C.O.R.N. Newsletter

Drought Returns to Ohio

Author(s): Aaron Wilson

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.

Issue: 2020-23
Warmer weather favored for the rest of the growing season Hotter and drier than normal for much of July

After a cool spring, we are playing catch up fast with a warm June. June will end up being 1-3 degrees above normal with rainfall 50-100% of normal. The warm weather will continue for the rest of the summer. Maximum temperatures will likely be 1-3 degrees above normal in July. However, overnight temperatures will be even warmer, some 3-6 degrees above normal. Expect high temperatures in July to commonly be in the 85-95 range with overnight temperatures in the 65-75 degree range.

Issue: 2020-20
What a Difference a Year Makes in the Weather

Author(s): Aaron Wilson

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.

Issue: 2020-19
Weather Potpourri: Hot and Tropical – Turning Cooler This Weekend

Author(s): Aaron Wilson

After a long period of cold spring temperatures, the last couple of weeks have generally been above average by a degree or two in southeast Ohio to more than four degrees above average in north-central and northeast Ohio. Precipitation has usually been light during this time as well (less than 2 inches) except in a few heavier pockets across southern and eastern Ohio (Figure 1).

Issue: 2020-17
Summer Weather Outlook

Our attention now turns to the summer growing season and what is in store. Some things are different this summer.

Issue: 2020-15
Much Like April, Cool Weather Lingers during the First Week of May

Author(s): Aaron Wilson

Temperatures in April were about 2-5°F below the long-term mean (1981-2010; Figure 1-Left) and included three major freeze events that brought some horticultural damage across southern counties and scattered minor reports of burned tips on alfalfa and wheat.

Issue: 2020-12
Challenging Conditions Remain into April

Temperatures and Rainfall: Temperatures will start the first 7 days of April 1-3 degrees F above normal. Rainfall will start April below normal about half of normal. That is some good news as the end of March (as forecast) was very wet. However, most indications are for the remainder of April after the first week, temperatures will be near normal and rainfall slightly above normal. This will put pressure on early spring planting in April. Evaporation and evapotransporation will be held in check by closer to normal temperatures as we go through April.

Issue: 2020-07
Wet Weather for the Rest of March

Current Conditions...Soil moisture conditions remain wet due to last years very wet conditions along with an overall damp winter. Current soil moisture conditions can be found at the NOAA/NWS website: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Soilmst_Monitoring/US/Soilmst/Soilmst.shtml#

Issue: 2020-06
Some Good Weather News

A warmer than normal March is now anticipated now. This is a change toward the warmer side. This will speed up green up conditions and start evaportranspiration early this spring. This will also help to dry out our really wet soils a little bit at least. The bottom line is things are shaping up to not be as tough this spring.

Issue: 2020-05
Growing Season to Last Through September

Growing Season to Last Through September

There is good news as it appears we will not have an early freeze in Ohio in September.

Below normal temperatures will be with us to end August and possibly into the first half of September per the NOAA/Climate Prediction Center Week 2 early September temperatures, see attached image.

Issue: 2019-28