KENTUCKY MONTHLY AND ANNUAL CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR -- 2008
By: Tom Priddy--UK Agricultural Weather Center
* Based on Preliminary Data. Graphs of Kentucky Monthly Temperature
and Rainfall available at:
http://wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/climgraphs/
and weekly graphs available within the UKAWC Kentucky Weather Information
Web site. Sources: UKAWC, NCDC and Midwest Regional Climate Center
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: December 2008
Near Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation:
A very active weather pattern dominated the Bluegrass state during December 2008
with several bouts of weathry weather, several wind advisories and roller-
coaster temperatures...both record and near-record highs and lengthy spells of
very cold temperatures. It was a wet month with the first two weeks seasonably
cold and the later half of the month was seaonably mild.
Temperatures for the period averaged 37 degrees across the state which was 0
degrees from normal. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 46 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degrees below normal
in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 28 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 6 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 6.41 inches statewide which was
2.13 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 6.74
inches, Central 7.07 inches, Bluegrass 5.58 inches and East 6.24 inches, which
was 2.16, 2.25, 1.61 and 2.37 inches respectively above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.61 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 6.72 inches at Nashville.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period November 2008
Below normal temperatures and rainfall...
November proved to be another relatively dry and chilly month. Throughout the
period, multiple cold and dry air masses filtered in over the Commonwealth in
the wake of several cold fronts; however, the lack of moisture in the region
caused the frontal passages to not be big rain makers. Temperatures from the
second half of summer through autumn continued on a below average pace with
November being the 4th month out of the past 5 with below normal values.
Temperatures for the period averaged 43 degrees across the state which was 4
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 55 in the West to 53 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal
in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 35 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 0 degrees from
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 2.67 inches statewide which was
1.37 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.57
inches, Central 2.23 inches, Bluegrass 2.59 inches and East 3.11 inches, which
was 1.95, 2.07, 1.08 and 0.63 inches respectively below normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 1.62 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 3.73 inches at Henderson.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period October 2008
Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall...
The dry weather pattern continued in the Commonwealth during October with below
normal rainfall being reported for the 4th time in the past 5 months. Although
rainfall amounts were below normal, the Bluegrass State did receive more rain
than the previous 2 months as several frontal systems swept through the region.
Normal temperatures and an increase in rainfall during the first full month of
Autumn have led to a normal transition to Fall colors in trees throughout the
state.
Temperatures for the period averaged 57 degrees across the state which was 0
degrees from normal. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 69 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal
in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 46 degrees in the West to 45 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree below
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 2.51 inches statewide which was
0.55 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.08
inches, Central 3.13 inches, Bluegrass 1.75 inches and East 2.12 inches, which
was 0.09, 0.07, 1.18 and 0.81 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.84 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 5.00 inches at Nashville.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period September 2008
Below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures...
September proved to be an exceptionally dry month which continued a drying trend
that has been seen throughout much of the summer. In fact, moderate to severe
drought conditions returned to the majority of the Commonwealth during the final
week of the period. The period of August 1 to September 30, 2008, was the 2nd
driest for that time frame in the past 114 years. Aside from the effects of
tropical remnants early in the month, weather was fairly docile. Temperatures
during the final month of summer were above normal for the first time in three
months.
Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was 3
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 84 in the West to 84 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees above normal
in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 60 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 1.07 inches statewide which was
2.41 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.00
inches, Central 1.33 inches, Bluegrass 0.99 inches and East 0.99 inches, which
was 2.37, 2.57, 2.27 and 2.42 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.11 inches at Huntington to a high of
2.52 inches at Bristol.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period August 2008
Below normal temperatures and rainfall...
Dry conditions were persistent during the period as widespread rainfall events
were few and far between. Lack of moisture caused drying stress to Kentucky
crops to become evident during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of August. Late in the
period, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay did bring much needed rainfall to
southeastern portions of the Commonwealth, the driest region of the state thus
far in 2008. Summer temperatures continued to be relatively mild with 3 out of
the past 4 months reporting below normal.
Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 1
degree below normal. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 85 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal
in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 64 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 1 degree above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 1.61 inches statewide which was
1.99 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.86
inches, Central 0.88 inches, Bluegrass 1.62 inches and East 2.72 inches, which
was 2.33, 2.64, 2.10 and 1.19 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.51 inches at Mayfield to a high of
3.51 inches at Cape Girardeau.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period July 2008
Below normal temperaturs and above normal rainfall...
With the recent transition from La Nina to ENSO Neutral conditions, global
weather patterns aided much of the Ohio Valley, including the Bluegrass State,
in receiving much needed summertime rainfall. The Commonwealth has been able to
avoid the serious drought conditions of 2007 thus far as 5 out of the past 6
months have shown normal to above normal rainfall. Despite a late month surge in
high temperatures, below normal values were reported for the 2nd time in the
past 3 months.
Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was 1
degree below normal. High temperatures averaged from 89 in the West to 86 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal
in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 67 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 0 degrees from
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.11 inches statewide which was 0.72 inches
above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 5.71 inches, Central
5.59 inches, Bluegrass 4.00 inches and East 5.05 inches, which was respectively
1.60 inches above normal, 1.08 inches above normal, 0.52 inches below normal and
0.60 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of
1.82 inches at Huntington to a high of 8.41 inches at Hardinsburg.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period June 2008
Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall...
Last month, moderate La Nina conditions regressed to near neutral. This had a
direct impact on rainfall totals in the Commonwealth as below normal rainfall
values were reported for the first time since January. Many weather systems
started to track west and north of the Bluegrass State, leading to a decrease in
rainfall and an increase in temperatures. In fact, this pattern shift also led
to above normal temperatures being reported during a monthly period for the
first time in 2008.
Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees above normal and 13 degrees warmer than the previous period. High
temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 2
degrees above 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 3 degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 3.59 inches statewide which was 0.66 inches
below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.00 inches, Central
2.31 inches, Bluegrass 5.05 inches and East 4.00 inches, which was respectively
0.99 inches below normal, 2.05 inches below normal, 0.70 inches above normal and
0.33 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of
0.85 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 7.20 inches at Williamstown.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period May 2008
Below Normal Temperatures and Normal Rainfall...
Moderating La Nina conditions impacted weather in the Bluegrass State last
month. After receiving copious amounts of rainfall for 3 straight months, the
Commonwealth experienced moderating rainfall with normal rain totals being
reported in May. Temperatures continued to be mild in 2008...above normal
temperatures have not been reported for a monthly period this year.
Temperatures for the period averaged 62 degrees across the state which was 3
degrees below normal and 6 degrees above the previous month. High temperatures
averaged from 75 in the West to 73 in the East. Departure from normal high
temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below
normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 54 degrees in the West to 52
degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees
below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.00 inches statewide which was 0 inches from
normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 6.10 inches, Central 6.05
inches, Bluegrass 4.98 inches and East 3.37 inches, which was respectively 1.12
inches above normal, 0.79 inches above normal, 0.07 inches above normal and
1.48 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged
from a low of 1.50 inches at Bristol to a high of 7.50 inches at Evansville.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period April 2008
Above normal rainfall and normal temperatures...
The first half of the month proved to be unseasonably wet, while after an
apparent pattern shift in the track of weather systems, the second half of the
month was relatively dry for the Commonwealth. The amount of rainfall received
from several early, moisture-rich systems provided above normal rainfall in a
monthly period for the third time this year and also delayed field operations
quite a bit. In fact, the period from October 1, 2007, through April 19, 2008,
was the wettest ever recorded during that time in Louisvile with 41.28 inches of
rain. Temperatures for the first full month of Spring were true to the season as
they did not deviate far from normal. The latest Palmer Drought Index holds West
in an EXTREME MOIST SPELL, Central in a VERY MOIST SPELL, Bluegrass in a VERY
MOIST SPELL, and East NEAR NORMAL hydrologic conditions.
Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 0
degree from normal. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 67 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal
in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 46 degrees in the West to 47 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.59 inches statewide which was
1.32 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 7.21
inches, Central 6.15 inches, Bluegrass 5.23 inches and East 4.19 inches, which
was 2.68, 1.95, 1.34 and 0.37 inches respectively above normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 2.75 inches at Covington to a high of
7.90 inches at Cape Girardeau.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period March 2008
Above normal rainfall and below normal temperatures...
Moderate La Nina conditions left its mark on the Bluegrass State as above normal
rainfall was reported for the second month in a row. Several heavy rainfall
events created periodic flooding situations across the Commonwealth, especially
along the Ohio River. Temperatures remained relatively cool across the state as
above normal values have not been reported for a monthly period as of yet in 2008.
Temperatures for the period averaged 44.5 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees below normal and 6.9 degrees above the previous month. High temperatures
averaged from 56 in the West to 55 in the East. Departure from normal high
temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above
normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 36
degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2
degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 6.81 inches statewide which was 2.14 inches
above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 8.64 inches,
Central 7.39 inches, Bluegrass 7.03 inches and East 4.83 inches, which was
3.96, 2.52, 2.68 and 0.43 inches respectively above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.26 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 16.38 inches at Cape Girardeau.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period February 2008
Normal temperatures and above normal rainfall...
February proved to be a very active month for the Bluegrass State weather-wise.
The month began with a destructive severe weather event that produced one of the
highest single event tornado totals that the Commonwealth has experienced. A
couple of winter weather systems subsequently followed, creating an icy
situation across the state due to freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Despite the
number of different weather makers that swept through the state in February,
temperatures remained true to climatology, posting no deviation from normal.
Temperatures for the period averaged 37.6 degrees across the state which was 0
degrees from normal and 4.9 degrees higher than the previous month. High
temperatures averaged from 46 in the West to 47 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 2
degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 31 degrees in
the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged
from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 4.28 inches statewide which was 0.56 inches
above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 5.20 inches, Central
4.03 inches, Bluegrass 4.84 inches and East 3.38 inches, which was respectively
1.16 inches above normal, 0.10 inches below normal, 1.40 inches above normal and
0.09 inches below normal.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period January 2008
Below normal temperatures and rainfall...
The Bluegrass State began 2008 much as it ended 2007, with below normal
rainfall. In fact, January was the 10th month out of the past twelve to receive
below normal rainfall. Temperatures remained true to winter form as several
arctic air masses migrated into the Ohio River Valley, keeping the monthly
temperature average just above the freezing mark.
Temperatures for the period averaged 32.7 degrees across the state which was 0.4
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 42 in the West to 42 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal
in the West to 3 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 26 degrees in the West to 27 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 3.12 inches statewide which was
0.60 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.74
inches, Central 3.93 inches, Bluegrass 3.19 inches and East 2.79 inches, which
was 0.96, 0.09, 0.26 and 0.91 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.61 inches at Mayfield to a high of
5.19 inches at Bardstown.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period December 2007
Above normal temperatures and rainfall...
Temperatures for the period averaged 40.5 degrees across the state which was 3.2
degrees above normal and 4.9 degrees below last month. High temperatures
averaged from 46 in the West to 48 in the East. Departure from normal high
temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 4 degrees above
normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 34
degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees
above normal in the West to 10 degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 7.37 inches statewide which was 3.09 inches
above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 8.98 inches, Central
9.55 inches, Bluegrass 6.87 inches and East 4.91 inches, which was 4.40, 4.73,
2.89 and 1.04 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 2.58 inches at Bristol to a high of 9.96 inches at
Princeton.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period November 2007
Below normal temperatures and rainfall...
The Bluegrass State regressed back into the pattern of below normal rainfall as
the state received .49 inches below the normal November rainfall amount of 4.04
inches. The good news, however, is that despite November being the 9th month
out of the past 10 with below normal rainfall, drought conditions statewide have
continued to improve. This is due in large to several well-timed frontal
passages that brought periods of widespread rainfall to the Commonwealth. These
fronts also helped to keep the temperatures at more seasonable levels as winter
approaches. The Bluegrass State finally experienced the 1st month of below
normal temperatures since late summer.
