewide which was 0.89 inches below normal and 10% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.06 inches, Central 0.09 inches, Bluegrass 0.03 inches and East 0.20 inches, which was 1.03, 0.94, 0.87 and 0.74 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CALHOUN 5NW to a high of 0.52 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 1, 2013 1-13 Agricultural News: Unseasonably cool temperatures have limited pasture and small grain growth as Kentucky recorded its sixth straight week of below normal temperatures. Below freezing temperatures were experienced over most of the state early in the week. Temperatures averaged 41 degrees for the week, 9 degrees below normal. Soils remain too cool and too wet for most fieldwork. Moisture totals for the week ranged from .10 to 1.45 inches with an average of .50 inches statewide. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 44 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2 out of a possible seven. Farm activities this week were limited to securing supplies and preparing farm equipment for planting, and in some cases, finding hay to feed livestock. Tobacco: As of Sunday, March 31, 57 percent of the greenhouse and plant bed seedings had been completed compared with 71 percent last year and the five year average of 60. A few growers have begun transplanting tobacco. Small Grains and Legumes: Fall seeded wheat was in mostly good to excellent condition. Winter kill for wheat was estimated at 2 percent. Condition of the wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 60 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Little growth has taken place so far this spring with some yellowing reported. Alfalfa stand loss was reported at 5 percent, while red clover stand loss was reported at 4 percent. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was reported as 6 percent very poor, 19 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. Pastures were meeting about 23 percent of livestock roughage requirements. Farmers statewide had approximately 30 percent of their winter hay supply still on hand, but many operators were looking for additional hay supplies. Most livestock came through the winter in good shape, with only minor loss reported. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 25 to March 31, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Commonwealth ended the month of March with its 6th straight week of below normal temperatures. While the state did see highs back into the lower 60s by the weekend, it was not enough to offset highs earlier in the week in the mid 30s to low 40s. Overall, the Bluegrass State ended the week on average, 9 degrees below normal. Normal highs for this time of the year are supposed to be in the low to mid 60s. While it was cool, Kentucky finally saw some dry conditions. Only a few notable systems passed through the state over the course of the week. The period started off with a surge of snow showers along the backside of a low pressure system moving through the area on Monday. Although there were some heavier snow bands, surface temperatures kept any accumulations to a minimum. An upper level disturbance then passed through on Friday across mainly western and central portions of the Commonwealth, just before a more statewide event Saturday night. Over the course of the weekend, the state averaged 0.33 inches with higher totals out west. The rest of the week was dry with surface high pressure in place and resulted with the state below normal by a half inch. Temperatures for the period averaged 41 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 51 in the West to 48 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 12 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 14 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 36 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 68 degrees at CARBONDALE ASOS and the extreme low was 18 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.50 inches statewide which was 0.52 inches below normal and 49% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.66 inches, Central 0.45 inches, Bluegrass 0.30 inches and East 0.60 inches, which was 0.44, 0.63, 0.62 and 0.4 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.08 inches at FORT KNOX to a high of 1.45 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 18 to March 24, 2013 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall Spring was supposed to start on the 20th, but Mother Nature missed the memo. It was a very cold and wet week across the Commonwealth with temperatures averaging 9 degrees below normal, making this the 5th week in a row with below normal temperatures. The period started off with a strong cold front pushing through the region with nearly all locations seeing at least an inch of rainfall. Another reinforcing cold front swept through the Commonwealth on Wednesday. This was mostly a dry passage with its main effect on temperatures. Lows on Wednesday and Thursday night each dropped unusually low with temperatures in the upper teens and low 20s. Some locations in the east even dropped into the low teens. Normal lows for this time of the year are in the upper 30s. Other than some weak upper level waves, the rest of the week remained fairly dry until late in the weekend with the passage of another area of low pressure. This brought another half inch on average across the state, which put totals for the week just under 2 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 39 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 47 in the West to 48 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 14 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 12 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 64 degrees at ALBANY 1N and the extreme low was 12 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.98 inches statewide which was 0.94 inches above normal and 190% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.52 inches, Central 2.43 inches, Bluegrass 2.09 inches and East 1.90 inches, which was 0.41, 1.33, 1.15 and 0.88 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.71 inches at HICKMAN 2E to a high of 3.73 inches at COLUMBIA 3N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 11 to March 17, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall The Commonwealth finally put an end to the five week stretch of below normal precipitation with the help of an