Climate Summary
NOAA will release its final July climate statistics and rankings on Thursday August 8, but the July monthly average temperature was close to normal (a bit below average in the west and above average in the east). Drier than average conditions persisted and intensified for counties across southeast Ohio. As of July 30, 2024, the US Drought Monitor depicts about 14% of the state in D2-Severe Drought and over 72% in at least D0-Abnormally Dry.
Despite the ongoing drought, the weather pattern has shifted into one more favorable for rain. Over the last two weeks, areas along and east of about I-71 have received 2+” of rain, with Preble, Butler, Warren, Licking, Delaware, Knox, Portage, and Mahoning Counties reporting 4-7” during this period. Unfortunately, south central Ohio continues to miss the heaviest rainfall, and some of our northwest counties are starting to report crops stress and other issues due to a lack of water. The biggest impacts in the state are across southeastern Ohio where pasture conditions continue to struggle, and reports of water hauling have been made. For the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate Office of Ohio.
Weather Forecast
The week is starting out steamy, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. A cold front will slowly sag south through mid-week bringing the chance of showers and storms. Rainfall will be heaviest across northern Ohio, and the front will likely prevent any tropical moisture from former Hurricane Debby from making much of an impact in Ohio except in far southeastern counties on Friday. Conditions will turn mostly dry for the weekend, while temperatures and humidity levels trend downward into next week as well. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting less than 0.1” of rain across southwest Ohio and up to 1.5” in the north (Figure 2). Localized heavier amounts are possible as well.
The 8-14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show near to above normal temperatures are likely with near normal precipitation (Figure 3). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 83-86°F, a low-temperature range of 60-66°F, and weekly total precipitation of 0.90-1.20”.
