Figure 1 shows that two- and four-inch soil temperatures warmed significantly over the past week, with most stations reaching soil temperatures into the upper 50s to low 60s. This was in response to much above average temperatures, with highs reaching the upper 70s to low 80s across the state. An upper-level cutoff low pressure with clouds and rain showers over the last couple of days has led to a slight cooling of soil temperatures, with current soil temperatures in the mid to upper 50s.
Figure 2 (left) shows that beneficial rain fell across Ohio this week, with widespread 1-2” reports, and portions of Wayne, Medina, and Summit Counties reported up to 3”. Precipitation over the last couple of weeks has slowed the progress of drought conditions across Ohio, with about 16% of the state still designated as having Moderate Drought Conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Dry soils are prevalent across northern and eastern Ohio, with 0-40cm soil moisture running low (yellow and red shading in Fig. 2 – right) compared to historical values for this period.
For more complete weather records for CFAES research stations, including temperature, precipitation, growing degree days, and other useful weather observations, please visit https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weather1/.