Precipitation and storm tracks this year seem to be stagnating in patterns that have caused some parts of Indiana to feel as if they are drowning and other parts to feel like they are in a drought.
Beth Hall
Precipitation and storm tracks this year seem to be stagnating in patterns that have caused some parts of Indiana to feel as if they are drowning and other parts to feel like they are in a drought. Indiana is not a particularly large state, so it is impressive to see the extremes across such a short area. Sometimes, these extremes can be explained from just one or two storm events that pass through, but recently it seems to be a series of events that set up this polarized pattern of precipitation winners and losers. Figure 1 shows the 30-day accumulated precipitation presented as the percent of mean climatology for Indiana from July 21 to August 19. Central Indiana has been experiencing dry conditions with some locations only have received 25%-50% of what they would normally receive during that time period. In contrast, northeastern and southwestern Indiana have experienced a surplus[Read More…]
Well, it was a nice 4 weeks with no drought or abnormally dry designated areas across the state. Unfortunately, the lack of rain over the past few weeks have led to browning lawns, cracked soils, and other tell-tale signs that drought may be returning.
The national Climate Prediction Center updates their monthly climate outlooks in the middle and last day of each month.
The water needs of corn peak in July and taper off in August as we near dent stage.
After three consecutive weeks of Indiana being drought free according to the US Drought Monitor, it looks like next month is favored to be drier than normal and cooler than normal.
After several weeks of above-normal precipitation across much of Indiana, we are now entering a relative dry period. The national Climate Prediction Center is indicating enhanced chances for below-normal precipitation amounts over the next several weeks. Temperatures are also expected to be above normal over this period which will cause increased rates of evapotranspiration. This may induce the onset and establishment of a flash drought – defined as a rapid intensification of drought conditions and impacts sustained for a relatively short amount of time (e.g., less than a year). The key is to start planning and preparing for this now, even if a flash drought does not end up developing, so that one is being proactive rather than reactive to drought impacts. Modified growing degree days range from about 1500 units (northern Indiana) to 200 units (southern Indiana) (Figure 1). With temperatures being relatively mild lately, this has kept accumulated[Read More…]
It is amazing to think that some part of Indiana has been in at least the Abnormally Dry category of drought on the US Drought Monitor for over a year.
Weather Update: Moisture And Temperature
As we welcome July, Indiana seems to be in a very wet phase. Or, at least part of the state has been.
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