Temperatures for the period averaged 45.6 degrees across the state which was 1
degree below normal and 16.7 degrees below last month. High temperatures
averaged from 56 in the West to 54 in the East. Departure from normal high
temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 0 degrees from
normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 36
degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 0 degrees
from normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 3.55 inches statewide which was
0.49 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.09
inches, Central 4.12 inches, Bluegrass 3.68 inches and East 3.73 inches, which
was 1.44, 0.17, 0.28 and 0.15 inches respectively below normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.82 inches at Mayfield to a high of
6.94 inches at Somerset.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period October 2007
Above average rainfall and temperatures...
Much needed rain was received this month as above normal rainfall fell on the
Bluegrass State for the first time since January. Two substantial events
accounted for the majority of this rainfall. The first was a damaging severe
weather outbreak on October 18 that produced some localized rain totals of over
two inches in west and central Kentucky. The second event lasted from October
21 to October 24 and produced local rainfall totals of five to seven inches in
some areas. The hydrologic drought situation did improve, largely in part to
the state receiving 177 percent of normal rainfall in October. Unseasonably
warm temperatures remained the rule as the Commonwealth experienced the fifth
month out of the past six with above normal temperatures, despite low
temperatures breaking into the 30s on several occasions statewide for the first
time this autumn.
Temperatures for the period averaged 62.3 degrees across the state which was 5.3
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 74 in the West to 74 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees above normal
in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 52 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 5.42 inches statewide which was
2.36 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 6.26
inches, Central 7.48 inches, Bluegrass 5.62 inches and East 3.16 inches, which
was 3.08, 4.27, 2.68 and 0.23 inches respectively above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.50 inches at Bristol to a high of
9.09 inches at Nolin Lake.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the period September 2007
Eighth straight month with below normal rainfall...
Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall...
Despite seeing rainfall from the remnants of three different tropical systems,
Kentucky deepened into drought with the state experiencing the eighth straight
month with below normal rainfall. Temperatures remained above normal as well
with many stations reporting near ten days of temperatures 90 degrees or
greater. The Bluegrass State did see its first taste of fall, however, as three
separate frontal passages kept high temperatures in the 70's for a brief time in
the third and forth weeks of the month. Additionally, September 2007 was
completely free of severe weather. The greatest thunderstorm-related damage
occurred on the 26th when a tree, that appeared to be rather old, fell onto a
house in Wilmore, Kentucky (Jessamine County).
Temperatures for the period averaged 73 degrees across the state which was 6
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 85 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees above normal
in the West to 8 degrees above 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 3 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above
normal in the East. This September was the 18th warmest on record.
Rainfall for the period totaled 2.33 inches statewide which was 1.16 inches
below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.22 inches, Central
3.25 inches, Bluegrass 1.65 inches and East 1.43 inches, which was 0.16, 0.65,
1.61 and 1.98 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals
ranged from a low of 0.33 inches at Dix Dam to a high of 5.39 inches at Cape
Girardeau. This September was the 29th driest on record. January 2007 through
September 2007 was the third driest for that period with only 26.11 inches of
rain. Only 1930 and 1941 were drier with 23.69 and 23.94 inches of rainfall
respectively for the period of January through September.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period August 2007
Hottest and Ninth Driest August on Record in Kentucky...
Much Above Normal Temperatures and Much Below Normal Rainfall...
Kentucky experienced yet another month with above normal temperatures and below
normal rainfall which further worsened our drought conditions statewide.
Despite being the seventh straight month with below normal rainfall, some areas
were able to see above normal values...Bardstown received 5.39 inches and
Grayson received 5.26 inches. The majority of our rainfall came from two
distinctive frontal passages and the remnants of Tropical Storm Erin.
