KENTUCKY CROP AND WEATHER REPORT--USDA Listed below are the current USDA Crop & Weather Report/Kentucky Climate Summary AND, in addition, previous week's reports for this year. The reports are produced in a joint effort by the UK Ag. Weather Center, Cooperative Extension Service County Agents, Farmers across the state, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Click here for the PDF version. --- --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 29, 2014 to January 4, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: 2014 went out with a period of dry and cold conditions. High pressure took control for the first half of the week. Highs generally only rose into the mid 30s to low 40s. Temperatures were coolest on Tuesday night with lows dropping into the mid- teens to low 20s. After a fairly mild December, winter finally got the chance to make an appearance, but it was short-lived as the Commonwealth rung in the New Year. The thermometer was on the upward trend for much of the remaining week. As low pressure moved northeast over the weekend, a warm front pushed highs into the 60s on Saturday, about 20 to 25 degrees above normal. The system also brought multiple rounds of showers to the region over the course of the weekend. Much of the state saw a half to one inch, averaging out to slightly below normal for the week. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 43 in the West to 44 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures were near normal across the state. Low temperatures averaged from 29 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 69 degrees at WHITESBURG 2NW and the extreme low was 13 degrees at BURLINGTON 4S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.83 inches statewide which was 0.08 inches below normal and 92% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.15 inches, Central 0.60 inches, Bluegrass 0.64 inches and East 0.92 inches, which was 0.21, -0.38, -0.15 and 0.01 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.19 inches at FORT CAMPBELL to a high of 4.35 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 22, 2014 to December 28, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: Unseasonably mild temperatures and multiple rounds of rainfall were the highlights of this past week. Southerly flow brought a warm and a moist air mass to the state to start off the period. Highs jumped into the mid 50s to low 60s, lasting through Christmas Eve when a cold front passed through the area. Breezy conditions accompanied the frontal passage with gusts over 40 mph at times. Temperatures dropped to near normal for the holiday, before jumping back into the 50s for the remainder of the week. The mild temperatures led to the highest above normal deviation seen all year for the Bluegrass State, 10 degrees above normal. Accompanying the warm temperatures was a rather wet period. Multiple disturbances crossed the region over the first half of the work week, followed by a cold front over the weekend. Much of the Commonwealth averaged around an inch. Temperatures for the period averaged 46 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 50 in the West to 56 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 10 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 11 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 13 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 69 degrees at JACKSON 3SE and the extreme low was 21 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.08 inches statewide which was 0.14 inches above normal and 114% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.99 inches, Central 1.03 inches, Bluegrass 0.86 inches and East 1.44 inches, which was -0.02, 0.00, 0.03 and 0.53 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.39 inches at HARRODSBURG 3N to a high of 2.74 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 15, 2014 to December 21, 2014 Near Normal Temperatures and Much Below Normal Precipitation: The dry trend across Kentucky remained in place this past period. The state averaged less than a quarter inch with most of that total coming on Monday and Tuesday as a cold front moved through the region. Surface high pressure dominated for much of the remainder of the week with a couple weak disturbances mixed within. Overall, while clouds stuck around for much of the period, precipitation was scarce. Four of the past six weeks have now seen precipitation below normal by at least a half inch. Abnormally dry conditions have resurfaced in portions of Western and Central Kentucky according to the US Drought Monitor. Temperatures for the period averaged 37 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 44 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 58 degrees at PEABODY and the extreme low was 17 degrees at CAMPBELLSVILLE 7W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.15 inches statewide which was 0.82 inches below normal and 15% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.27 inches, Central 0.09 inches, Bluegrass 0.14 inches and East 0.11 inches, which was 0.8, 0.98, 0.7 and 0.81 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at EDMONTON 5W to a high of 0.90 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 8, 2014 to December 14, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Much Below Normal Precipitation: A very dry pattern set up across the Bluegrass State this past week. The Commonwealth only averaged 0.02 inches, which was over an inch below normal. In fact, this was the highest below normal deviation the state had seen all year. The only focus for drizzle and light showers was over the first half of the work week as a weak cold front moved through the area. The rest of the period remained dry with clouds persisting. After a fairly cool work week with highs typically only rising into the upper 30s to low 40s, high pressure moved over Kentucky for the weekend. Despite clouds hanging around, the state saw a gradual warm-up with highs in the middle 40s to low 50s by Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 38 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 46 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 33 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 62 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 17 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.02 inches statewide which was 1.03 inches below normal and 2% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.01 inches, Bluegrass 0.03 inches and East 0.05 inches, which was 1.14, 1.13, 0.89 and 0.94 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BENTON 4N to a high of 0.19 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 1, 2014 to December 7, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: Sunshine was a rare sight this past period. Much of the week was dominated by an unsettled, wet pattern with multiple rounds of precipitation. Over the course of the period, most locations picked up 1 to 2 inches. When there was no rain showers present, conditions remained damp with a persistent light drizzle sticking around. The most significant rainfall was over the latter half of the work week and into Saturday as low pressure pushed through the Bluegrass State. Conditions then improved over the latter half of the weekend with skies finally opening up. While it was a wet and damp week, temperature hovered near to above normal for much of the period. Overall, the state was 2 degrees above normal, which was the first time since mid- October. Temperatures for the period averaged 44 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 49 in the West to 53 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 38 degrees in the West to 38 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 66 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W and the extreme low was 24 degrees at MAYSVILLE 3SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.78 inches statewide which was 0.69 inches above normal and 164% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.34 inches, Central 1.81 inches, Bluegrass 2.28 inches and East 1.68 inches, which was 0.09, 0.65, 1.36 and 0.66 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.88 inches at PRINCETON 2SE to a high of 3.14 inches at MOREHEAD 4NE. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 24, 2014 to November 30, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: A winter-like pattern remained in place for the last week of November. A low pressure system moved through the Great Lakes on Monday and dragged a cold front through the area, bringing widespread showers to the region. Accompanying the boundary were strong winds with gusts over 40 mph at times. Low temperatures that night dropped into the 20s across much of the state. Attention then moved to a fast moving clipper system that tracked through Kentucky on Wednesday night. Most precipitation was oriented to the southern half of the state with a transition to snow through the overnight. Warm ground temperatures limited accumulations. Temperatures took a dip behind the system for the Thanksgiving holiday, only rising into the mid 30s to around 40. Lows that night dipped back into the low to mid 20s, leading the way to a 6th straight week of below normal temperatures. Saying that, high pressure shifted east over the weekend. Breezy southwest winds brought seasonably mild temperatures with the mercury topping out in the mid to upper 60s by Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 43 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 51 in the West to 52 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 72 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 15 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.24 inches statewide which was 0.82 inches below normal and 23% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.36 inches, Central 0.25 inches, Bluegrass 0.25 inches and East 0.12 inches, which was 0.87, 0.87, 0.65 and 0.86 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at JACKSON AIRPORT to a high of 0.89 inches at EVANSVILLE ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 24, 2014, 34-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.05 inches, 0.06 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 35 degrees for the week, 11 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.2 out of a possible seven. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Primary activities this week included harvesting crops and stripping tobacco. Recent cold temperatures may impact young wheat depending on the timing of emergence. ***Last Issue of the Year. Publication of the 2015 series will begin about the first week of April.*** Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 17, 2014 to November 23, 2014 Much Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: A winter-like weather pattern was the highlight of this past period. The work week started off with an early season winter storm as low pressure meandered along the Appalachian Mountains. Record cold air filtered into Kentucky on the backside of the system, transitioning any rain to snow as Monday morning progressed. Snowfall totals were most significant along the Ohio River, where most locations saw 3 to 5 inches. Accumulations then gradually decreased to the southeast. Attention then turned toward the northwest as the Commonwealth got another shot of Arctic air. Lows fell into the teens Monday and Tuesday night. Some locations even dipped into the single digits. Highs on Tuesday were only in the 20s, which was roughly 30 degrees below normal. Wind chills dipped into the single digits for an extended period of time, prompting the livestock cold stress index to fall into the emergency category. Temperatures were finally on the upward swing on Friday and eventually went above normal over the weekend. Widespread rain showers developed on Sunday and helped to end a 4 week span of below normal precipitation as the state averaged slightly more than an inch. Temperatures for the period averaged 35 degrees across the state which was 11 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 46 in the West to 45 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 11 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 25 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 67 degrees at CADIZ 4SW and the extreme low was 2 degrees at HENDERSON 5E. Kentucky has experienced 5 straight weeks of below normal temperatures. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.05 inches statewide which was 0.06 inches above normal and 106% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.95 inches, Central 1.12 inches, Bluegrass 1.08 inches and East 1.04 inches, which was -0.19, 0.07, 0.22 and 0.14 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.52 inches at FORT CAMPBELL to a high of 1.59 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 17, 2014, 33-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.29 inches, 0.58 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 38 degrees for the week, 11 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included stripping tobacco and harvesting crops. Some farmers experienced delays in these activities due to cold and wet conditions. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 10, 2014 to November 16, 2014 Much Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: Believe it or not, Arctic air this past week led to the highest below normal deviation in temperatures that the Commonwealth had seen all year. Over the course of the period, the average statewide temperature stood at 38 degrees, which is 11 degrees below normal. The frigid period started after a cold front moved through the area on Tuesday. Behind the boundary, Arctic high pressure proceeded to build into the area over the next few days. Highs only peaked in the 30s for most through Friday. Lows were coolest Friday night as high pressure moved overhead. Clear skies and a calm wind allowed for the mercury to plummet into the upper teens to low 20s. This is around 20 degrees below normal for this time of the year. Attention then turned toward a couple disturbances pushing through the Ohio Valley over the weekend. The first of the two on Saturday night only amounted to a dusting of snow for most. The second was just starting as the period ended with light snow being reported in Western Kentucky. Temperatures for the period averaged 38 degrees across the state which was 11 degrees cooler than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 48 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 15 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 12 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 29 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 74 degrees at BIG SANDY and the extreme low was 10 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.29 inches statewide which was 0.58 inches below normal and 33% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.21 inches, Central 0.39 inches, Bluegrass 0.19 inches and East 0.38 inches, which was 0.83, 0.52, 0.56 and 0.4 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.03 inches at CARBONDALE ASOS to a high of 0.77 inches at WHITLEY CITY 3N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 10, 2014, 32-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.72 inches, 0.05 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 48 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 8 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.4 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans. Producers were also sowing wheat and stripping tobacco as conditions allowed. While some producers have finished harvest, wet conditions have delayed harvest and many are behind schedule. Tobacco in high case has prevented some growers from making more progress on stripping. Cattle and calves obtained approximately 73 percent of feed from pastures, but some hay is being fed. