2011 is the wettest year on record for the Bluegrass state. The wettest period
was April and May, which was the wettest 2 month stretch on record. Most of the
rainfall came in April, which was the wettest April on record, and record
flooding occurred as a result on the Ohio River and its tributaries in western
portions of the state. Despite the record wet spring, the Commonwealth
experienced significant agricultural drought over the summer and into fall.
Highly scattered rainfall, oppressive heat, and high humidity stressed livestock
and crops. By the end of August over 70% of the state was abnormally dry.
September brought above normal rainfall and below normal temperatures to much of
the state, however far western portions of the state stayed hot and dry. Drought
conditions gradually dissipated through October and after an abnormally wet
November all abnormally dry areas of the state were gone. In fact it was the 7th
wettest November on record, followed by a December that has been abnormally wet
thus far.
Listed below are the top 5 years record rainfall for the state as a whole. The
total for 2011 is preliminary through Dec. 31st.
Ranking of Kentucky Top 5 Yearly Rainfall Totals
Rank Value Year
---------------
1 64.34 2011*
2 62.93 1950
3 62.86 1979
4 58.88 1989
5 57.82 1935
* = preliminary
For Lexington, rainfall since Jan 1, the total to date was 66.35 inches, which
was 21.18 inches above normal. Last year, rainfall todate for Lexington was only
38.04 inches. For Louisville, the yerarly total was 68.02; Jackson 60.01 and
London was 61.30. For Paducah, rainfall since Jan 1, the total to date was 74.85
inches, which was 25.77 inches above normal. Last year (2010), rainfall to-date for
Lexington was only 38.04 inches.
Overall for agriculture it was a tough year. Planting and field work was delayed
by weeks due to the record wet April and May. Then the hot and dry summer
stressed both livestock and crops.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For the Period December 2011
Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall:
December 2011 was a mild month but the story was the above normal rainfall which
placed the entire state as the wettest year on record for over the past 100
years. Listed below are the top 5 years record rainfall for the state as a
whole. Several weather stations in southeast Kentucky received over 15 inches
for the month. For the entire year the whole state was over 15 inches above
normal. The total for 2011 is preliminary through Dec. 31st.
Ranking of Kentucky Top 5 Yearly Rainfall Totals
Rank Value Year
---------------
1 64.34 2011*
2 62.93 1950
3 62.86 1979
4 58.88 1989
5 57.82 1935
* = preliminary
Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was 4
degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 50 in the West to
52 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees
warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer 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 4 degrees warmer than normal
in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 69 at BOONEVILLE 2S and the extreme low was 12 at
MONTICELLO AWOS.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 5.59 inches statewide which was
1.14 inches above normal and 126% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 6.27 inches, Central 4.69 inches, Bluegrass 5.42 inches and East
5.96 inches, which was 1.39, -0.13, 1.55 and 1.73 inches respectively from
normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.68 inches at
MOREHEAD 4NE to a high of 15.21 inches at MIDDLESBORO AWOS.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For November 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Precipitation
Preliminary numbers show that this past November was the 7th wettest November on
record. The past month was also the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th wettest November
on record for Lexington, Paducah, Frankfort, Louisville, and Bowling Green
respectively. The month started off mostly dry with many locations having
received less than an inch by mid month. However; 3 slow moving systems dumped
heavy rainfall on the state for the last half of the month. The heaviest rain
fell in the western and central parts of the state from these systems.
Temperatures were also above normal for the month, but only by a small amount.
Low temperatures were the main reason it was an above normal November. This was
mainly because cloud cover from the 3 heavy rainfall systems kept temperatures
from dropping to low overnight. Although, temperatures this November did get
cold enough for much of the state to see some light flurries late in the month.
Temperatures for the period averaged 51 degrees across the state which was 3
degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High
temperatures averaged from 60 in the West to 61 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer
than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 44 degrees in the West
to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5
degrees warmer 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 Barren River
Lake and the extreme low was 18 degrees at Corners.
Precipitation for the period totaled 7.83 inches statewide which was 3.97 inches
above normal and 203% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West
9.30 inches, Central 8.60 inches, Bluegrass 7.25 inches and East 6.16 inches,
which was 4.84, 4.54, 3.87 and 2.62 inches above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 3.29 inches at Big Sandy to a high of
11.53 inches at Hopkinsville.