Temperatures broke records statewide throughout the month of August, many of
these records dating back to 1936. This month was, in fact, the hottest August
on record in the Bluegrass State. Temperatures consistently broke the century
mark throughout August...monthly high values include 106 degrees in Somerset on
August 23 and 105 degrees in Paducah on August 16. For the period of May
through August, 2007 provided us with the 7th hottest as the state averaged 74.5
degrees and 3rd driest as the state received only 10.35 inches. Only in 1936
and 1930 did less rain fall. August was 6.4 degrees warmer than July 2007.
Temperatures for the period averaged 81.1 degrees across the state which was 6.1
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 95 in the West to 93 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees above normal
in the West to 9 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 69 degrees in the West to 69 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 1.91 inches statewide which was
1.67 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.49
inches, Central 1.91 inches, Bluegrass 2.72 inches and East 1.77 inches, which
was 1.70, 1.61, 1.01 and 2.13 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Cape Girardeau to a
high of 5.39 inches at Bardstown.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period July 2007
Below Normal Temperatures and Slightly Below Normal Rainfall:
Click here for the July 2007 Rainfall Departure Map from NWS:AHPS.
More rainfall occurred this July than in the past several months in the
Bluegrass state, but long-term dry conditions continued to plague many sections
of the state. This was also the first month in the past three months that
averaged with cooler that normal temperatures. July 2007 started out with severe
hydrologic drought in the eastern half of the Commonwealth and moderate drought
in the western half. By the end of the month, the east had improved to moderate
drought and the west had lowered into severe hydrologic drought. It was a very
spotty rainfall pattern the entire month....with one rainfall event on the 26th
and 27th providing significant improvement to most central, bluegrass and
eastern sections...but not the west and southwest...which seemed to miss many
rainfall events for much of the month. For the west, rainfall for July was only
one- quarter to one-half of what would normally occur. It was the 10th driest
January through July in the past 113 years with only 22.81 inches received
during the period...which was only 76 percent of normal. Limited severe weather
occurred during July. The busiest day of the month was the 19th, with 16 Severe
Thunderstorm Warnings issued. On the 18th, six Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were
issued for Fayette County alone. So far for the growing season, only three weeks
had received above normal rainfall, and two of those weeks occurred in July, the
final two weeks of July for the state. And while it was a relatively cool month,
Paducah reported 14 days with temperatures maxing out at 90 degrees or
above...but only one day with 95 or above (96 degrees on the 18th). Louisville
had 5 days with 90 or above, Lexington 6 and Jackson 4. This was below normal in
all cases.
Temperatures for the period averaged 74.7 degrees across the state which was 1.7
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 85 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal
in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 65 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below
normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 4.25 inches statewide which was 0.15 inches
below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.09 inches, Central
3.14 inches, Bluegrass 5.45 inches and East 5.31 inches, which was -1.02, -1.38,
+0.93 and +0.81 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 0.43 inches at Nashville to a high of 6.90 inches at
UK Spindletop (Lexington).
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: June 2007
Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall:
Click here for the monthly Rainfall Departure Map from NWS:AHPS.
After a very warm and dry April and May, June 2007 continued the dry and warm
spell and only received 79 percent of normal rainfall. June began with mild to
moderate drought conditions across the state. The month ended with the entire
state in moderate to severe drought...and counties along the Kentucky/Tennessee
border in extreme hydrologic drought. By the 15th of June, the state Division of
Water issued a Water Shortage Watch for 61 counties ...mostly in central,
Bluegrass and eastern sections of the state. The weather pattern changed during
the final 10 days of the month, which allowed scattered to numerous showers and
thunderstorms to provide above normal rainfall for west, central and east. The
exception was the Bluegrass area which only received near normal rainfall during
the final few days of the month. This helped provide some relief from the
hydrologic drought for most locations, but was very timely and beneficial for
crops across the state. The total rainfall for April, May and June was 8.39
inches, ranking the 3 month period as the 5th driest April thru June in 113
years. The driest April thru June's were 1930, 1988, 1936 and 1914.
