Below-normal temperatures continued through the first 21 days of June as the state average temperature was 68.3°F, which was 1.8°F below the 1991-2020 climatological normal. Temperature departures were 1-5°F below normal across the state, with larger departures in eastern and southern Indiana (Figure 1, Left). Maximum temperatures were near normal for the entire state, and[Read More…]
Climate and Weather
Temperatures throughout the state remained pleasant, but low temperatures briefly dipped into the upper 30s and low 40s as a strong cold front pushed through the Midwest. Through the first 23 days of May, Indiana average temperatures were 0.3◦F above normal (Figure 1). Climate Divisions 1 and 7 had the largest departures, which were 0.9◦F[Read More…]
The weather has been absolutely beautiful over the past few days. Temperatures have finally rebounded, vegetation is green again, and agricultural crops are beginning to emerge from the freshly planted fields. Despite the warming temperatures, we still have not dug ourselves out of the below-normal start to May. Through the first ten days of the[Read More…]
This past weekend brought some much-needed rain to the Hoosier state. Figure 1 shows the total amount that fell from July 13-19, 2022 while Figure 2 puts these amounts into climatological perspective. At least one-half inches fell with some locations reporting well over 4 inches! Was this enough to remove abnormally dry or drought conditions[Read More…]
There is no shortage of weather to discuss this week! Heavy damage to buildings, trees, and powerlines was reported in northern Indiana as a result of the Derecho that occurred on June 13. Unfortunately, there was a fatality associated with the storm. Fort Wayne International Airport recorded a 98-mph wind gust, which broke their record[Read More…]
A break from the heat has commenced as average temperatures dropped to 2-6◦F below normal this week. From May 8-14, average temperatures ran from 5◦F above normal in the southeast to 13◦F above normal in the northwest. Across the entire Midwest, there were 858 maximum and 659 minimum high temperature records broken or tied (Figure[Read More…]
Cold temperatures throughout March and April have led to delays in grapevine phenology ranging from 7-14 days behind normal. Generally speaking, later bud break reduces the risk of spring frost damage. However, warm weather over the weekend has progressed bud development greatly. Buds are in various stages of growth across the state, ranging from bud[Read More…]
Across much of Indiana, March has provided above-normal precipitation (combined rain and melted snow) except for along the Ohio River where precipitation totals were only 25%-50% of what normally fell during March from 1991-2020. Storm systems continued to bring precipitation to the state through the very end of March, likely improving conditions slightly in this[Read More…]
Purdue recently joined and became one of twenty US states that are in the NEWA network. NEWA is a partnership of land grant universities and grower associations. If you live in one of the states listed, you can buy a weather station for your farm and connect to NEWA. For Indiana growers, this means your membership is[Read More…]