Summarized and averaged data for the period 20111101 to 20111130(Last 30 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) 60 1 43 5 51 2 9.01 4.49 199 78 21
CENTRAL(CD2) 61 3 43 6 52 4 8.44 4.33 205 77 19
BLUEGRASS(CD3) 59 2 42 5 50 3 7.18 3.77 211 74 20
EAST(CD4) 61 2 41 7 51 4 5.91 2.33 165 75 16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE 60 2 42 6 51 3 7.63 3.73 195 78 16
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For October 2011
Below Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall
For the state as a whole October was slightly below normal for rainfall.
However; the eastern half of the state received about 1.5 to 2 inches more
rainfall than the western half. The major difference in rainfall came from a low
pressure system that moved in from the south about mid way through the month.
This dumped heavy rainfall on the eastern half of the state. Temperatures for
the month were just below normal, with the first widespread frost having
occurred on the morning of the 2nd. A widespread killing frost did not occur
until the end of the month.
Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees cooler than normal. High temperatures averaged from 70 in the West to 67
in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees
cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low
temperatures averaged from 46 degrees in the West to 45 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 86 degrees at Mayfield and the extreme low was 24
degrees at Cynthiana.
Rainfall for the period totaled 2.83 inches statewide which was 0.47 inches
below normal and 88% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.85
inches, Central 1.99 inches, Bluegrass 3.63 inches and East 3.82 inches, which
was -1.54, -1.30, 0.64 and 0.72 inches respectively from normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 1.16 inches at Bowling Green to a high of
5.03 inches at Pikeville.
Summarized and averaged data for the period 20111001 to 20111031(Last 31 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) 70 -2 45 -2 58 -1 1.85 -1.66 53 88 27
CENTRAL(CD2) 68 -2 45 -1 56 -2 1.99 -1.41 59 86 26
BLUEGRASS(CD3) 66 -3 44 -2 55 -2 3.65 0.56 118 83 24
EAST(CD4) 67 -3 45 2 56 -1 3.82 0.61 119 84 27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE 68 -2 45 0 56 -2 2.83 -0.47 86 88 24
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For September 2011
Below Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall
September was the first month with below normal temperatures since January 2011,
with every week having had average temperatures below normal. However; the month
started off with the same summer heat we experienced in June, July and August,
with highs in the upper 90s an even 100s the first few days. These highs did not
last long, as the dry and hot weather of summer gave way to a wet and cool
pattern. The change in temperature was so abrupt that a record high of 102 on
the 3rd in Louisville occurred and just 3 days later on the 6th a record low
high temperature of 66 was set. This was mostly due to the remnants of Tropical
Storm Lee, which set up over the region. Lee’s remnants also dropped heavy
rainfall everywhere but western parts of the state. Heavy rainfall also came
late in the month from a cold front and deep cut off low pressure set up to the
north, which dumped several inches of rainfall across the Commonwealth over 2
days. Preliminary numbers show this September to be the 11th wettest on record.
Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was 3
degrees cooler than normal. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 74
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 57 degrees in the West to 57 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 102 degrees at Louisville and the extreme low was
34 degrees at Pikeville.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.52 inches statewide which was 2 inches above
normal and 157% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 5.25
inches, Central 5.75 inches, Bluegrass 5.91 inches and East 5.18 inches, which
was 1.74, 1.88, 2.69 and 1.7 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 2.63 inches at Big Sandy to a high of 8.86 inches at
Burlington.
Summarized and averaged data for the period 20110901 to 20110930(Last 30 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) 76 -6 56 -2 66 -4 5.22 1.70 148 101 46
CENTRAL(CD2) 74 -6 56 -1 65 -3 5.75 1.88 149 102 45
BLUEGRASS(CD3) 72 -7 55 -1 64 -4 5.91 2.69 184 100 42
EAST(CD4) 73 -7 56 1 64 -3 5.17 1.69 149 98 34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE 74 -6 56 -0 65 -3 5.51 1.99 156 102 31
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for September 2011 available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For August 2011
Near Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall
Preliminary numbers show that this August was the 17th driest on record. Most
all rainfall for the month came in scattered showers and thunderstorms, which
caused rainfall totals to vary greatly from location to location. Every week of
August recorded below normal rainfall. Combined with the dry end of July,
drought conditions expanded quickly from west to east across the Commonwealth.