Temperatures for the period averaged 73.9 degrees across the state which was 1.6
degree above normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous month. High
temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 86 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 3
degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in
the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged
from 1 degree above normal in the West to near normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 3.38 inches statewide which was 0.88 inches
below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.88 inches, Central 3.81
inches, Bluegrass 2.91 inches and East 3.01 inches, which was 0.10, 0.55,
1.44 and 1.32 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals
ranged from a low of 0.76 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high of 5.30 inches at
Paducah.
Kentucky
6/ 1/2007 to 6/30/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 75.8 74.5 1.3 3.88 3.99 -0.10 97
2 74.5 72.9 1.7 3.81 4.36 -0.55 87
3 73.6 71.9 1.7 2.91 4.35 -1.44 67
4 72.0 71.0 1.1 3.01 4.33 -1.32 69
State 73.9 72.3 1.6 3.38 4.26 -0.88 79
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Kentucky Climate Summary: May 2007
Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall:
...11th Driest and 19 Warmest May on Record...
Click here for the monthly Rainfall Departure Map from NWS:AHPS.
It was a very warm month with a significant drying trend for the Bluegrass
state. Most of the limited rainfall received occurred during the first week of
the month. Then the Commonwealth suffered thru 3 weeks with very little rainfall
and temperatures mostly in the 80s to near 90 degrees. By the end of the month,
much of Kentucky was in or near Moderate hydrologic drought...with crops
stressed from lack of moisture, and pastures and lawns starting to turn brown.
And this weather senario occurred after a very mild March and historic cold
temperatuers during the first week of April. Since Jan. 1st, most of southern
Kentucky was 7 to 9 inches below normal rainfall and the northern half of the
state was 3 to 5 inches below normal rainfall. Bluegrass rainfall has been
below normal six out of the past seven months.
Temperatures for May 2007 averaged 67.7 degrees across the state which was 3.3
degrees above normal and 14 degrees warmer than the previous month. High
temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from
normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 4
degrees above 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 2 degrees above normal in the West to near normal in the East.
Rainfall for the month totaled 2.43 inches statewide which was 2.56 inches below
normal and only 49 percent of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West
2.50 inches, Central 3.33 inches, Bluegrass 1.62 inches and East 2.28 inches,
which was 2.49, 1.93, 3.29 and 2.57 inches respectively below normal. By
station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.76 inches at Williamstown
to a high of 4.16 inches at Campbellsville.
Kentucky
5/ 1/2007 to 5/31/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 70.2 66.3 3.9 2.50 4.99 -2.49 50
2 68.3 64.7 3.5 3.33 5.26 -1.93 63
3 67.4 63.7 3.7 1.62 4.91 -3.29 33
4 65.5 63.1 2.4 2.28 4.85 -2.57 47
State 67.7 64.3 3.3 2.43 4.99 -2.56 49
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...Overall, a warm and dry spring...
Spring was a lesson in contrasts, with historic cold in early April followed by
very warm and dry weather in May.
By far the biggest severe weather event of the season took place on April 3 as
hail and high winds raked the entire region. Two tornadoes occurred on that
day: an EF0 in Taylor County and an EF1 in Casey County.
The cold front that brought the severe weather to us on April 3 also ushered in
an extremely cold air mass. Temperatures plunged well below normal for several
days, with the apex of the cold blast coming on April 7 when temperatures were
20 to 25 degrees below normal. Morning lows on April 7 were in the lower to
middle 20s.
However, the season as a whole was quiet, with much less severe weather than
usual. In May no severe weather occurred after the 15th, with not very much
before that date either. Temperatures soared in late May, and the rain
vanished. Southern Kentucky entered a moderate drought by the end of the month.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: For April 2007
Below Normal Temperatures and Slightly Below Normal Rainfall:
Click here for the monthly Rainfall Departure Map from NWS:AHPS.
A very difficult weather pattern for Kentucky for the month of April 2007. The
month started very warm for the first 3 days, and after one of the warmest
March's on record. But from April 5-9, historic (record) cold air provided hard
freezes for the entire state with low temperatures in the low 20s for the 4 day
period. We even saw snow on the 6th, with up to an inch accumulating in the
Bluegrass region around Lexington. The London Corbin airport recorded its
coldest April temperature with a reading of 19 degrees.
