CFAES Give Today
Agronomic Crops Network

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Slow Drought Recovery Continues

Figure 1). Total precipitation (liquid-equivalent) for November 17 – December 16, 2024. Figure courtesy of the Southern Regional Climate Center Integrated Water Portal

Climate Summary

As mentioned last month, the weather pattern has turned a little more favorable for drought improvement over the last six weeks. This is especially true across southwestern and southern counties, and in the heavy lake effect snowbelt areas of northeast Ohio. Most of Ohio has picked up at least two to four inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation (think rain plus melted snow) over the last thirty days, with more than six inches in Lake and Ashtabula Counties associated with very heavy snow (over 60 inches in spots) (Figure 1). Northwestern counties have not fared as well, with less than two inches falling over the past month. Though surface soil moisture is improving, streams, rivers, and lakes have yet to signifcantly respond. There are numerous reports of low pond levels in the northwest, many below intake levels necessary for livestock usage. As of December 12, 2024, the US Drought Monitor shows no D3 or D4 drought levels in the state, but about 51% of the state still experiencing drought conditions (D1-D4).

If you are continuing to experience drought impacts or to document improvements, you can view and/or submit local reports at the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports page. For a more detailed look at conditions and resources, visit our Drought Response Page or for the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate Office of Ohio.

Weather Forecast

Decent rain is falling across the state to begin the week, with additional opportunities for precipitation throughout the next A map of the united statesDescription automatically generatedseveral days. While temperatures are starting off warm with highs in the 50s and 60s, a cooling trend is likely throughout the week. Another system will bring mostly rain to the state on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with some light snow possible across the north. Behind this mid-week front, colder air will start to filter in with highs in the 20s and 30s expected over the weekend. An Alberta Clipper could bring some light snow to the region on Friday. This cold pattern does not look to stick around, as temperatures will likely moderate toward Christmas. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting 0.10-1.00” of liquid-equivalent precipitation this week, with highest amounts across southeast Ohio (Figure 2)

The 8-14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show strong probability of warmer than average temperatures with precipitation leaning toward wetter than normal (Figure 3). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 37-41°F, a low-temperature range of 24-27°F, and weekly total precipitation of about 0.50-0.85”.

A map of the united statesDescription automatically generated

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

Author(s):