From the beginning of August to the end, drought conditions have gone from
nearly no coverage to over 70% coverage of the state. Most of that area is
abnormally dry; however 31% of the state is in moderate drought and 4% has gone
into severe drought. This of course negatively affected agriculture in the
state. Combined with the late start to planting and dry weather, corn and
soybeans are behind the 5 year average of where they should be in every stage of
growth. Pond levels are low and low relative humidity late in the month slowed
curing tobacco. Temperature wise the state got some relief from the previous
summer months, with near seasonal normal temperature almost every week. Most
locations such as Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, and London were right around
their average days at or above 90 degrees, which was not the case just one month
ago. However; Bowling Green did have 25 days at or above the 90 degree mark,
well above their normal for August.
Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was near
normal. High temperatures averaged from 89 in the West to 85 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 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 104 at Poplar Bluff and the extreme low was 46 at Richmond.
Rainfall for the period totaled 2.19 inches statewide which was 1.6 inches below
normal and 58% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.20 inches,
Central 1.47 inches, Bluegrass 2.49 inches and East 2.60 inches, which was 1.32,
2.3, 1.28 and 1.5 inches below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a
low of 0.41 inches at Liberty to a high of 4.29 inches at Lexington.
Summarized and averaged data for the period 20110801 to 20110831(Last 31 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) 89 1 67 1 78 1 2.20 -1.32 63 104 54
CENTRAL(CD2) 88 1 66 1 77 1 1.47 -2.30 39 103 51
BLUEGRASS(CD3) 86 1 64 0 75 0 2.49 -1.28 66 95 46
EAST(CD4) 85 -1 64 2 75 1 2.60 -1.50 63 97 46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE 87 0 65 1 76 0 2.19 -1.60 58 104 46
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for August 2011 available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For July 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall
Preliminary numbers show that July 2011 was tied for the 5th warmest July on
record. High temperatures more often than not were in the 90s, in fact
Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Paducah all were well above the normal
amount of days above the 90 degree mark. In addition to the heat, the humidity
was particularly oppressive. On the 11th and 12th, dew point readings (a
measure of moisture in the air) soared into the lower 80s. Lexington recorded
its highest dew point on record: 81 degrees. This stressed both crops and
livestock. Rainfall for the month was scattered across the Commonwealth, with
stations showing a wide range of totals for the month. Some areas were missed by
the scattered showers and thunderstorms so much that they became abnormally dry,
and some locations entered into agricultural drought. Whether the month was dry
or wet, however, depended greatly on how lucky you were to receive sporadic
afternoon thunderstorms. There were several days when isolated thunderstorms
would drench one town with an inch or two of rain and leave the next town down
the road completely dry. An excellent example of this was in Jefferson County,
Kentucky. A rainfall observing site on the far east side of the county reported
1.04" of rain for the month of July. Bowman Field, just ten miles to the
southwest, got 6.18". Proceeding further, a mere five miles southwest of Bowman
Field, Louisville International Airport recorded only 2.35". Continuing on, the
NWS office, just six miles southeast of Louisville International, was drenched
with 6.69"!
Temperatures for the period averaged 80 degrees across the state which was 4
degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High
temperatures averaged from 91 in the West to 87 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to
0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 72 degrees in
the West to 69 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged
from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal
in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 100 degrees at
Poplar Bluff and the extreme low was 56 degrees at Paintsville.
Rainfall for the period totaled 3.91 inches statewide which was 0.29 inches
below normal and 93% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.20
inches, Central 3.76 inches, Bluegrass 3.42 inches and East 5.27 inches, which
was -0.90, -0.49, -0.70 and 0.92 inches respectively from normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.67 inches at Russellville to a high of
9.40 inches at Morehead.
Summarized and averaged data for the period 20110702 to 20110731(Last 30 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) 91 2 72 5 81 3 3.20 -0.90 78 100 64
CENTRAL(CD2) 90 2 71 5 80 3 3.76 -0.49 88 98 62
BLUEGRASS(CD3) 89 3 70 5 79 3 3.42 -0.70 83 97 61
EAST(CD4) 87 0 69 6 78 3 5.27 0.92 121 97 56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE 89 2 70 5 80 4 3.91 -0.29 93 100 56
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for July 2011 available
here.
