Indiana experienced near-normal temperatures for March as the state averaged 40.9◦F, despite the record warmth at the beginning of the month (Figure 1). Weather stations in central, southern, and eastern Indiana experienced record-breaking high temperatures during the first week of March (Figure 2). Cold weather returned during the third week with several daily low maximum and minimum temperature records broken or tied (Figure 3). Southern Indiana saw dormancy break for many woody perennials, which become susceptible to any cold snaps we encounter moving forward.
Figure 1: Indiana climate division and state temperature, normal temperature, temperature departure from normal, precipitation, normal precipitation, precipitation departure from normal, and percent of mean precipitation for March 2023.
Figure 2: Midwest daily high temperature records broken or tied during the week of March 1-7, 2023.
Figure 3: Midwest daily low temperature records broken or tied during the week of March 15-23, 2023.
The big story for the month was flooding rains and severe weather. The state averaged 168 percent of normal precipitation for the month, with locally higher percentages in central and southern Indiana (Figure 4). Dearborn County measured 9.38 inches of precipitation in March and had a single day maximum of 2.85 inches on March 24. River flood warnings hung around for a large portion of the month as storm water runoff overwhelmed streams and rivers. Localized flooding was also reported in spots.
Figure 4: US Storm reports for the March 31, 2023 severe weather outbreak.
On March 31st a cold front associated with a strong low-pressure system caused a severe weather outbreak across the Midwest. As of April 5, there were 22 confirmed tornadoes in Indiana (NWS Indianapolis & NWS Northern Indiana have websites dedicated to the event). EF-3 tornadoes occurred in Grant, Sullivan, Johnson, Owen and Monroe Counties in Indiana with significant damage. Tragically, five people died in the storms along with 11 others sustaining injuries. The Indiana State Climate Office would like to express condolences to the families and communities impacted by these events.
Turning attention to the Climate Prediction Center outlooks, mid-April has higher chances of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation (Figure 5). This could be the pattern shift that is needed to help us dry out enough to begin field work across the state.
Figure 5: Climate Prediction Center’s 8-14 Day temperature and precipitation outlooks showing high chances for above normal temperatures and elevated chances for below normal precipitation mid-April.