unsettled weather pattern this past period. Over the course of the week, the state averaged 1.33 inches, which was 0.35 inches above normal. The wet week started off with a slowly progressing cold front moving through Kentucky on Monday. Averages near an inch were common with its passage. Numerous upper level disturbances then sparked scattered snow showers the next couple days, but no accumulations were evident. Dry conditions eventually moved in for the remainder of Wednesday with highs only getting into the 30s with breezy conditions. These temperatures helped in leading Kentucky to its 4th straight week of below normal temperatures. Winds shifted to southwesterly on Friday along a warm front, acting to put temperatures into the upper 60s to lower 70s by Saturday, but this was short-lived. A surface low tracking just north of Kentucky sent a cold front through the area with highs on Sunday only getting into the 40s. Another surface boundary then lifted from the south on Sunday under a half inch statewide. Temperatures for the period averaged 44 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 54 in the West to 54 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 36 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 78 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 14 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.33 inches statewide which was 0.35 inches above normal and 135% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.61 inches, Central 1.58 inches, Bluegrass 1.47 inches and East 0.68 inches, which was 0.58, 0.55, 0.57 and -0.30 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.27 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 2.95 inches at MADISONVILLE 4S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The month of March tends to be a transition period for the Bluegrass State and this past week was a prime example. The week started off with unseasonably cool temperatures in place. Highs only crept into mainly the mid 40s to low 50s Monday and Tuesday before only getting into the 30s on Wednesday. Over the course of Tuesday night and into Wednesday, an area of low pressure placed anywhere from a trace to 3 inches of snow across the Commonwealth. Higher totals of 2 to 3 inches were situated in the northern Bluegrass. These slowly diminished to just a trace to 1 inch farther south. Surface high pressure and upper level ridging then moved in later in the work week and into the weekend. Temperatures became very mild by Saturday and Sunday as the state was under gusty southerly flow. As a precursor to a cold front moving through the area Sunday night, temperatures warmed into the upper 60s to lower 70s statewide. Temperatures for the period averaged 41 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures aveest to 49 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 78 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W and the extreme low was 14 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.82 inches statewide which was 0.16 inches below normal and 84% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.45 inches, Central 0.80 inches, Bluegrass 0.69 inches and East 1.34 inches, which was -0.59, -0.23, -0.19 and 0.38 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.08 inches at CALHOUN 5NW to a high of 2.12 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 25 to March 3, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall This past period marked the seventh week of 2013 with below normal precipitation. The state only averaged 0.69 inches, with most of it coming at the start of the week as a low pressure system pushed northeastward into the Bluegrass State. Rainfall totals were around a half inch with its passage. An upper level low kept the Commonwealth in northwesterly flow for much of the latter half of the work week and into the weekend. Multiple pulses of energy swept around this system, bringing on and off chances of light snow and rain accumulations. Dense cloud cover stuck with the Commonwealth for much of the week, keeping highs in the 30s. Normal highs for this time of the year are in the lower 50s. After the cool and dreary week, the skies finally became mostly clear on Sunday as weak surface high pressure descended over the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 43 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 12 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 13 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 63 degrees at ALBANY 1N and the extreme low was 17 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.69 inches statewide which was 0.3 inches below normal and 70% of normal. Prluegrass 0.66 inches and East 0.58 inches, which was 0.24, 0.38, 0.21 and 0.35 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.27 inches at HARRODSBURG 3N to a high of 1.28 inches at BURLINGTON 4S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 18 to February 24, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Bluegrass State had yet another dry week with Kentucky only averaging 0.85 inches of precipitation. Although the week was mostly dry, plenty of focus was given to a low pressure system pushing through the region on Wednesday and into Thursday. Temperatures fluctuated greatly across the state making for multiple forms of precipitation falling across the Commonwealth. Cooler temperatures led to a wintery mix of sleet and freezing rain in western portions of the state and wrapping around the northern periphery of Kentucky. Areas south remained warm enough for all precipitation to remain as rainfall. Soon after its passage, a warm front pushed through the state and put temperatures back into the 50s for Friday. This was the general trend going into the weekend with surface high pressure providing dry conditions, clear skies, and temperatures hovering around normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 37 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 49 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 29 degrees in the West to 28 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 64 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 13 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.85 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches below normal and 90% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.50 inches, Central 0.80 inches, Bluegrass 0.59 inches and East 0.50 