Click here for the monthly summary (Ky mesonet + NWS weather stations).
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For June 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall
For June 2011 the Commonwealth experienced a wetter than normal month.
Preliminary numbers show that this June was tied for the 18th wettest June,
coming after the 11h wettest May and the wettest April on record. Preliminary
numbers also show that all together this past April, May, and June totaled 24.2
inches of rainfall. This made that 3 month stretch the wettest April through
June on record by almost 3 inches, and was the 2nd only to the 3 month period
starting November 1936 to January 1937 for wettest 3 month stretch on record.
Since the beginning of the year the state has received 36.67 inches, which is
the 3rd wettest January through June on record. June itself started off dry and
hot, totaling less than an inch of rainfall nearly midway through the month and
highs topping out well into the 90s almost everyday. Conditions changed quickly
over the next two weeks however; with over 4 inches of rain falling and
temperatures right at or just below seasonal normals.
Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees warmer. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 83 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than
normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 68 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 4
degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the
period was 102 degrees at Owensboro and the extreme low was 49 degrees at
Morehead.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.29 inches statewide which was 0.87 inches
above normal and 120% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 5.64
inches, Central 5.43 inches, Bluegrass 5.13 inches and East 4.98 inches, which
was 1.33, 1, 0.7 and 0.48 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 1.16 inches at Poplar Bluff to a high of 11.32 inches at
Middlesboro.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for June 2011 available
here.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for April through June 2011.
here.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for January through June 2011
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For May 2011
Near Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall
Once again the Commonwealth experienced a wet month. May 2011 was the 11th
wettest May on record. Combined with April 2011, rainfall for both months
together was the wettest on record, totaling 18.91 inches. For this past May
itself, conditions started off wet. However; for a 2 week period in the middle
of the month rainfall was just below normal before wet conditions returned for
the last full week. Temperature for the month was near normal, with the last
several days ending on a hot note. Low temperatures were above normal across the
state, with no killing frost during the month. Even combined with April 2011,
the only killing frost occurred in far eastern parts of the state.
Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 0
degrees from normal. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 73 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 57 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 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 94 degrees at Louisville and the extreme low was
30 degrees at Frankfort.
Rainfall for the period totaled 6.87 inches statewide which was 2.11 inches
above normal and 144% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 7.73
inches, Central 7.24 inches, Bluegrass 6.84 inches and East 5.67 inches, which
was 2.8, 2.27, 2.34 and 1.02 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 3.92 inches at Middlesboro to a high of 9.12 inches at
Marion.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for May 2011 available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For April 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall
April 2011 was the wettest April ever recorded in the Commonwealth. The total
rainfall nearly doubled the previous record for April set back in 1972. Most all
locations across the state experienced their wettest April ever, and Frankfort
and Cave Run even experienced their wettest month on record. Rainfall was
heaviest in Western, Central, and Bluegrass regions of the state, especially
along the Ohio River. The heavy rain caused major and even record flooding on
the Ohio River and its tributaries in the western portion of the state. Fields
were soaked nearly all month, making it nearly impossible for planting.
Temperatures were also above normal as the southerly flow that kept the state
wet also kept it warmer than normal. However; the first few days of the month
the Commonwealth did experience some sub freezing low temperatures.
Temperatures for the period averaged 60 degrees across the state which was 4
degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 72 in the West to 72
in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees
warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low
temperatures averaged from 52 degrees in the West to 49 degrees in the East.
Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal
in the West to 9 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 90 degrees at Booneville and the extreme low was
22 degrees at Cynthiana.
