Figure 1: Daily average air temperature (dashed red), two-inch (green) and four-inch (blue) soil temperatures for spring 2024. Soil type and location of measurements (under sod or bare soil) are provided in the lower right corner of each panel. A map of all locations is in the bottom right. Data provided by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Agricultural Research Stations located throughout the state.
Daily average soil temperatures remained steady or fell slightly for most locations this past week, with temperatures now in the mid to upper 40s. (Figure 1).
Figure 2: (Top-Left) Precipitation (inches) for April 1-8, 2024 courtesy of CoCoRaHS. (Top-Right) Precipitation as a percent of normal (1991-2020) for April 1-8, 2024 provided by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. (Bottom) Calculated soil moisture percentiles as of April 7, 2024 according to the Climate Prediction Center.
This was due in large part to an active weather pattern that brought several rounds of showers and storms including 8 tornadoes (27 year-to-date) and flooding conditions to many parts of the state. Particulalry hard hit were counties across south central and southest Ohio, with an EF-2 tornado in Jackson County and flooding conditions along the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Weekly precipitation tallied to 4-7” from Mercer County to Monroe County, while most of the state picked up at least 1.5” (Figure 2). This rainfall has saturated ground conditions across the state, evident by improved soil moisture indicators. These conditions are likely to remain saturated with another week of above normal rainfall expected.
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/.
Weather Forecast
We began the week with some high clouds around on Monday, but overall, conditions were decent for the solar eclipse. A cold front will start to approach the area on Tuesday with scattered rain showers. Periods of showers and storms will be possible from Tuesday through Friday, with some locally heavy rain possible. We dry out on Saturday before additional showers move in for Sunday and Monday. Temperatures will range from the upper 60s to mid 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday, before a slight cool down ensues for Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will rebound back above normal by the weekend. Overnight lows should remain well above freezing this week. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting 1.25-2.50” of additional precipitation over the next 7 days, with isolated heavier amounts (Figure 3).
Figure 3). Precipitation forecast from the Weather Prediction Center for 7pm Monday April 8 – 7pm Monday April 15, 2024.
The 6-10 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show above average temperatures are likely with near to above average precipitation (Figure 4). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 57-62°F, a low-temperature range of 37-42°F, and weekly total precipitation of 0.85-1”.
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Figure 4) Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Outlook valid for April 14 - 18, 2024, for left) temperatures and right) precipitation. Colors represent the probability of below, normal, or above normal conditions. |