inches, which was 0.44, -0.21, -0.22 and -0.38 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 2.10 inches at HICKMAN 2E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 11 to February 17, 2013 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Commonwealth saw its driest period of 2013 this past week, where the state only averaged just over a tenth of an inch of precipitation. This made for the 5th week of 2013 with below average precipitation. Much of the week was dominated with high pressure in place, which acted to provide dry and quiet conditions. The only notable precipitation events happened on Wednesday and Friday. The first system had a heavy band of snow, which gave way to totals in excess of an inch in central and bluegrass portions of Kentucky, but warmer temperatures led to rapid melting through the afternoon hours. The other system was associated with a weak surface cold front extending into the Bluegrass State on Friday, bringing a light mix of rain and snow showers. Temperatures fluctuated throughout the week, but averaging highs and lows for the entire period led to temperatures right around normal for this time of the year in the mid to upper 30s. Temperatures for the period averaged 38 degrees across the state which was 0 degrees from normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 48 in the West to 45 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 31 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 65 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 10 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.13 inches statewide which was 0.78 inches below normal and 14% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.11 inches, Central 0.12 inches, Bluegrass 0.09 inches and East 0.21 inches, which was 0.9, 0.87, 0.69 and 0.64 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 0.51 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 4 to February 10, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall Unseasonably warm conditions stuck with the Commonwealth for the second straight week as temperatures were on average, 6 degrees above normal. The highest temperatures were seen on Thursday out ahead of a low pressure system, where southerly flow pushed temperatures into the 60s statewide. In regards to rainfall, Kentucky stayed fairly dry with only a few minor systems moving thrgrass State. The most significant came over the course of Sunday with the movement of a front through the area. As the boundary passed through, western portions of the state benefited the most with just under a half inch of rainfall, but this amount tapered off to around a tenth of an inch to the east. Although the state as a whole was below normal for the 4th time this year, Kentucky is still above normal for the year by 0.82 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 54 in the West to 53 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 33 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 68 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 6 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipor the period totaled 0.49 inches statewide which was 0.38 inches below normal and 56% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.85 inches, Central 0.47 inches, Bluegrass 0.33 inches and East 0.33 inches, which was 0.11, 0.49, 0.43 and 0.49 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.12 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 1.18 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 28 to February 3, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall A strong low pressure system was at the center of all interest this past week with a combination of warmer temperatures and extreme weather. Earlier in the work week, a low developed and moved north of the Commonwealth with a strong cold front dragging behind. Ahead of the front, strong southwesterly flow pushed highs into the upper 60s and lower 70s through the start of the work week. Throughout the path of the low, rapid intensification took place and resulted with a powerful line of strong to severe storms moving through the Bluegrass State. Widespread damage was observed across Kentucky, with most reports credited to high winds in excess of 70 mph. Tornados were also a problem. An EF2 tornado was reported just east of Bowling Green with winds around 120 to 125 mph. Cooler temperatures returned by late in the work week with highs Friday mainly in the 20s. The last significant precipitation event for the week occurred on Saturday with an Alberta Clipper passing through the Bluegrass. Snowfall totals around 1 to 3 inches were numerous with its passage. Total precipitation for the week was over 1.5 inches statewide, which was just under an inch above normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 40 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees warmer than normal and 14 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 49 in the West to 47 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 10 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 78 degrees at JACKSON and the extreme low was 3 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.71 inches statewide which was 0.87 inches above normal and 205% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.83 inches, Central 1.50 inches, Bluegrass 1.57 inches and East 1.94 inches, which was 0.93, 0.59, 0.85 and 1.13 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.50 inches at JACKSON AIRPORT to a high of 2.69 inches at PEABODY. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 21 to January 27, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The focus for the week was trying to keep warm as frigid temperatures from an arctic air mass invaded the Commonwealth. Over the early portions of the work week, several systems acted to pull extremely cool air down from Canada. Most saw lows on Tuesday morning dip down into the lower teens with some even in the single digits. Highs Tuesday generally didn't get out of the low to mid 20s. The cold temperatures, combined with rather breezy conditions put the livestock coldstress index well into the danger and emergency categories. The only major precipitation event for the week was on Friday as a low pressure system passed to the south. This brought a mix of wintery precipitation to the region. Freezing rain was most prominent to southern Kentucky, with a transition to sleet and even some snow farther north. Ice accumulations of a quarter inch were numerous across the south. The weekend brought a return to pleasant conditions with high pressure in place. Temperatures slowly moderated into the 40s by Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 27 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees cooler than normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 37 in the West to 34 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 22 degrees in the West to 19 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 52 degrees at HICKMAN 2E and the extreme low was 6 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.16 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal and 20% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.17 inches, Central 0.26 inches, Bluegrass 0.03 inches and East 0.18 inches, which was 0.68, 0.59, 0.66 and 0.62 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 0.57 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 14 to January 20, 2013 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Bluegrass State returned to near seasonal temperatures and rainfall this past week. Temperatures were only 2 degrees above normal, while rainfall was below normal by only around a tenth of an inch. The rainfall producers were mainly felt in the earlier portion of the work week. The most significant was the passing of a low on Tuesday night where many areas in central and Bluegrass portions of Kentucky saw a mix of wintery precipitation. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain were all evident. Warmer temperatures to the southeast kept most of the precipitation as rainfall. Dry with mostly clear conditions moved in by Friday as the Commonwealth was under the influence of surface high pressure. As this high meandered to Kentucky’s southeast Friday night and into Saturday, winds shifted to southerly and sent temperatures soaring across the region. Highs by Saturday were well above normal with highs topping out in the low to mid 50s statewide. Temperatures for the period averaged 35 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 14 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 41 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 58 degrees at HARTFORD 3E and the extreme low was 16 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.73 inches statewide which was 0.11 inches below normal and 87% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.08 inches, Central 0.47 inches, Bluegrass 0.55 inches and East 1.82 inches, which was -0.80, -0.42, -0.17 and 0.96 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 2.97 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 7 to January 13, 2013 Well Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall Extremely warm temperatures and well above normal precipitation set the stage for an unusual second week of January. Temperatures for the period were 16 degrees above normal, but this is nearly an understatement in comparison to the weekend where an average deviation of 24 degrees above normal was felt across the state. Highs rose well into the upper 60s and at times, 70, as a near continual southwest flow of warm air pumped into the Commonwealth. Highs are normally only in the upper 30s to low 40s for this time of the year. Accompanying the warm air was an abundant amount of precipitation later in the work week and into the weekend as multiple waves of low pressure meandered through the Bluegrass State. Over the course of the period, the state saw an average of 2.6 inches fall to the ground. The west was the leader with more than 4 inches of beneficial rainfall following the drought of 2012. The states above normal deviation of 1.72 inches was exceptionally high, as the highest deviation Kentucky saw for the entire year of 2012 was only 1.38 inches back in September. Temperatures for the period averaged 49 degrees across the state which was 16 degrees warmer than normal and 16 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 59 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 16 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 14 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 43 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 13 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 19 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 72 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was 16 degrees at CADIZ 4SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.60 inches statewide which was 1.72 inches above normal and 295% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 4.32 inches, Central 3.17 inches, Bluegrass 2.09 inches and East 0.84 inches, which was 3.40, 2.23, 1.34 and -0.07 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.24 inches at JACKSON AIRPORT to a high of 6.30 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall The Commonwealth rang in the New Year with a weak cold front making its way through the region. While most sections saw around a quarter of an inch with its passage, this event was the only major rainfall producer for the week. Most of the other disturbances were moisture starved and resulted in no significant precipitation. Surface high pressure moved in shortly after New Years, bringing rather quiet and dry conditions for a good portion of the week. After going through a wet December, Kentucky started 2013 with a state rainfall deficit of over a half inch. In addition to dry conditions, the Bluegrass State also saw cool temperatures as the area was 2 degrees below normal for the period. Highs were commonly in the upper 30s to lower 40s, with lows dropping into the low to mid 20s. Temperatures for the period averaged 32 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 39 in the West to 39 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 24 degrees in the West to 27 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 48 degrees at ALBANY 1N and the extreme low was 11 degrees at CARBONDALE ASOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.25 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal and 28% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.23 inches, Central 0.27 inches, Bluegrass 0.20 inches and East 0.29 inches, which was 0.7, 0.69, 0.57 and 0.61 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.03 inches at CINCINNATI to a high of 0.50 inches at TRIANGLE MOUNTAIN. ---