Rainfall for the period totaled 12.04 inches statewide which was 7.7 inches
above normal and 277% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 13.98
inches, Central 12.36 inches, Bluegrass 12.64 inches and East 9.18 inches, which
was 9.06, 7.93, 8.68 and 5.13 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 5.75 inches at Pikeville to a high of 16.14 inches at Nolin
Lake.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for April 2011 available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For March 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Precipitation
This past March started off wet. Heavy rains the first two weeks, combined with
the wet ending of February caused flooding across the state. The surplus of
rainfall in the front half of the month was enough to end all drought conditions
across the Commonwealth. The second half of the month precipitation slowed down
to around and just below normal. Temperatures for the majority of March were
right around normal; however the middle of the month up to the start of Spring
the state experienced some well above normal temperatures. For around a week’s
time highs were topping out in the 70s and even 80s, before more seasonable
temperatures moved back in for the last week and a half of the month.
Temperatures for the period averaged 49 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 58 in the West to
57 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 42 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East.
Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal
in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 83 degrees at Fort Campbell and the extreme low
was 21 degrees at Vanceburg.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 4.58 inches statewide which was
0.27 inches above normal and 106% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 4.86 inches, Central 4.56 inches, Bluegrass 4.24 inches and East
4.68 inches, which was 0.27, 0.02, 0.35 and 0.46 inches above normal. By
station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.08 inches at Owensboro to a
high of 6.77 inches at Barbourville.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for March available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For February 2011
Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Precipitation
February 2011 was the first month to have above normal precipitation since
November 2010, and the wettest month since May 2010. More precipitation occurred
in February than both January and December combined. The month did not start off
wet, having had a near normal week and two below normal precipitation weeks.
However; two strong low pressure systems coming in late in the month dumped
heavy rainfall all across the Commonwealth. Both systems brought flooding and
the year’s first reports of severe weather. These heavy rainfall systems put a
significant dent in the drought situation across the state. Besides one bitterly
cold week, the rest of February was either near normal or well above normal for
temperature. Precipitation amounts totaled enough to be in the top 15 wettest
February’s, while average temperature was in the top 25 warmest.
Temperatures for the period averaged 40 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 48 in the West to
51 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree
cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low
temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East.
Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal
in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 74 degrees at Benton and the extreme low was -10
degrees at Bowling Green.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 5.61 inches statewide which was
1.69 inches above normal and 143% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 5.76 inches, Central 6.36 inches, Bluegrass 5.88 inches and East
4.44 inches, which was 1.40, 2.11, 2.48 and 0.75 inches above normal. By
station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.03 inches at Pikeville to a
high of 7.84 inches at Campbellsville.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for February available
here.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For January 2011
Below Normal Temperature and Below Normal Precipitation
The first day and the last couple days of January had above normal temperatures;
however this was not the case for the rest of the month. The weeks in between
averaged about 6 degrees below normal, during which time livestock cold stress
reached the emergency level multiple times. Precipitation was below normal for
the month, but widespread snowfall events occurred several times for a snowier
than normal January. Most snow events were moderate, ranging from a dusting up
to 4 or 5 inches with isolated areas having received some higher totals. Some
statewide snow accumulations for the month are as follows; Jackson 13.6 inches,
Lexington 11.4 inches, Louisville 10 inches, Bowling Green 7 inches, and Paducah
4.3 inches. All of these locations were above normal for the month, with
Louisville and Lexington even doubling their average. Snow totals including the
month December are as follows; Jackson 32.1 inches, Lexington 24.1 inches,
Louisville 16.3 inches, Bowling Green 15.3 inches, and Paducah 9.9 inches. All
of these locations except Pahducah more than double their averages. By month’s
end around 60% of the state still remains abnormally dry with around 7% still in
severe drought. Overall this past January was tied for the 20th coldest and was
the 18th driest on record.
Temperatures for the period averaged 30 degrees across the state which was 3
degrees cooler than normal. High temperatures averaged from 38 in the West to
38 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 17 degrees in the West to 24 degrees in the East.
Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 8 degrees cooler than normal
in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high
temperature for the period was 66 degrees at Barbourville and the extreme low
was -9 degrees at Harrison County.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.08 inches statewide which was
1.54 inches below normal and 58% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 1.84 inches, Central 2.12 inches, Bluegrass 1.78 inches and East
2.60 inches, which was 1.96, 1.74, 1.34 and 1.08 inches below normal. By
station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.63 inches at Poplar Bluff
to a high of 3.80 inches at Booneville. Dewpoint temperatures for the state
averaged near 23.2 degrees.
NWS departure from normal precipitation map for January available
here.
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