This week brought freezing temperatures across much of Indiana – an unpleasant change from the previous weeks that were encouraging us to think about short sleeves and flip-flops! These cooler temperatures are expected to continue into next week, though the probability of freezing temperatures is low. Climate outlooks for the rest of April are steering away from the probability of below-normal temperatures while precipitation is anticipated to remain above normal.
Thanks to the warmer temperatures last week, modified growing degree day (50/86)* accumulations since April 1st are near normal across the state, but this recent cold spell will likely dampen any gains by the end of the month.
*Modified growing degree days are similar to growing degree days but use cutoff temperature thresholds of 50°F (minimum temperature) and 86°F (maximum temperature). So, if the minimum temperature was 42°F and the maximum temperature was 90°F, then instead of averaging those 2 values and subtracting 50, the minimum and maximum threshold temperatures would be averaged (e.g., (50 + 86) / 2) and then subtract 50. This is used to account for vegetative growth response to temperature extremes.