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 3, 2014 to November 9, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Fall transition was in full swing this past period with the Bluegrass State seeing the thermometer rise and dive on numerous occasions. The work week started off fairly mild for early November as surface high pressure was positioned east of the area. Southwesterly flow, breezy at times, pushed highs into the 60s on both Monday and Tuesday. Conditions then went on the decline for the next couple days as a cold front made slow progress across the area. Light to moderate rainfall was widespread in coverage with most locations picking up a half to one inch with the highest amounts across Eastern Kentucky. Surface high pressure moved back into the area for the end of the work week. Highs only topped out in the mid 40s to low 50s on Friday with lows dipping into the upper 20s to mid 30s. The Commonwealth did see the mercury climb once again over the weekend, but it was not enough to deny a third straight week of below normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 48 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 58 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period for the period was 70 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W and the extreme low was 23 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.72 inches statewide which was 0.05 inches below normal and 93% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.60 inches, Central 0.84 inches, Bluegrass 0.47 inches and East 0.99 inches, which was -0.28, 0.04, -0.23 and 0.28 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.11 inches at CINCINNATI to a high of 1.70 inches at YELLOW CREEK. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 3, 2014, 31-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced colder weather this past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.65 inches, 0.12 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 50 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 10 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.2 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting wheat, harvesting corn and soybeans, and tending to livestock. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 27, 2014 to November 2, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: It seemed that the Commonwealth saw a glimpse of each season this past period, with the last resulting in the end of the growing season. A warm front pushed north of Kentucky on Monday, pushing temperatures well above normal for the end of October. Breezy southwesterly flow sent highs soaring into the low to middle 80s. Louisville rose to 85 degrees, breaking a record that had stood since 1940. Conditions then took a downhill turn as a cold front pushed through the area on Tuesday, spreading showers across the area. Rainfall totals were below a half inch for much of the state. The one exception came across Eastern Kentucky, where a narrow corridor saw between 1 to 2 inches. After a couple days of typical fall conditions, Kentuckians got a glimpse of winter on Friday and Saturday as another cold front pushed through the Ohio Valley. Behind the boundary, winds became gusty from the northwest, dropping temperatures to around freezing by Saturday morning. Some locations across the eastern half of the state saw some snow, but other than some of the higher elevations, accumulations were minor due to warm ground temperatures. High pressure of Canadian origin then built overhead Saturday night. Clear skies and a calm wind allowed for a killing freeze as the mercury dipped into the low to mid 20s area wide, effectively bringing an end to the growing season. Temperatures for the period averaged 50 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 62 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 41 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 85 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 19 degrees at WILLIAMSBURG AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.65 inches statewide which was 0.12 inches below normal and 84% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.46 inches, Central 0.43 inches, Bluegrass 0.53 inches and East 1.16 inches, which was -0.40, -0.37, -0.18 and 0.44 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.11 inches at HARDINSBURG 5SW to a high of 2.09 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 27, 2014, 30-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced drier conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.03 inches, 0.67 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 54 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 14 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans and planting winter wheat as fields finally got a chance to dry out. Seventeen percent of tobacco has been stripped, with 29 percent ready to be stripped and 54 percent not ready for stripping. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 20, 2014 to October 26, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: After two straight weeks of much above normal rainfall, the Commonwealth finally got a chance to dry out this past period. The only mentionable precipitation came Monday and Tuesday as a couple weak disturbances passed through the region. Showers were light in nature with the majority of rainfall totals under a tenth of an inch. Starting Wednesday, the Bluegrass State was under the influence of high pressure for most of the remainder of the week. This kept conditions dry with focus turning to temperatures. The coolest readings came Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Much of Western and Central Kentucky saw lows dip into the low to mid 30s. Cloud cover kept the mercury elevated in Eastern Kentucky. After a cool work week, temperatures became mild for the weekend. Highs rose into the 70s for most. A handful of locations in Western Kentucky reached the lower 80s, well above normal for this time of the year. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 63 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 43 degrees in the West to 42 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 84 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 31 degrees at BRANDENBURG 4SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.03 inches statewide which was 0.67 inches below normal and 4% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.01 inches, Central 0.03 inches, Bluegrass 0.05 inches and East 0.04 inches, which was 0.78, 0.68, 0.6 and 0.63 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALBANY 1N to a high of 0.19 inches at LOUISVILLE APT. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 20, 2014, 29-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced very rainy conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.05 inches, 1.34 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 59 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 57 percent adequate and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans and planting winter wheat when conditions allowed. Rainfall has continued to slow harvest and some hail damage was reported on tobacco and corn in the Bluegrass area. Twelve percent of tobacco has been stripped, with 22 percent ready to be stripped and 66 percent not ready for stripping. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 13, 2014 to October 19, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The showers kept on coming this past period as the state averaged over 2 inches for the second straight week. The wet pattern continued as a cold front made slow progression across the Commonwealth Monday and Tuesday. A squall line pushed through the area Monday evening, before diminishing in strength going into the overnight period and Tuesday. Showers were widespread across the area with most picking up between 1 to 3 inches. Scattered to numerous light showers then continued to fall Wednesday and Thursday as an upper level area of low pressure meandered across the region. This just added to an extremely wet first half of October. Over the past 2 weeks, the Commonwealth has averaged over 4 inches of rainfall. This is more than what the state normally sees over the entire month of October. Preliminary data at the Ag Weather Center suggest that the Commonwealth has already cracked the top 20 for the wettest October periods on record. Temperatures for the period averaged 59 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 66 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 9 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 82 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 34 degrees at CARBONDALE ASOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.05 inches statewide which was 1.34 inches above normal and 291% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.21 inches, Central 2.55 inches, Bluegrass 1.74 inches and East 1.69 inches, which was 1.47, 1.83, 1.07 and 1 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.80 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS to a high of 4.05 inches at ELKTON 5SW. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 14, 2014, 28-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced scattered severe weather over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.23 inches, 1.46 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 61 degrees for the week, 1 degree above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 20 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 23 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.8 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and soybeans and planting winter wheat. Continued rainfall has slowed harvests and some areas of the state reported damage from large hail. A tornado touched down in the northern part of the state which resulted in damage and loss of stored hay and housed tobacco. Tobacco houseburn was reported as 1 percent heavy, 6 percent moderate, 16 percent light, with 77 percent experiencing none. Seven percent of tobacco has been stripped, with 18 percent ready to be stripped and 75 percent not ready for stripping. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period October 6, 2014 to October 12, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The second week of October brought one of the more active severe weather periods the Commonwealth has seen in quite some time. An unsettled pattern was setup to begin the work week with multiple upper level disturbances passing through the region. Each wave sparked scattered to numerous showers and storms across the Commonwealth. Supercell thunderstorms developed in some cases, leading to the development of multiple tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. The most prominent system came Tuesday afternoon and evening with multiple reports of hail at the size of a golf ball and 9 confirmed tornadoes. Conditions temporarily dried out for Wednesday, before the wet pattern continued for much of the remainder of the week. Multiple disturbances overrode a frontal boundary hovering across the area, leading to several rounds of showers and storms. For the week as a whole, the eastern portion of the state came out the winners with over three inches on average. Nonetheless, the state as a whole averaged over 2 inches, which was nearly 1.5 inches above normal. This brought an end to a three week span of below average rainfall across the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 1 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 73 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 54 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period for was 84 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 40 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.23 inches statewide which was 1.46 inches above normal and 290% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.74 inches, Central 1.73 inches, Bluegrass 2.03 inches and East 3.40 inches, which was 0.96, 0.93, 1.3 and 2.63 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.40 inches at BRANDENBURG 4SW to a high of 5.43 inches at YELLOW CREEK. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 6, 2014, 27-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.46 inches, 0.34 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 64 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 10 percent very short, 37 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7 percent very short, 36 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and some growers were beginning to seed winter wheat. Early planted soybeans are also starting to be harvested. Pasture conditions slightly decreased due to below normal rainfall and late planted soybeans continued to show signs of drought stress. Tobacco houseburn was reported as 1 percent heavy, 5 percent moderate, 16 percent light, with 78 percent experiencing none. Four percent of tobacco has been stripped, with 13 percent ready to be stripped and 83 percent not ready for stripping. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 29, 2014 to October 5, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: This past period started out on the warm and dry side as surface high pressure was in control. Daytime temperatures were slightly above normal for much of the period with highs in the low to mid 80s Monday through Wednesday. Winds shifted to the south on Thursday, ahead of an approaching cold front. This led to the warmest day of the week with highs typically in the mid to upper 80s. Western Kentucky saw some scattered showers and storms through the day, before coverage became widespread later Thursday night and into Friday. Rainfall totals were around a quarter to half inch for the majority of the state. This was the only significant rainfall event for the week across Kentucky and led to the third week in a row of below normal precipitation. Much cooler air rushed into the area behind the boundary with winds from the west gusting to around 30 mph at times. Highs on Saturday only rose into the 50s for most, before the coolest temperatures of the fall season were felt that night. Much of the Commonwealth fell into the low to mid 30s as skies became mostly clear, prompting a frost advisory across the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 74 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 91 degrees at OWENSBORO AWSS and the extreme low was 27 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.46 inches statewide which was 0.34 inches below normal and 58% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.58 inches, Central 0.45 inches, Bluegrass 0.39 inches and East 0.42 inches, which was 0.24, 0.4, 0.35 and 0.37 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at OWENTON 5E to a high of 1.12 inches at HICKMAN 2E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 29, 2014, 26-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.00 inches, 0.85 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 64 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 8 percent very short, 34 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 6 percent very short, 32 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.7 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn, baling hay, and housing tobacco. Farmers continue to report difficulty finding labor to complete tobacco harvest. Corn and soybeans continue to remain in good condition. Dry weather has allowed farmers to make good progress on their crop harvest. Late planted soybeans are in need of rain and are showing signs of stress. Tobacco houseburn was reported as 1 percent heavy, 5 percent moderate, 16 percent light, with 78 percent experiencing none. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 22, 2014 to September 28, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The start of the autumn season opened with dry and cool conditions in place. Surface high pressure of Canadian origin built into the Ohio Valley to start the work week. Highs on Monday only rose into the upper 60s to low 70s, but the more noticeable difference came later that night. Under clear skies, temperatures plummeted into the low to mid 40s for most of the state. Some low lying and sheltered locations were able to drop into the upper 30s, which was around 15 degrees below normal for this time of the year. A warming trend then ensued for much of the remainder of the week, eventually returning to near normal by the end. The Commonwealth remained under the influence of high pressure with mostly clear skies and a light northeast wind about each day. Other than a few isolated showers across the eastern half of Kentucky on Sunday, most of the region was left completely dry for the week. This was the second straight period of much below normal rainfall, but this is fairly common as the state heads into what is normally the driest time of the year. Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 87 degrees at MAYFIELD 6SW and the extreme low was 37 degrees at CADIZ 4SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.00 inches statewide which was 0.85 inches below normal and 0% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.00 inches, Bluegrass 0.00 inches and East 0.00 inches, which was 0.86, 0.93, 0.77 and 0.84 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALBANY 1N to a high of 0.06 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 22, 2014, 25-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced mostly dry and cool conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.12 inches, 0.71 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 66 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 25 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.3 out of a possible seven. Dry conditions have returned to the Bluegrass state. Dry weather is negatively impacting pastures and double crop soybeans in some areas. Diseases such as sudden death syndrome, frogeye leaf spot and root rot have been reported in soybeans. Primary activities this week included harvesting corn and hay as well as cutting and housing tobacco. Labor shortage remains a concern for many tobacco growers. Harvest of early soybeans is just getting underway. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 15, 2014 to September 21, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Mostly dry and cool conditions took grasp of the Bluegrass State this past period. Surface high pressure was in control for much of the week with the exception of couple days on Monday and Sunday. Saying this, each day only featured light showers. The first event was primarily focused to the eastern half of the state with most locations picking up less than a quarter inch. The frontal passage on Sunday was a bit weaker as Western and Southeastern Kentucky each picked up less than a tenth of an inch on average. Looking at temperatures, much of the period featured highs only rising into the 60s and 70s. The only day when temperatures were near to above normal was on Saturday as southwesterly flow guided the mercury into the low to mid 80s. Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 55 degrees in the West to 56 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 42 degrees at HENDERSON 5E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.12 inches statewide which was 0.71 inches below normal and 14% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.14 inches, Central 0.06 inches, Bluegrass 0.14 inches and East 0.12 inches, which was 0.71, 0.85, 0.6 and 0.7 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CAMPBELLSVILLE 7W to a high of 0.97 inches at HENDERSON 5E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 15, 2014, 24-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.99 inches, 0.15 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 68 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 16 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.5 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included cutting and housing tobacco and harvesting corn. However, recent rainfall has caused corn moisture to be high and harvesting to proceed slowly. Pastures remain in good condition. Some farmers have reported difficulty in harvesting tobacco due to labor shortages. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 8, 2014 to September 14, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Fall-like conditions returned to the Ohio Valley this past period, but not before a mild, first half of the work week. Highs typically rose into the low to mid 80s each day with humid conditions remaining in place. The welcoming change came Wednesday night and into Thursday as a cold front pushed through Ohio Valley. This boundary sparked widespread showers across the region and while severe weather was absent, a moist air mass allowed for moderate to heavy rainfall at times. The most significant totals came across North-Central Kentucky and into the Bluegrass with many locations picking up between 1.5 to around 3 inches. Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort all saw record daily rainfall with more than 2.5 inches at each location. Behind the front, overcast skies kept temperatures on the cool side Friday and Saturday as highs only rose into the mid to upper 60s for much of the state. Cloud cover then began to taper later Saturday as surface high pressure moved into the region. Clear skies Saturday night allowed for a very cool overnight period as the mercury dipped into the 40s across the Commonwealth. Temperatures for the period averaged 68 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 76 in the West to 76 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 6 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 58 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 92 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 41 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.99 inches statewide which was 0.15 inches above normal and 119% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.82 inches, Central 0.47 inches, Bluegrass 1.70 inches and East 0.96 inches, which was -0.02, -0.46, 0.94 and 0.15 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BOWLING GREEN 4E to a high of 3.85 inches at FRANKFORT 7S. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 8, 2014, 23-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and slightly below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.72 inches, 0.05 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 76 degrees for the week, 3 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 20 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 26 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.4 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting hay and tobacco, chopping silage and harvesting corn for grain. There were reports of army worms in pastures and hay fields in western Kentucky. Hay harvesting has been slowed due to above normal rainfall in eastern Kentucky. Pasture conditions continue to improve. Livestock are in mostly good to excellent condition and are benefitting from recent rains. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 1, 2014 to September 7, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Depending on location, the first week of September kept portions of the Commonwealth wet or dry. Attention surrounded two cold fronts that pushed through the region, one on Tuesday and the other on Saturday. Each boundary sparked scattered to numerous, showers and storms across mainly the eastern half of the state. In doing so, while Eastern Kentucky saw above normal rainfall by nearly a half inch, the western half of the state was just the opposite, only averaging a third of an inch for the week. The dry conditions across Western Kentucky were compounded by above normal temperatures for a third straight week. The highest temperatures were recorded on Thursday and Friday as the mercury lifted into the upper 80s to low 90s for most. Saying this, the Bluegrass State finally got some relief on Sunday as cool and dry conditions moved in behind the cold front. This gave the Commonwealth a first look at fall with highs only rising into the mid 70s to low 80s and much less humid conditions. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 69 degrees in the West to 68 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 95 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 53 degrees at CARBONDALE ASOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.72 inches statewide which was 0.05 inches below normal and 94% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.35 inches, Central 0.49 inches, Bluegrass 0.76 inches and East 1.28 inches, which was -0.36, -0.35, 0.03 and 0.49 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CALHOUN 5NW to a high of 2.35 inches at YELLOW CREEK. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 2, 2014, 22-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.25 inches, 0.50 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 78 degrees for the week, 4 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 7 percent very short, 22 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 6 percent very short, 28 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.5 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting and baling hay and topping and cutting tobacco. Pasture conditions continued to improve with wide coverage of rainfall throughout the state. However, rainfall has been causing delays to late hay harvest and cutting tobacco. Corn harvest has begun, mostly for silage to date. However, some early corn for grain in western Kentucky has also been harvested. With continued warm weather, farmers are expecting the corn harvest to become widespread in the coming weeks. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 25, 2014 to August 31, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Hot, humid, and wet conditions persisted across the Commonwealth for a second straight week. An upper level ridge of high pressure was situated over the area for the first half of the work week. This extended an already drawn-out heat wave from the previous period. Highs repeatedly pushed into the upper 80s to middle 90s each day. Accompanied by dewpoints in the 70s, the livestock heat stress index hovered in the danger to emergency category each afternoon and evening. Focus then turned toward a very active second half of the week. Isolated to scattered storms fired on a daily basis between Wednesday and Friday as a frontal boundary meandered across the state and combined with a moist and unstable air mass. The unsettled pattern then continued into the holiday weekend as the Ohio Valley was placed in a southwesterly flow pattern. Scattered to numerous showers and storms developed within this regime as deep gulf moisture pushed into the region. Over the course of the week, the state averaged 1.25 inches, which pushed Kentucky to a fourth straight week of above normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 78 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees warmer than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 89 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 70 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 98 degrees at MAYFIELD 6SW and the extreme low was 57 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.25 inches statewide which was 0.50 inches above normal and 168% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.51 inches, Central 1.50 inches, Bluegrass 0.62 inches and East 1.39 inches, which was 0.84, 0.72, -0.12 and 0.60 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.12 inches at SHELBYVILLE 10W to a high of 4.72 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 25, 2014, 21-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.85 inches, 1.01 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 78 degrees for the week, 3 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 25 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 32 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting hay and topping and cutting tobacco. Scattered rainfall received last week was beneficial to most all crops. Some locations continued to report dry conditions. Producers remain concerned that late planted double crop soybeans may be in danger if there is an early frost. High temperatures and humidity created heat stress conditions for livestock. Recent precipitation has slightly improved hay and pasture conditions. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 18, 2014 to August 24, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Rainfall: Intense heat and humid conditions made way back into the Commonwealth this past period. A upper level ridge of high pressure built into the region on Thursday and remained through the weekend, making way for the hottest and most humid conditions of the year. Each day saw highs get into the upper 80s to middle 90s, along with dewpoints rising into the 70s. The hot and humid conditions prompted a Heat Advisory to be issued for much of the western half of the state as the heat index topped 100 degrees over multiple days. Conditions pushed the livestock heat stress index into the danger to emergency category. Accompanying the heat wave was exceptionally high rainfall totals across much of the state. Scattered showers and storms fired on a near daily basis. The very moist and unstable air mass allowed for very efficient rainfall producers and excessive lightning at times. The state averaged nearly 2 inches across the period, which was over an inch above normal. Saying this, the Purchase was spared and dry conditions continue to deepen. Temperatures for the period averaged 78 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 90 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 71 degrees in the West to 68 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 98 degrees at MAYFIELD 6SW and the extreme low was 62 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.85 inches statewide which was 1.01 inches above normal and 220% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.69 inches, Central 2.25 inches, Bluegrass 2.17 inches and East 2.29 inches, which was -0.07, 1.40, 1.32 and 1.38 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at MAYFIELD 6SW to a high of 5.10 inches at OWENTON 5E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 18, 2014, 20-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.29 inches, 0.43 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 72 degrees for the week, 4 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 13 percent very short, 30 percent short, 51 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 12 percent very short, 35 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.3 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting hay and topping and cutting tobacco. Rainfall received last week was beneficial to most all crops. However, depending on the stage of corn development, rains may be to late to improve conditions. Some producers are concerned that late planted double crop soybeans may be in danger if there is an early frost. There were reports of stink bugs active in soybeans. Recent precipitation has improved hay and pasture conditions. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 11, 2014 to August 17, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: The wet and cool pattern continued for the Lower Ohio Valley this past period. Kentucky saw above normal precipitation for the fourth time over the past five weeks with a state average over an inch. Most of the rainfall came over the course of two days. The first event occurred on Monday as a cluster of showers and storms pushed east across the Commonwealth, followed by a trailing cold front. South-central portions of Kentucky came out the winners with much of the region picking up over an inch. The second came over the latter half of the weekend as low pressure slowly meandered across the Ohio Valley. As was the case with both events, Kentucky was situated within a very moist air mass, leading to torrential rainfall at times. Looking at areas suffering from drought stress, most regions saw beneficial rainfall, with the exception of the Purchase. Following the cold front earlier in the week, temperatures remained cool for much of the period. High temperatures typically only rose into the upper 70s to mid 80s, which pushed the state to a seventh straight week of below normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 7 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 91 degrees at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS and the extreme low was 48 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.29 inches statewide which was 0.43 inches above normal and 150% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.48 inches, Central 1.80 inches, Bluegrass 0.95 inches and East 0.91 inches, which was 0.68, 0.96, 0.08 and -0.03 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at POPLAR BLUFF ASOS to a high of 5.26 inches at GREENVILLE 6N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 11, 2014, 19-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced dry conditions early in the week, but parts of the state received some much needed relief toward the end of the week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.33 inches, 0.41 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 75 degrees for the week, 1 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 18 percent very short, 38 percent short, 41 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 14 percent very short, 40 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included the beginning of tobacco harvest and a continuation of tobacco topping. Rains beginning on Friday were welcomed where received and should prove beneficial to most crops. However, recent precipitation may be a little too late for some corn fields depending on the stage of development. Many cattle herds are on hay, but the rain provided some much needed relief to pastures. Lack of overall rainfall continues to be a concern for many farmers. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 4, 2014 to August 10, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Showers and storms pushed into the Bluegrass State this past period and could not have come at a better time. Leading up to this past Thursday, Kentucky started the week on a dry note with surface high pressure situated across the region. Combined with a very dry previous period, the Commonwealth saw moderate drought expand to consume 19% of the state, mainly across the western half of Kentucky. By Thursday, the pattern shifted dramatically. A frontal boundary stalled in the vicinity of the Lower Ohio Valley and remained through the weekend. Most activity remained across Western Kentucky through the remainder of the work week, before shifting east over the weekend. Each day featured scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms. Storms remained under severe limits, but some were efficient rainfall producers with torrential rainfall at times. One of the most significant cases was over Lexington Sunday morning, when over 2 inches was reported in 1 hour. Over the course of the period, the state was nearly a half inch above normal and temperatures were below normal for the 6th straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was 1 degree cooler than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 95 degrees at FORT CAMPBELL and the extreme low was 55 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.33 inches statewide which was 0.41 inches above normal and 144% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.26 inches, Central 1.37 inches, Bluegrass 1.22 inches and East 1.49 inches, which was 0.37, 0.47, 0.32 and 0.48 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 6.42 inches at LEXINGTON APT. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 4, 2014, 18-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced unusually cool temperatures and dry conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.23 inches, 0.74 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 70 degrees for the week, 6 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 19 percent very short, 38 percent short, 40 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 14 percent very short, 36 percent short, 47 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.3 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting hay, topping tobacco and general farm maintenance. Lack of rainfall continues to be a concern for many farmers as moderate drought conditions expanded to more areas of the state. As a result of the dry weather, crop conditions continue to deteriorate, especially in corn and soybeans. Early planted crops appear to be fairing better than later planted crops. Grain crops are reportedly maturing early and lack of adequate rainfall is causing concern regarding corn kernel fill and soybean pod fill. Some fields of double crop soybeans are showing severe stand problems and in some instances have yet to germinate due to a lack of moisture. There were reports of fall armyworms in corn and stink bugs in soybeans, but not causing major problems at this point. Some livestock producers are feeding hay, which will cut into their winter supplies. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 4 percent very short, 26 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. The cool temperatures have benefitted livestock. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 28, 2014 to August 3, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The unusual pattern of cool temperatures and dry conditions continued through the end of July and early August. Normally one of the warmest times of the year, each day this week saw below normal temperatures, both during the day and at night. The coolest temperatures were felt early in the work week as Kentucky was under the influence of a Canadian air mass and northwesterly flow. Most locations only rose into the 70s Monday through Wednesday. Some locations even broke record lows on Monday night. A handful of stations dropped into the upper 40s, which is around 20 degrees below normal for this time of the year. The cool pattern led to the fifth straight week of near to below normal temperatures. Looking at rainfall, it was another dry week across the Commonwealth. The only significant activity was Saturday when showers and storms were isolated to scattered in coverage. The state as a whole averaged under a quarter inch for the week, but the majority came across the eastern half of the state. Western Kentucky was once again spared and resulted in Moderate Drought being introduced to a large section of West-Central Kentucky by the US Drought Monitor. This was the seventh straight week Western Kentucky has seen below normal precipitation. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 9 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 59 degrees in the West to 59 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 8 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 92 degrees at BOWLING GREEN 4E and the extreme low was 48 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.23 inches statewide which was 0.74 inches below normal and 24% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.07 inches, Central 0.08 inches, Bluegrass 0.23 inches and East 0.55 inches, which was 0.86, 0.88, 0.73 and 0.49 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BENTON 4N to a high of 2.04 inches at PAINTSVILLE 4W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 28, 2014, 17-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced a mix of heat, severe weather, and cool conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.17 inches, 0.21 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 75 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 15 percent very short, 36 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 12 percent very short, 32 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included spraying soybeans, baling hay, topping tobacco, and general farm maintenance. Rains continue to be scattered, providing improvement in pasture and crop conditions in some areas. However, dry conditions have continued throughout other areas of the state and pasture and crop conditions continue to deteriorate. There were some reports of corn twisting due to lack of adequate rainfall. High winds resulted in corn and tobacco being blown over in a few locations. Some farmers reported soybeans are wilting in the afternoons and a few are replanting double crop soybeans. Pastures continue to deteriorate in areas and more farmers are beginning to feed hay. There were a few reports of disease issues in vegetables. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 21, 2014 to July 27, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: It was a very active week across the Commonwealth this past period with a mix of summer heat, severe weather, and cool conditions. Temperatures were warm to start the week with highs in the upper 80s to middle 90s on Monday and Tuesday. Dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s pushed the heat index toward the triple digits. Attention then turned toward a welcoming cold front on Wednesday. After an initial round of scattered showers and storms, cooler and much drier air moved into the Bluegrass State for the second half of the work week. Many locations saw temperatures well below normal, staying in the mid 70s to low 80s. After a warm day Saturday, the rest of the weekend was dominated by an unsettled pattern. A line of storms worked through much of the state late Saturday night, before scattered to numerous storms fired on Sunday. Both were accompanied by isolated reports of damaging winds and large hail. Portions of Lexington saw straight line winds around 95 mph, while one report from Leslie County measured hail at over 4 inches in diameter, nearly the size of a softball. Over the course of the period, much of the state saw significant rainfall in excess of an inch, but the same cannot be said for Western Kentucky where the dry trend continues with a quarter inch on average. This was the second straight week of above normal rainfall after an extended period of dry conditions. Average temperatures were also near to below normal for the fourth straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 75 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 97 degrees at HARTFORD 3E and the extreme low was 52 degrees at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.17 inches statewide which was 0.21 inches above normal and 122% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.24 inches, Central 1.23 inches, Bluegrass 1.59 inches and East 1.61 inches, which was -0.67, 0.26, 0.64 and 0.61 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BOWLING GREEN 5S to a high of 5.22 inches at WHITLEY CITY 3N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 21, 2014, 16-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced scattered rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.48 inches, 0.49 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 70 degrees for the week, 7 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 13 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 10 percent very short, 33 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included spraying soybeans, baling hay, and general farm maintenance. Parts of the state received much needed rainfall this week, providing improvement in pasture and crop conditions. However, some areas still remain dry and pasture and crop conditions continue to deteriorate. Some cattle producers are beginning to feed hay. There were a few reports of black shank problems starting to appear in tobacco. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 14, 2014 to July 20, 2014 Much Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: The Commonwealth finally saw some significant rainfall this past week, along with a glimpse of early fall. A couple frontal boundaries started the work week off on a wet note. Scattered to numerous showers and storms formed along a weakening frontal boundary early Monday, before a stronger cold front moved through the area later that night. Surface high pressure of Canadian origin then pushed into the region for much of the remaining work week. Unseasonable temperatures with low dewpoints invaded the Ohio Valley with highs temperatures only in the 70s about each day. Highs in the upper 70s are normally not seen until late-September. Record lows were broken at many locations on Thursday morning, as temperatures plummeted into the low to mid 50s. Some locations even recorded the mercury dropping into the upper 40s. Showers then redeveloped on Friday, marking the start of extended period of unsettled conditions heading into the weekend. Rainfall was light in nature, but was present for an extended period of time, mostly across the eastern half of the state. Overall, the state was nearly a half inch above normal for the week, which broke a streak of 5 consecutive periods of below normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 77 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at BOWLING GREEN 4E and the extreme low was 49 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.48 inches statewide which was 0.49 inches above normal and 149% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.49 inches, Central 1.06 inches, Bluegrass 1.60 inches and East 2.76 inches, which was -0.47, 0.05, 0.64 and 1.73 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.06 inches at HARDINSBURG 5SW to a high of 5.59 inches at LONDON. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 14, 2014, 15-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced dry conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.38 inches, 0.61 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 77 degrees for the week, near normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 11 percent very short, 39 percent short, 45 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 34 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.2 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week include spraying soybeans, harvesting wheat, and baling hay. Crop conditions are deteriorating in some areas as dry conditions continue. There were a few reports of corn curling and looking drought stressed. Pastures are drying up and some cattle producers are starting to feed hay. A few producers reported vomitoxin in wheat. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 7, 2014 to July 13, 2014 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Dry conditions continued to control the weather pattern this past week across the Commonwealth. The state averaged under a half inch for the week, which made for the fifth straight period of below normal rainfall. This led to an intensification of drought conditions with the US Drought Monitor now reporting 48% of the state as abnormally dry and a slight portion of Southeastern Kentucky in a Moderate Drought. As high pressure pushed east over the weekend, southerly flow brought scorching heat and humidity back to the region. Highs by Sunday were in the low to mid 90s for much of the Commonwealth along with the heat index around 100 degrees. Louisville even hit a high of 97. Scattered storms developed across the region during the afternoon and evening hours as instability was on the rise and a weak front pushed through the area. Significant rainfall totals of greater than a half inch were limited to locations across East-central Kentucky and north into the Bluegrass. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was near normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 88 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 97 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 56 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.38 inches statewide which was 0.61 inches below normal and 38% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.38 inches, Central 0.41 inches, Bluegrass 0.23 inches and East 0.51 inches, which was 0.6, 0.59, 0.74 and 0.49 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 1.51 inches at MIDDLESBORO AWOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 7, 2014, 14-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced dry and cool conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.38 inches, 0.61 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 73 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 6 percent very short, 30 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 28 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting soybeans and harvesting wheat and hay. Producers are finishing up with the wheat harvest and double crop soybean planting. The average height of emerged soybeans was 17 inches. Most early planted corn looks good, but in some locations the later fields are curling due to lack of moisture. There were reports this week of blank shank and fusarium wilt in a few tobacco fields. Pasture and crop conditions are starting to decline in some areas due to lack of moisture. Farmers were bush hogging fields and performing general maintenance as they finished up planting row crops. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 30, 2014 to July 06, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The first week of July continued the drier and cooler than normal pattern of past weeks as another dry and cooler week occurred for the Bluegrass state. The week started mild and became below normal on temperatures for the latter half of the week. Those locations in the state with the driest conditions also suffered the least rainfall last week, especially east and south. This was the 4th week with mostly below normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 73 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 84 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 63 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 95 degrees at Bowling Green and the extreme low was 50 degrees at Covington. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.38 inches statewide which was 0.61 inches below normal and 38% of normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.65 inches, Central 0.33 inches, Bluegrass 0.43 inches and East 0.11 inches, which was 0.34, 0.65, 0.53 and 0.91 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Big Sandy to a high of 2.22 inches at Evansville. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 30, 2014 13-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and near normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.95 inches, 0.05 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 77 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.2 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included harvesting wheat and planting soybeans. Some areas of the state are dry while others have received rain from spotty showers. These conditions have had strong effects on hay and the second cutting. Reports of low quantity and low quality in hay have surfaced. Wheat harvest is in full swing. Yields appear to be good, but vomitoxin is being reported, especially in fields that were not treated. Double crop soybeans are being planted as wheat is harvested. Early soybeans are now starting to bloom. Soybean average height was 10 inches. Tobacco average height was 19 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 23, 2014 to June 29, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Rainfall: The closing week of June kept warm temperatures in place across the Commonwealth, along with some beneficial rainfall. Storm coverage was isolated to scattered just about each day of the period within a moist and unstable air mass. Overall, the state averaged just under an inch, which was slightly below normal. This ended up being the third straight period with below normal rainfall and in turn, dry conditions were becoming evident across the Lower Ohio Valley. The latest US Drought Monitor now has nearly 53% of the state as showing signs of being abnormally dry, along with a slight portion of Southeastern Kentucky in a moderate drought. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 85 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 69 degrees in the West to 67 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 94 degrees at CARLISLE 5SW and the extreme low was 53 degrees at WILLIAMSBURG AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.95 inches statewide which was 0.05 inches below normal and 95% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.87 inches, Central 0.90 inches, Bluegrass 1.07 inches and East 0.97 inches, which was -0.12, -0.08, 0.09 and -0.06 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 2.71 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 23, 2014 12-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.47 inches, 0.54 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 78 degrees for the week, 5 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 18 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week planting soybeans, harvesting wheat, and cutting hay. Crops are in need of rain in some conditions, as dry conditions persist. Other areas have received adequate moisture. With hay cutting currently under way, reports of reduced and low yields have surfaced. Also, counts of vomitoxin in wheat have been reported. Corn average height was 39 inches. Tobacco average height was 14 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 16, 2014 to June 22, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The summer season started in full force this past period with warm and humid conditions in place. The majority of the week was controlled by above normal temperatures with highs getting into the upper 80s to low 90s each day. A moist atmosphere with dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s helped push the heat index into the mid 90s to around 100 at times. This sent the livestock heat stress index into the danger category about each day during the afternoon and early evening hours. High pressure aloft kept the Commonwealth dry for the first half of the week. This feature then broke down Thursday and allowed for daily, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms for the remainder of the period. The overall dry nature of the week sent the Bluegrass State to a second straight period of below normal rainfall and the fourth out of the past five weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 78 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees warmer than normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 90 in the West to 87 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 70 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 94 degrees at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS and the extreme low was 59 degrees at LIBERTY 3SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.54 inches below normal and 46% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.12 inches, Central 0.40 inches, Bluegrass 0.50 inches and East 0.85 inches, which was 0.88, 0.6, 0.52 and 0.18 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CADIZ 4SW to a high of 1.98 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 16, 2014 11-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.80 inches, 0.23 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 70 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting soybeans and tobacco. Producers continued side dressing corn and spraying post herbicide applications. There were reports of wind damage and Fusarium head blight in wheat which could impact yields in affected areas. Winter wheat grain harvest is expected to begin in earnest within the next 1-2 weeks, depending on location. Pastures are growing well due to the recent rains and livestock are benefiiting from good conditions. Hay harvest is behind schedule in many areas, resulting in an over mature first cutting. Corn emerged average height was 26 inches. The average height of set tobacco in the field was 10 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 9, 2014 to June 15, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: The second week of June was met with a return to cooler temperatures and dry conditions deepening across the state. The only significant rainfall event for the period came Tuesday and Wednesday as low pressure pushed from the Southern Plains to the Lower Great Lakes. Strong to severe storms fired along a line late Tuesday and into the overnight with wind damage as the primary threat. Precipitation varied across the state during this event with many seeing less than a half inch. The exception came along East-Central Kentucky and up into the Bluegrass with totals around an inch. The state was mostly dry for much of the remainder of the work week. The latest US Drought Monitor now has a quarter of the state as abnormally dry with even a slight portion of Southeastern Kentucky in the moderate drought category. Low pressure kept clouds in place, which limited daytime highs to the mid 70s to low 80s for much of the week. High pressure of Canadian origin moved into the area to start the weekend. Skies became clear and winds went calm Friday night, allowing for temperatures to drop into the upper 40s for quite a few locations. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 59 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at BOWLING GREEN 5S and the extreme low was 44 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.80 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches below normal and 78% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.03 inches, Central 0.81 inches, Bluegrass 0.77 inches and East 0.60 inches, which was 0.05, -0.23, -0.28 and -0.45 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.06 inches at HAZARD AWOS to a high of 2.33 inches at CAPE GIRARDEAU ASOS. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 9, 2014 10-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.23 inches, 0.14 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 72 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 12 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting soybeans and tobacco, hay cutting, fungicide applications, and side dressing corn. A lot of first cutting hay is still standing, resulting in over maturity and decreased quality. Pastures are growing well due to the recent rains. Some areas are getting dry while others have had plenty of moisture. Corn average height was 17 inches. The average height of set tobacco in the field was 7 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 2, 2014 to June 8, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: A much more active pattern set up this past week across the Lower Ohio Valley. While data shows the state receiving above normal rainfall, this can be somewhat misleading. Most activity occurred across Western Kentucky, before diminishing farther east. The west averaged over 2.5 inches over the course of the period, while Central Kentucky saw less than a half inch. Much of the action came over the course of a couple storm systems. The first pushed through the area on Wednesday. Scattered, strong to severe storms fired across the entire state. These storms exhibited about every type of severe weather from damaging winds, hail, to tornados. Straight line winds with peak gusts of 95 mph were reported in Western Kentucky, along with a couple weak tornados. Some activity lingered into Thursday, before the Commonwealth became under the influence of high pressure to end the work week. Low pressure then passed north of the state late Saturday and into Sunday. Once again, the main activity was centered across Western Kentucky, before diminishing farther east. Rainfall has been below normal across Eastern Kentucky over each of the past 5 weeks. Portions of this area are now showing abnormally dry conditions. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 68 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 6 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 48 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.23 inches statewide which was 0.14 inches above normal and 113% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.70 inches, Central 0.40 inches, Bluegrass 1.12 inches and East 0.70 inches, which was 1.65, -0.70, 0.02 and -0.39 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BLACK MOUNTAIN ARC to a high of 7.40 inches at MAYFIELD 6SW. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 2, 2014 9-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.36 inches, 0.76 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 73 degrees for the week, 5 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.4 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting corn, soybeans and tobacco. Farmers were also busy cutting and baling hay as weather permitted. There were some reports of cut worms in corn. Producers continued spraying herbicides on corn and soybean fields and applied nitrogen on corn fields. Corn average height was 9 inches. Hay harvest was delayed in some areas due to rains, resulting in over maturity. Many growers had hay cut on the ground when rains occurred. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 26, 2014 to June 1, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Much Below Normal Precipitation: While the spring season will last another few weeks, weather conditions this past period gave the impression of an early summer. High temperatures over nearly the entire week stayed in the 80s with lows only dropping into the 60s. Some locations even stayed in the 70s at night. The mild temperatures guided the way to a state average of 5 degrees above normal. Looking at rainfall, Kentucky was dominated this past week by a very moist and unstable air mass, more typical of summer. Scattered showers and storms fired about every day during the afternoon and evening hours, before tapering overnight. Localized heavy rainfall was the main threat with the slow moving nature of any storms. The sporadic coverage of the storms amounted to a very dry week across the Commonwealth. The state averaged just over a third of an inch, which was the 4th driest week of 2014 thus far. Temperatures for the period averaged 73 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 8 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 51 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.36 inches statewide which was 0.76 inches below normal and 32% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.50 inches, Central 0.38 inches, Bluegrass 0.25 inches and East 0.32 inches, which was 0.6, 0.78, 0.84 and 0.8 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BOWLING GREEN 5S to a high of 2.15 inches at BIG SANDY. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 27, 2014 8-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal precipitation and above average temperatures over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.56 inches, 0.55 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 68 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.2 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting corn, soybeans and tobacco, as well as harvesting hay. Crop planting progress benefitted from warmer and drier conditions. Strong storms hit the state mid-week in some locations resulting in reports of wind and hail damage. Bottom ground has dried out in some areas which allowed for those fields to be planted. Producers continued spraying herbicides on corn and soybean fields and applied nitrogen applications on early planted corn fields. A lot of hay was cut and baled as conditions allowed, with many reports of yields from first cuttings being down from last year. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 19, 2014 to May 25, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: Mostly dry conditions moved back into the Commonwealth this past period. An upper level ridge built into the Ohio Valley to start out the work week with surface high pressure pushing east of the area. This kept skies mostly clear with a breezy southerly wind at times. Summer-like temperatures returned to the area with highs getting into the low to mid 80s Tuesday and Wednesday. Conditions then turned unsettled as a broken line of strong to severe storms pushed through the region later Wednesday and on into Thursday. There were numerous wind and hail reports, with one in particular estimating hail in excess of 1.5 inches in Campbellsville. This was really the only major rainfall event for the week as the state was on average 0.55 inches below normal for the period. High pressure then moved into the Ohio Valley for the holiday weekend. This kept conditions dry with temperatures remaining around normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 68 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 53 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 32 degrees at WILLIAMSBURG AWOS. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.56 inches statewide which was 0.55 inches below normal and 50% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.29 inches, Central 0.34 inches, Bluegrass 0.99 inches and East 0.61 inches, which was 0.81, 0.82, 0.08 and 0.51 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at BENTON 4N to a high of 3.59 inches at MURRAY 1W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 19, 2014 7-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.41 inches, 0.28 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 61 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.0 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting corn, soybeans and tobacco, along with cutting of hay. Crop planting progress was hampered by rain and cool temperatures throughout the week. Bottom land remains too wet to plant in most areas. Wet, cool conditions have impacted emerged grains and hay crops. Crops could benefit from warmer and drier conditions. Some corn ground has been replanted due to flooding. Producers were spraying fungicides on wheat and herbicides on corn and soybean fields. Tobacco transplant supplies were reported as 4 percent short, 90 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Fourteen percent of tobacco transplants were less than 2 inches in height, with 47 percent between 2-4 inches, and 39 percent over 4 inches. Strawberries bloomed late due to prolonged winter and the freeze in mid- April. Strawberry fruit size was reported as 9 percent below average, 72 percent average, with 19 percent above average. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 12, 2014 to May 18, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: All eyes this past period were focused on a return to cool temperatures and the threat of a late season spring frost. An upper level low then made headway into the Ohio Valley Wednesday and through the remainder of the week with several disturbances rotating around the system. The most prominent event came Wednesday with widespread showers accompanied by some severe weather. Flash flooding and hail around 1 inch were reported on several occasions. An EF2 tornado was even confirmed in Christian County with estimated peak winds of 125 mph. The bigger story was the unseasonably cool temperatures as highs Thursday through Saturday only peaked in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Lows were also well below normal with temperatures dipping into the upper 30s to mid 40s for much of the state Friday and Saturday night. Saying this, some low lying and sheltered locations across the Eastern half of Kentucky got into the mid 30s, bringing patchy frost back into the picture. This frost event occurred at a time when much of Kentucky had less than a 10% chance of seeing another 36 degree reading based on the past 30 years of data. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 69 in the West to 72 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 52 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 90 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 33 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.41 inches statewide which was 0.28 inches above normal and 125% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.71 inches, Central 1.81 inches, Bluegrass 1.40 inches and East 0.72 inches, which was 0.53, 0.62, 0.33 and -0.37 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at LONDON to a high of 3.03 inches at CAMPBELLSVILLE 7W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 12, 2014 6-14 Agricultural News: Kentucky experienced warmer conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.07 inches, 0.02 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 70 degrees for the week, 8 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.0 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting corn, soybeans and tobacco, along with cutting of alfalfa and wheat hay. Crop planting made good progress early in the week, but raining conditions later in the week put a hold on further advancement. The harsh conditions this past winter are expected to impact both the quantity and quality of hay in many locations, especially the first cutting of hay. Thinner stands and shorter height of hay are both contributing factors to expectations of decreased hay yields from last year. Tobacco transplant supplies were reported as 3 percent short, 91 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Eighteen percent of tobacco transplants were under 2 inches, with 53 percent between 2-4 inches, and 29 percent over than 4 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 5, 2014 to May 11, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth got an early glimpse of summer this past period. The work week was dominated by dry conditions and temperatures in the low to mid 80s. The warm conditions helped push the Bluegrass State to a week where temperatures were on average 8 degrees above normal. This made it feel more like mid-June at times. Monday even saw the mercury jump into the upper 80s with the city of Louisville recording a temperature of 89 degrees at the airport. The good news was the moisture supply was limited and kept humid conditions out of the picture. It was not until Friday and into the weekend that the weather pattern became more active. Showers and storms fired on multiple occasions with the passage of a couple frontal boundaries and upper level disturbances. Some small hail was reported, with the state averaging just over an inch through the three day period. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees warmer than normal and 10 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 57 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 10 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 89 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 43 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.07 inches statewide which was 0.02 inches below normal and 98% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.97 inches, Central 1.70 inches, Bluegrass 0.88 inches and East 0.73 inches, which was -0.19, 0.55, -0.13 and -0.32 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.12 inches at ALBANY 1N to a high of 4.90 inches at FORT KNOX. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 5, 2014 5-14 Agricultural News: The Commonwealth experienced cool, wet weather conditions this past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.62 inches, 1.55 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 60 degrees for the week, 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 34 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.5 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included the cutting of some hay and the spraying and cutting of wheat for forage. Weather conditions hampered planting progress this week. Grains and Oilseed: As of Sunday, May 4, 39 percent of the corn crop had been planted, compared with 32 percent last year and the five year average of 52. Fifteen percent of the corn crop has emerged, compared with 11 percent last year and the five year average of 34 percent. Soybean planting is in the beginning stages with 2 percent planted, compared to 1 percent last year and the five year average of 8 percent. Six percent of winter wheat has headed compared to 22 percent last year and the five year average of 47 percent. Winter wheat is in mostly good to fair condition with 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 50 percent good and 15 percent excellent. Average height of wheat was 16 inches. Tobacco: Seeded tobacco transplants were reported in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was rated as 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Average height of alfalfa was 15 inches at the end of the week. The projected average date for the first cutting of alfalfa is May 14th. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 28, 2014 to May 4, 2014 Near Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Precipitation: Rain, rain, and more rain. An extremely wet pattern took control of the Commonwealth this past period and resulted in the wettest week of 2014. Looking farther back, this could even be seen as an understatement. The 2.62 inches that the state averaged was the most in nearly two and a half years, going all the way back to early December of 2011. Most of the rain fell over the mid-section of the work week as an upper level low slowly meandered to the northeast. Multiple upper level disturbances sparked numerous rounds of rainfall with some strong to severe activity mixed within. A weak tornado touched down in Fulton County, in addition to multiple reports of funnels clouds in south central Kentucky. After a very unsettled work week, the Commonwealth finally got a chance to dry out over the weekend with milder temperatures in place. Behind mostly sunny skies, highs got into the upper 70s to mid-80s for most of the area on Sunday. One exception was in Western Kentucky where Paducah recorded a high of 88. Temperatures for the period averaged 60 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 70 in the West to 71 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 88 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 37 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.62 inches statewide which was 1.55 inches above normal and 244% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.71 inches, Central 2.83 inches, Bluegrass 2.62 inches and East 2.30 inches, which was 1.5, 1.73, 1.63 and 1.3 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.84 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S to a high of 6.00 inches at HICKMAN 2E. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 28, 2014 4-14 Agricultural News: The Commonwealth experienced drier conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.65 inches, 0.39 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 62 degrees for the week, 4 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.2 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included planting corn and applying fertilizer. Fruit trees along with early set vegetables were adversely impacted by the freeze on April 15. Grains and Oilseed: As of Sunday, April 27, 32 percent of the corn crop had been planted, compared with 23 percent last year and the five year average of 44. Seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, compared with 4 percent last year and the five year average of 22 percent. Soybean planting is in the beginning stages with 1 percent planted, compared to the five year average of 4 percent. One percent of winter wheat has headed compared to 7 percent last year and the five year average of 28 percent. Winter wheat is in mostly good to fair condition with 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Average height of wheat was 13 inches. Tobacco: Seeded tobacco transplants were reported in mostly good to excellent condition with 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was rated as 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Average height of alfalfa was 9 inches at the end of the week. The projected first cutting of alfalfa is May 14th . Other: Freeze damage to apples was reported on 58 percent of crop with 31 percent rated light, 20 percent moderate, and 7 percent severe. Freeze damage to peaches was reported on 61 percent of crop with 17 percent rated light, 15 percent moderate, and 29 percent severe. Strawberry condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Condition of livestock was rated as 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 21, 2014 to April 27, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth has now gone 3 straight weeks with seeing below normal precipitation. The state only saw a couple significant rounds of rainfall this previous period with the first coming Thursday night and into Friday. A cold front was dragged through the region with soaking rainfall in place. An upper level disturbance then pushed into Western Kentucky late Sunday, sparking scattered showers and storms across the region. The two events combined for a statewide average of 0.65 inches, which was nearly a half inch below normal. Temperature-wise, after a rather cool previous period, temperatures rebounded to above normal readings for much of the week. This kept a late-season frost out of the picture. Over the course of the period, high temperatures got into the mid 70s to low 80s on multiple occasions. Temperatures for the period averaged 62 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees warmer than normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 4 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 51 degrees in the West to 47 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 87 degrees at PEABODY and the extreme low was 33 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.65 inches statewide which was 0.39 inches below normal and 63% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.62 inches, Central 0.58 inches, Bluegrass 0.57 inches and East 0.83 inches, which was 0.57, 0.47, 0.38 and 0.12 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.11 inches at MADISONVILLE 4S to a high of 1.72 inches at CALHOUN 5NW. