C.O.R.N. Newsletter

The cooler than normal blob of water in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator tends to push the first autumn freeze later than normal in our region. Therefore, there is no indication of an early freeze in September this year. It appears the first freeze for Ohio will not come until October either on schedule or a bit later than normal.

As of the Thursday July 30, 2020 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, 37% of the state is covered by D1- moderate drought conditions (Figure 1). Hot and mostly dry conditions continued through much of June and July, with only scattered areas of heavy rain throughout the state. This has depleted soil moisture and lowered stream flows. If you are seeing drought impacts in your area, consider submitting a report to the Drought Impact Reporter.

Hot and mostly dry conditions have continued across Ohio. As of July 20, Columbus has reach at least 90°F on 16 out of 20 days in the month, with many locations around the state recording at least double-digit days at that mark. Temperatures this past week averaged 2-8°F above normal, with the warmest conditions compared to average across northern Ohio.

Things change quickly when it comes to weather and climate. Recall 2019, a record wet start to the year for many across Ohio, only to see 26% of the state enveloped in moderate drought conditions by October. Though not nearly as wet as last year, it has been wetter than average through the first five months of 2020.