After a cool and wet period for April as expected we still expect a turn toward warmer weather for May along with more normal rainfall.
The outlook for the next two weeks going into early May, rainfall is forecast to average 1-3 inches with normal being 1.75-2.00 inches so we are expecting near normal rainfall on average, see attached image. There will be periods of dry weather and wet weather over the next two weeks.
As discussed last week, we are in a more active weather pattern now that will last the rest of April. We expect a storm system every 3-4 days. Overall, rainfall events will be classified as moderate in nature. But with the high frequency we expect rain for the rest of April to be slightly above normal. As shown on the attached 2-week rainfall graphic, expect 1.5-3 inches of rain for the most part for the rest of April.
Listen in on Wednesday to the new Agronomy and Farm Management Podcast episode featuring Aaron Wilson, researcher with the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center and OSU Extension. Wilson covers weather conditions as we head into planting and an outlook for the growing season. We also talk about changing weather patterns and what that means for agriculture in Ohio.
You can listen and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher (go.osu.edu/StitcherAFM) or iTunes (go.osu.edu/iTunesAFM). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook (@AFMPodcast).
Not a lot of great news in the short-term. The wet pattern so far this year is likely to persist into March as an active weather pattern from the Pacific Ocean moves across the U.S.
In addition, the temperature gradient is amplified more than normal this late winter into early spring meaning colder north and warmer south. This will help fuel the storms and keep things active.
The outlook for March calls for temperatures near or slightly below normal with precipitation above normal.
Overall, rainfall events will be classified as moderate in nature. But with the high frequency we expect rain for the rest of April to be slightly above normal. As shown on the attached 2-week rainfall graphic, expect 1.5-3 inches of rain for the most part for the rest of April.
