Summary
July 2024 was the 40th warmest and 21st driest July on record (1895-2024) according to NOAA. Though the weather pattern has brought rounds of showers and storms to the region, this much needed rainfall had dodged most of the southeastern counties. There, drought conditions continue to intensify, with the first areas of the state now depicted with D3-extreme drought conditions (Figure 1). This is the first D3 in the state since August 28, 2012. Reports indicate lack of hay growth, extremely poor pasture conditions, low ponds, dry creeks, water hauling, and soybean pods not filling across the area. Please consider submitting a report of local conditions. For a more detailed look at conditions and resources, visit our Drought Response Page.
Recent severe weather and torrential rainfall hit northeast Ohio particularly hard. Storms on August 6, 2024, brought 5 tornadoes and a macoburst (broad area of straight-line winds) to the Cleveland area. Nearly 500,000 residents were without power, and the state has now unofficially recorded 70 tornadoes for the season (a new record). Just a couple of days later, moisture from Tropical Storm Debbie left a swath of 3-7” of rain and flash flooding across portions of Wayne, Summit, Portage, and Geauga Counties. For the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate Office of Ohio.
Weather Forecast
Cooler, drier air is funneling into the region early this week. Temperatures are expected to be below average through Thursday, with highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the 40s and 50s. A warming trend begins this weekend, with highs pushing back into the 80s and 90s. Rainfall is forecast to be at a minmum nearly statewide this week (Figure 2), with only a few showers possible across northern Ohio.
The 8-14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show above normal temperatures and near-to-below normal precipitation are expected (Figure 3). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 81-85°F, a low-temperature range of 60-64°F, and weekly total precipitation of about 0.75”.