The damage done to Kentucky's wheat crop and fruit trees was also
historic, according to specialists in the University of Kentucky College of
Agriculture. Below normal temperatures continue for the next 2 and 1/2 weeks.
The final 10 days of the month were mostly above normal. While rainfall was only
slightly below normal, both west and central sections of the state were nearly 1
inch below normal for the month. The east was nearly 1 inch above normal.
New records:
Lexington, April 6, new record snowfall of 0.8"
Louisville, April 7, new record cold maximum temperature of 37 degrees
Lexington, April 7, new record cold maximum temperature of 34 degrees
Bowling Green, April 7, new record snowfall of a trace
Bowling Green, April 8, new record low of 23 degrees
Three days experienced severe weather: the 3rd, 11th, and 26th. The most
widespread event was on the 3rd, which included the first two tornadoes of the
year: an EF1 in Casey County and an EF0 in Taylor County.
Temperatures for the April 2007 averaged 53.3 degrees across the state which was
2 degrees below normal and nearly the same average temperature as for the previous
month. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 65 in the East.
Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in
the West to 1 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from
44 degrees in the West to 44 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degrees below
normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the month totaled 3.94 inches statewide which was
0.16 inches below normal and 96 percent of normal for the entire state.
Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.59 inches, Central 3.26 inches,
Bluegrass 3.88 inches and East 4.73 inches, which was -0.93, -0.94, -0.02 and
+0.91 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged
from a low of 1.71 inches at Quicksand to a high of 5.89 inches at Williamstown.
Kentucky
4/ 1/2007 to 4/30/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 55.3 57.5 -2.3 3.59 4.53 -0.93 79
2 53.6 56.1 -2.5 3.26 4.20 -0.94 78
3 52.6 54.5 -1.9 3.88 3.89 -0.02 100
4 52.1 54.4 -2.3 4.73 3.82 0.91 124
State 53.3 55.6 -2.3 3.94 4.09 -0.16 96
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: March 2007
Much Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall:
...8th Warmest, 22nd Driest March on Record (113 years)...
After a bitter cold February 2007, March 2007 will go into the record books as
one of the top 10 warmest March's on record. Temperatures in the 80s, usually a
rare event in March in the Bluegrass state, occurred on 4 to 6 days for most of
the state. Rainfall was limited for most of the month and only 60 percent of
normal rainfall occurred. Weekly weather summaries for March indicated above
normal temperatures and below normal rainfall most weeks. Only the final week,
March 26 to March 31, received near normal rainfall. By mid-month, southeast
sections of the state indicated dry moisture conditions at a level of moderate
hydrologic and agricultural drought, according to the US Drought Monitor.
Temperatures for the period averaged 52.8 degrees across the state which was 6.3
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 68 in the West to 66 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees above normal
in the West to 11 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 45 degrees in the West to 44 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 9 degrees above normal in the West to 9 degrees above
normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.76 inches statewide which was
1.81 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.16
inches, Central 2.36 inches, Bluegrass 3.29 inches and East 3.16 inches, which
was 2.52, 2.51, 1.06 and 1.24 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.44 inches at Bowling Green to a high
of 5.54 inches at Williamstown.
Kentucky
3/ 1/2007 to 3/31/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 55.2 48.1 7.1 2.16 4.68 -2.52 46
2 54.0 47.2 6.9 2.36 4.87 -2.51 48
3 51.3 45.2 6.0 3.29 4.35 -1.06 76
4 51.0 45.6 5.4 3.16 4.40 -1.24 72
State 52.8 46.5 6.3 2.76 4.57 -1.81 60
---
Kentucky Climate Summary
For February 2007
Much Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation:
...11th Coldest and 26th Driest February for Kentucky in the Past 112 Years...
After an extended cold spell during February 2007, mild temperatures during the
final week helped to keep this month from the "Top Ten" list of coldest
February's. Temperatures in the single digits and low teens were common...
contrasted with a max temperature of 72 degrees at Paducah on February 28th.
