Precipitation in May has varied tremendously, but most of the state has generally been on the dry side. Areas from Vermillion and Parke Counties to Lake Michigan have received between 25% and 75% of the normal precipitation through May 27 (Figure 1). Conditions were dry enough that thunderstorm winds on May 16 prompted the National…Read more about Will May’s Mixed Precipitation and Temperatures Persist into June?[Read More]

The last few weeks have been on the drier side, particularly for northwestern and west-central Indiana (Figure 1).  While temperatures have been seasonal, they are still gradually increasing as we approach summer.  Therefore, evapotranspiration rates are starting to increase.  This has resulted in the U.S. Drought Monitor classifying much of northern Indiana as Abnormally Dry…Read more about A Bit of Rain Coming Our Way[Read More]

Despite the wet start to the month, the entire state saw less than 50 percent of normal rainfall from April 10 to 16, and in some cases, less than 10 percent of normal rainfall (Figure 1). This was helpful, especially since some locations are still dealing with river flood warnings and ponded, saturated fields. This…Read more about Wet Pattern to Return[Read More]

Indiana has already experienced several tornadoes this year, with more certainly to come.  Of course, this is not unusual since Indiana is often considered on the far northeastern edge of “Tornado Alley”.  Tornadoes get their energy from the battle between the cooler, drier Canadian air moving southeastward and the warmer, more humid air coming north…Read more about Tracking Tornadoes Over Time[Read More]

It happens every year. A warm wave moves into the area, and I immediately get the urge to run to the nursery and start planting for the spring. Of course, there is another little voice inside my head warning me not to fall for it. There are plenty of other things I can do outside…Read more about A False Sense of Spring?[Read More]

How often have you heard that your neighbor received rain while you missed it? Precipitation is highly variable and has significant impacts on communities. Insufficient rainfall can cause drought and water supply issues, while excessive rain can lead to flooding and damage to infrastructure. The dense precipitation measurements provided by the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail,…Read more about Expanding Precipitation Observations in Indiana[Read More]

While our daytime highs across the state have been in the upper 70s, our nighttime lows have been in the 40s. This is a great time to start thinking about the timing of the first frost and freeze events of the season when the 7-day average 4-inch soil temperature falls before 50°F, and the viability…Read more about A Chill Is In The Air – Online Tools for Monitoring and Climatology[Read More]

From September 19th through 25th, Indiana was fortunate to receive between a quarter inch to almost three inches of precipitation (Figure 1).  This seemed to be a sight for many a sore eye since it had been weeks since any appreciable rain had fallen.  But was this enough for us to get out of drought…Read more about Rain Brought Some Relief, But Still Not Enough[Read More]

As September begins, we officially welcome meteorological fall. While the autumnal equinox isn’t until September 22, the past few mornings have already brought a crisp, fall-like feel to the air. Around town, fall decorations are starting to appear, and a few maple trees are showing early hints of color. My wife, however, is eagerly waiting…Read more about Welcome Meteorological Fall, Drought Concern Grows[Read More]