The first half of July started cool and wet as expected. The question is will the second half turn warmer and drier as we expected a few weeks ago. The overall answer is yes. Overall, weather, climate and hydrology conditions will improve in Ohio after the start of this week into the end of July.
After a wet start to this week we expect a drier Wednesday and Thursday. However more showers and storms will return Friday into the weekend. But the pattern looks to be heading toward a more summer-like pattern where the rainfall pattern becomes more scattered and typical after this week.
At the same time, temperatures will become warmer than normal. With all the moisture in the ground, we continue to see daytime temperatures kept down some and nighttime temperatures elevated and this will continue with the overall tendency toward slightly warmer than normal temperatures.
Second half of July outlook...
Temperatures Risk...slightly above normal (mostly from overnight lows) highs mostly in the 80s and lows in the 60s.
Rainfall Risk...becoming more normal and scattered after this week most places 2-4 inches next 3 weeks. Normal is 3 inches.
See our NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center ensemble mean 16-day rainfall outlook updated daily here: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ohrfc/HAS/images/NAEFS16day.pdf
Drought Risk...none
Flood Risk...minor west and north Ohio this week then limited as some drying occurs
Heat Risk above 90...limited
August outlook...
Temperature Risk...normal
Rainfall Risk...return to slightly above normal.
Drought Risk...none
Flood Risk...slightly elevated but nothing like what occurred in first half of summer
Heat Risk above 90...limited
Finally, El Nino is in full swing in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and is likely to strengthen in a significant El Nino for fall and winter. El Nino will likely persist into spring growing season next year and will play havoc with our weather, climate and hydrology patterns in Ohio. Our research shows during El Nino events crops are stressed in Ohio form significant changes in our weather patterns. Impacts are greatest to wheat and corn and to a lesser extent soybeans.