Additionaly, very moist conditions continued in west, central and bluegrass
areas for the entire month. Yet, southeastern sections of the state moved into
the Moderate hydrologic drought stage, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The western section of the state received twice as much liquid precip as the
eastern section of the state. Snow events were also common during this February
with locations west and north receiving 4 to 15 inches of snow (Covington 11.2",
Louisville 4.4", Paducah 15.3", Bowling Green 4.7", Lexington 5.9")
Temperatures for February 2007 averaged 29.7 degrees across the state which was 7.7
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 40 in the West to 38 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees below
normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 23 degrees in the West to 22 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 4
degrees below normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.30 inches statewide which was
1.45 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.12
inches, Central 2.29 inches, Bluegrass 2.57 inches and East 1.50 inches, which
was 0.93, 1.84, 0.86 and 1.97 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.55 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 3.69 inches at Cape Girardeau.
As would be expected of a typical El Nino winter, we experienced below normal
precipitation throughout most of the region for the month. Here are some
highlights from the past month of February:
The following stats are from NWS Louisville:
Lexington barely nudges into the ninth coldest February with a monthly average
of 27.5 degrees surpassing the formerly 9th place from 1912 of 27.6 degrees.
Lexington and Bowling Green recorded its highest daily snowfall total on the
2nd, with 2.2 and 1.9 inches respectfully. Louisville recorded its highest daily
snowfall total of the month on the 17th of 1.6 inches.
Lexington recorded 15 days with highs 32 or below, all before the 19th.
Louisville recorded 13 days with highs 32 or below, all before the 19th.
The lowest temperatures across the region occurred on the 5th and the 16th of
the month, with Louisville and Lexington recording 5 and 1 degrees on the 5th;
and Bowling Green recording its monthly low of 10 on the 16th.
Bowling Green was more than two inches below normal for precipitation for the
month (-2.15 inches.)
Kentucky
2/ 1/2007 to 2/28/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 32.0 38.6 -6.6 3.12 4.04 -0.93 77
2 30.6 38.1 -7.5 2.29 4.12 -1.84 55
3 26.5 36.1 -9.5 2.57 3.43 -0.86 75
4 29.4 36.9 -7.6 1.50 3.46 -1.97 43
State 29.7 37.4 -7.7 2.30 3.75 -1.45 61
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: January 2007
Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation:
January 2007 was expected to be a mild and dry month, based on the projections
of anticipated mild El Nino conditions in the equatorial Pacific. In fact, it
was the third warmer-than-normal month in a row. While the first three weeks of
the month were mild, it was not a dry month. In addition, the final week to 10
days of the month turned to seasonal temperatures, and, at times, very cold. The
western section of the Bluegrass state was so wet that water ponded in fields
along with river's flooded for extended periods through the month. With the mild
temperatures for most of the month, limited snowfall occurred. Jackson reported
3.3 inches of snow and Covington reported 4.9 inches of snow, with only trace
amounts reported at Paducah, Louisville, and Lexington.
Temperatures for January 2007 averaged 37.4 degrees across the state which was
4.3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 45
in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above
normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 30 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees above normal in the West to 9
degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the mid to
upper 60s and extreme low temperatures were in upper single digits.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the month totaled 4.21 inches statewide which was
0.49 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 5.40
inches, Central 4.33 inches, Bluegrass 3.81 inches and East 4.49 inches, which
was +1.69, +0.31, +0.36 and -0.20 inches respectively from normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.59 inches at Bristol to a high of
6.43 inches at Paducah.
Kentucky
1/ 1/2007 to 1/31/2007
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 37.5 33.8 3.7 5.40 3.70 1.69 146
2 38.0 33.5 4.5 4.33 4.02 0.31 108
3 36.8 31.9 4.9 3.81 3.45 0.36 110
4 37.3 33.2 4.1 3.49 3.70 -0.20 94
State 37.4 33.1 4.3 4.21 3.72 0.49 113
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* Based on Preliminary Data
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