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 21, 2014 3-14 Agricultural News: Snow and below freezing temperatures interrupted work in the Commonwealth at the beginning of the week. However, temperatures increased over the weekend. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.71 inches, 0.28 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 54 degrees, across the state, for the week, 2 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler then last period. The highest temperature this week was 81 degrees at the MADISONVILLE 4S weather station, and the lowest temperature was 21 degrees at the PIKEVILLE 13S weather station. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4 out of a possible seven. Soils remain too wet for most fieldwork. Primary activities this week included preparing fields for planting, and applying fertilizer. Crops: Ten percent of the corn crop had been planted, behind last year’s 14 percent and the five-year average of 30 percent. Winter wheat continues to be concentrated in the good to fair condition with 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Winter damage was reported on 40 percent of wheat with 29 percent rated as light, 9 percent moderate, and 2 percent severe. Tobacco: Ninety-two percent of the tobacco transplants had been seeded in comparison to 90 percent last year and the five-year average of 90. Tobacco transplant conditions were rated as 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 67 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was reported as 3 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Though, many livestock producers are still feeding their herds hay, the pasture growth in the state is beginning to thrive. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 14, 2014 to April 20, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: Winter and spring both made an appearance this past period with even a late season snow event in the mix. A frontal boundary passed across the Commonwealth to start off the work week, making for the only precipitation event for the period. Central portions of the state saw the most with a half to one inch falling in most areas. Breezy northwest flow picked up behind the front with some portions of the Bluegrass and Eastern Kentucky even seeing some snowfall on Tuesday. One inch was recorded at the National Weather Service in Jackson. According to the office, this resulted in the longest snow season on record with a total of 174 days. High pressure then moved overhead that night. Skies cleared and winds slackened, allowing for a widespread freeze across the state. Most got down into the mid to upper 20s, but some sheltered and low lying locations even dove into the low 20s. Kentucky then became under the influence of high pressure for the majority of the time through Sunday. Temperatures rebounded and surpassed seasonal norms over the weekend with most locations getting into the upper 70s to low 80s by Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 66 in the West to 68 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 41 degrees in the West to 43 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 81 degrees at MADISONVILLE 4S and the extreme low was 21 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.71 inches statewide which was 0.28 inches below normal and 72% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.15 inches, Central 0.73 inches, Bluegrass 0.57 inches and East 0.38 inches, which was 0.03, -0.26, -0.33 and -0.55 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.08 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S to a high of 1.61 inches at MURRAY 1W. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 14, 2014 2-14 Agricultural News: The Commonwealth experienced drier conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.45 inches, 0.57 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 60 degrees for the week, 6 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 40 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.3 out of a possible seven. Soils remain too wet for most fieldwork. Primary activities this week included preparing farm equipment for planting, seeding pastures, applying fertilizer, and seeding tobacco transplants. Twenty-seven percent of apples and 37 percent of peaches were in full bloom. Some producers reported significant winter damage to peaches. Crops: As of Sunday, April 13, 4 percent of the corn crop had been planted, behind last year’s 6 percent and the five year average of 17. Farmers expect to plant corn as soon as field conditions permit, and planting could make considerable progress this week. Winter wheat is in mostly good to fair condition with 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Tobacco: As of Sunday, April 13, 76 percent of the tobacco transplants had been seeded compared with 84 percent last year and the five year average of 84. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was reported as 4 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Many operators were still feeding hay and are hoping for rapid forage growth this week as hay supplies are running low in some areas. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 7, 2014 to April 13, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth got the chance to dry out this past period as the state saw an average of just under a half inch of rainfall over the course of the week. This activity was spread out over three systems with the brunt coming Monday as surface low pressure pushed through the area. Much more focus was given to the return of warm temperatures. Surface high pressure transitioned to the southeast on Thursday with temperatures rising back into the 70s. After a weak front passed through the state on Friday, skies became mostly sunny for the weekend with some of the warmest temperatures of the year in place. Highs rose well into the 80s on Sunday behind a breezy southwesterly flow pattern. Some locations even got into the upper 80s. This had a great impact on soil temperatures across the Commonwealth with most locations reporting the upper 50s to mid-60s at a 4 inch depth by the end of the day. Temperatures for the period averaged 60 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 70 in the West to 72 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 49 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 10 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 87 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 27 degrees at Fort Campbell. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.45 inches statewide which was 0.57 inches below normal and 44% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.60 inches, Central 0.45 inches, Bluegrass 0.51 inches and East 0.22 inches, which was 0.56, 0.59, 0.41 and 0.72 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.08 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 1.71 inches at BENTON 4N. --- USDA's Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 7, 2014 1-14 Agricultural News: The Commonwealth experienced extremely wet conditions over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.19 inches, 1.2 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 56 degrees for the week, 4 degrees warmer than normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 49 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.9 out of a possible seven. Primary activities this week included securing supplies and preparing farm equipment for planting, applying fertilizer and herbicide to wheat, and plowing for tobacco when the weather permitted. Tobacco: As of Sunday, April 6, 65 percent of the greenhouse and plant bed seedings had been completed compared with 72 percent last year and the five year average of 72. Small Grains and Legumes: Fall seeded wheat was in mostly fair to good condition. Winter damage for wheat was estimated at 39 percent light, 16 percent moderate, and 5 percent severe. Condition of the wheat crop was rated 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 46 percent good and 12 percent excellent. Alfalfa freeze damage was reported at 37 percent light, 19 percent moderate, and 3 percent severe. Pasture and Hay: Pasture condition was reported as 5 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Hay and roughage supplies were rated 5 percent very short, 16 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. A number of farms have lost cattle due to the harsh winter. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 31, 2014 to April 6, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Precipitation: An extremely wet pattern setup across the Lower Ohio Valley this past week, bringing impressive rainfall totals across the area. Most of the activity was concentrated over the second half of the work week as a series of disturbances passed through the Commonwealth. The state averaged 2.19 inches over the course of week, which was over an inch above normal. This was although small in comparison to some areas of North Central and Western Kentucky that saw in excess of 4 to 6 inches. This would actually be more than the normal amount of precipitation seen over the entire month of April. Accompanying the wet conditions were mild temperatures for the work week. Highs got into the 70s numerous times, with some locations even getting into the low 80s. Canadian high pressure then pushed into the area for the weekend with cooler conditions in place. Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees warmer than normal and 14 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 69 in the West to 71 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 46 degrees in the West to 44 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 7 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 83 degrees at LOUISA 1S and the extreme low was 25 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.19 inches statewide which was 1.2 inches above normal and 220% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.57 inches, Central 2.36 inches, Bluegrass 2.54 inches and East 1.31 inches, which was 1.48, 1.32, 1.64 and 0.36 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.78 inches at MIDDLESBORO AWOS to a high of 5.60 inches at MORGANFIELD 4E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 24, 2014 to March 30, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: Wet conditions moved back into the Bluegrass State this past period with even a couple late-season snow events in the mix. Activity started over the course of Monday night and into Tuesday as a couple upper level disturbances passed through the region. The second round was the most prominent with scattered snow showers in place as temperatures cooled throughout the day. The good news is that accumulations were confined to grassy surfaces and were short-lived, but increased winds made for poor visibilities at times. Below is a couple pictures taken Tuesday at the University of Kentucky. The first was taken in the morning with the first round of snow showers. The second came in the afternoon when winds picked up and visibility was reduced drastically.

Morning of 8/25
Afternoon of 8/25
Temperatures that night then dropped well below normal with many awaking Wednesday morning to lows in the mid-teens to low 20s. The next system then crept into the area Thursday evening and into Friday. A cold front sparked an initial round of widespread rain showers across the area, before it eventually stalled over the state later Friday. A wave of low pressure then rode over this boundary that night and into Saturday, resulting in another widespread event. Some activity even lingered into the overnight Saturday across Eastern Kentucky where rain eventually transitioned to snow. Rainfall accumulations were in excess of an inch for most locations over the course of the 3 days. This led the way to the first week in over a month that above normal precipitation has been realized. Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 53 in the West to 52 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 72 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W and the extreme low was 13 degrees at BRANDENBURG 4SW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.28 inches statewide which was 0.25 inches above normal and 124% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.43 inches, Central 1.05 inches, Bluegrass 1.14 inches and East 1.51 inches, which was 0.32, -0.04, 0.21 and 0.51 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.40 inches at GLASGOW 11W to a high of 2.03 inches at MURRAY 1W. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 17, 2014 to March 23, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Well Below Normal Precipitation: A lull in precipitation led to the driest week of 2014 this past period. The Commonwealth was below normal by nearly an inch with most of the state seeing just a tenth of an inch of precipitation. Behind the latest round of snowfall the previous weekend, high pressure moved in for the start of the work week. Temperatures Monday were well below normal with highs generally in the mid 30s to low 40s. This occurred before a weak cold front moved through the region Tuesday night and into Wednesday. This system amounted to just about nothing, with only light, isolated rain showers across the region. Surface high pressure once again developed over the second half of the work week, but this time, was positioned southeast of the state. This put the area in a southwesterly flow pattern to start the spring season. Highs Friday jumped all the way into the upper 60s to low 70s. This was followed by another weak cold front Friday night with cooler temperatures settling into Kentucky for the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 46 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 56 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 36 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 73 degrees at LOUISVILLE APT and the extreme low was 23 degrees at BURLINGTON 4S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.09 inches statewide which was 0.95 inches below normal and 9% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.05 inches, Central 0.04 inches, Bluegrass 0.06 inches and East 0.21 inches, which was 1.05, 1.06, 0.88 and 0.81 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 0.39 inches at BIG SANDY. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 10, 2014 to March 16, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: Spring finally on the way? This past week was featured as only the 3rd week this year, where average temperatures were actually above normal. Much of the week was dominated by a roller-coaster pattern of up and down temperature swings. Monday and Tuesday were controlled by a southwesterly flow pattern, which bumped temperatures well into the 60s and 70s. Quite a few stations even got into the upper 70s, but none hit the 80 degree threshold. This was followed by a strong cold front pushing through the region Wednesday, which brought widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms to the region. Breezy northwesterly flow with gusts over 40 mph then put temperatures back into the 40s and 50s through Thursday, before the upward trend resumed going into the weekend as high pressure shifted east. Focus then turned toward Sunday and low pressure passing south of the Bluegrass State. Widespread rain showers spread into the state Saturday night and into Sunday from southwest to northeast. Cooler temperatures filtering into the region allowed for a transition to sleet and snow through the evening and overnight hours Sunday. Most of the state saw less than an inch, but there were a couple exceptions. The first came within a thin area in north- central Kentucky and the Bluegrass that saw 1 to 2 inches. The second came in extreme northeastern portions of the state where the area saw 3 to 5 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 47 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees warmer than normal and 14 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 63 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees warmer than normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 36 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from near normal in the West to 2 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 78 degrees at PEABODY and the extreme low was 16 degrees at BURLINGTON 4S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.53 inches statewide which was 0.45 inches below normal and 54% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.66 inches, Central 0.46 inches, Bluegrass 0.42 inches and East 0.58 inches, which was 0.36, 0.57, 0.47 and 0.39 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.08 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S to a high of 1.04 inches at HICKMAN 2E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 3, 2014 to March 9, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth could not shake the wintry weather this past week as another round of snow fell across the area and temperatures remained cold. Snow showers continued into the new period as a vigorous winter storm pushed east of the region from the previous weekend. Another 1 to 2 inches fell over the course of Monday, leaving a substantial snowpack across the Commonwealth. The next few days then featured extremely cold conditions in place as the state saw another round of Arctic high pressure. Monday saw highs only in the 20s for much of the state with lows dropping solidly in the single digits to low teens later that night. After another cool day Tuesday, a warming trend then ensued for the remainder of the week. Temperatures hovered in the upper 50s to low 60s by Saturday. The only other shot of precipitation took place late Saturday and into the overnight as a cold front passed through the area. Rainfall was light and scattered in nature, with most of the Bluegrass State remaining dry. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 43 in the West to 48 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 14 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 24 degrees in the West to 25 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 11 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 6 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 66 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was -2 degrees at PAINTSVILLE 4W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.89 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches below normal and 91% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.96 inches, Central 1.03 inches, Bluegrass 0.44 inches and East 1.12 inches, which was -0.09, 0.00, -0.44 and 0.17 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at FORT CAMPBELL to a high of 1.72 inches at COLUMBIA 3N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 24, 2014 to March 2, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: March 1st was the first day of meteorological spring, but mother nature missed the memo in a large way. Temperatures remained below normal for much of the work week with highs generally in the 30s and 40s with lows dropping into the teens and 20s. These conditions helped push the Bluegrass State to an average temperature of 33 degrees, which made for the 7th week of 2014 that Kentucky has been below normal. After the cool work week, attention turned towards a winter storm primed to push through the region over the latter half of the weekend. An Arctic cold front in combination with multiple upper level disturbances resulted in the most significant winter weather event of the season. A mixed bag of precipitation was evident throughout the event with nearly the entire state seeing freezing rain, sleet, and snow at some point. Totals of 2 to 4 inches of snow, 0.10 to 0.25 inches of ice accumulation, and up to 2 inches of sleet was pretty common across the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 33 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 14 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 43 in the West to 44 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 24 degrees in the West to 24 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 67 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was 9 degrees at ALEXANDRIA 5NW. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.94 inches statewide which was 0.05 inches below normal and 95% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.97 inches, Central 1.08 inches, Bluegrass 0.76 inches and East 0.96 inches, which was -0.13, 0.03, -0.10 and 0.03 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.35 inches at ALEXANDRIA 5NW to a high of 1.50 inches at CAMPBELLSVILLE 7W. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 17, 2014 to February 23, 2014 Well Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth got its first taste of severe weather this past period for 2014. Much of the first half of the work week was dominated by a warming trend. Breezy southwesterly winds put temperatures into the 50s and 60s, before increasing into the low 70s on Thursday. Over the course of the week, the average temperature for the state was 8 degrees above normal. This was only the second above normal deviation the state has seen in 2014. A deepening surface low then lifted out of the Southern Plains and into the Midwest on Thursday, where it eventually dragged a strong cold front through the region later that evening and into the overnight. Plenty of instability allowed for severe thunderstorms to develop ahead of the front. Damaging winds were the primary issue with any storm, but a couple weak tornadoes were also confirmed in Webster and Caldwell counties. The Eastern portion of the state saw the most precipitation with this event as more than an inch fell for most areas. This tapered farther west, but the state as a whole was still above normal for the week by 0.2 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 47 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees warmer than normal and 20 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 57 in the West to 62 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 11 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 36 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 9 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 75 degrees at BOWLING GREEN APT and the extreme low was 8 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.13 inches statewide which was 0.2 inches above normal and 122% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.76 inches, Central 1.16 inches, Bluegrass 1.17 inches and East 1.42 inches, which was -0.29, 0.16, 0.37 and 0.55 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at HICKMAN 2E to a high of 2.80 inches at BARBOURVILLE 3E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 10, 2014 to February 16, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: 2014 has started off with every week seeing below normal temperatures, except for one. This period was no different as the average state temperature was 10 degrees below normal. The work week started off with cold, Arctic high pressure in place. Lows pushed into the single digits each night and highs only getting into the 20s. This was about 15 to 20 degrees below mid-February normal temperatures. After a dry start to the work week, conditions then became a bit more active for the second half of the week. A winter storm passing south of the Bluegrass State brought accumulating snow to southeastern portions of the area. Some of the higher elevations received in excess of 10 inches. The next significant system arrived Friday as low pressure tracked across the Lower Ohio Valley with precipitation overspreading the Commonwealth. The majority of the state saw a mostly rain event, but areas across the northern Bluegrass did see anywhere from 1 to 4 inches. This was then followed by another cool weekend with highs only getting into the 20s and 30s. Temperatures for the period averaged 27 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 35 in the West to 38 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 13 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 18 degrees in the West to 22 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 55 degrees at MONTICELLO AWOS and the extreme low was -4 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.52 inches statewide which was 0.39 inches below normal and 57% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.40 inches, Central 0.46 inches, Bluegrass 0.50 inches and East 0.71 inches, which was 0.61, 0.53, 0.28 and 0.14 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at MORGANFIELD 4E to a high of 1.70 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 3, 2014 to February 9, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: The active weather pattern continued this past period with multiple opportunities for precipitation. The first system moved through the area Tuesday and into the overnight as low pressure passed to the southeast. Temperatures hovered around the freezing mark, which resulted in a significant winter weather event. Winter Storm Warnings were issued across mainly western and the northern half of Kentucky with ice accumulations of around a quarter to half inch. The remainder of the week featured on and off chances for snowfall as multiple quick-hitting disturbances crossed the region. The liquid equivalent for precipitation over the course of the week averaged just over 2 inches across the state, which was nearly 1.5 inches above normal. This was just the second week in 2014, which had seen above normal precipitation. Temperatures also remained cool throughout the week with high temperatures only averaging in the upper 20s to low 30s, which is around 15 degrees below normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 26 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 30 in the West to 34 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 16 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 12 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 21 degrees in the West to 26 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 56 degrees at BARBOURVILLE 3E and the extreme low was 0 degrees at BURLINGTON 4S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.24 inches statewide which was 1.37 inches above normal and 257% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.14 inches, Central 2.71 inches, Bluegrass 2.06 inches and East 2.06 inches, which was 1.18, 1.76, 1.3 and 1.24 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.97 inches at PADUCAH ASOS to a high of 3.91 inches at BOWLING GREEN 4E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 27, 2014 to February 2, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: The work week started off with another Arctic blast. Extremely cold air spilled into the region with lows Monday and Tuesday night dropping below zero for much of the northern half of the state. Conditons then started a warming trend as high pressure shifted to the southeast. Gusty southerly winds pushed temperatures well above normal into the mid 50s to low 60s by Saturday. While it was dry for the majority of the week, conditions tapered going into the weekend as a cold front pushed through the region. Light rainfall accompanied the boundary and was widespread in nature through the overnight Saturday. Attention then turned toward a surface low pushing into the region. This resulted in the most significant winter weather event of the season. Most of the northern half of the state was either in a Winter Weather Advisory or Winter Storm Warning. Snow blanketed most of the region with the highest totals coming across central Kentucky and into the Bluegrass, where some saw 5 to 7 inches. Temperatures for the period averaged 29 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 41 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 19 degrees in the West to 17 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 5 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 68 degrees at BIG SANDY and the extreme low was -9 degrees at BURLINGTON 4S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.59 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches below normal and 72% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.83 inches, Central 0.66 inches, Bluegrass 0.59 inches and East 0.30 inches, which was 0.04, 0.23, 0.12 and 0.5 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.09 inches at PIKEVILLE 13S to a high of 1.31 inches at HICKMAN 2E. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 20, 2014 to January 26, 2014 Well Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The wintry pattern stayed in place this past period with multiple snow events and well below normal temperatures. The first round of winter weather came Monday night and into Tuesday. Most area’s across the northern half of the state saw 3 to 6 inches of snow with the clipper’s passage. This then tapered farther south. Behind the clipper and another reinforcing cold front, the next round of Arctic air pushed into the region. Wind chills Thursday morning were down to -15 degrees in some locations with breezy northwesterly flow and temperatures in the single digits. Lows that night then dropped between 0 and 10 below zero in areas that had a snowpack. This contributed to a week in which average temperatures were 9 degrees below normal. The next system then pushed through the region late Friday night and into Saturday morning. Another 2 to 4 inches fell over the northern Bluegrass before tapering farther south. This snow-cover was short-lived as high pressure moving to the east and transitioned winds to the southwest. Highs then rose into the upper 40s to even around 60 at Bowling Green. Temperatures for the period averaged 24 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees cooler than normal and 10 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 39 in the West to 34 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 16 degrees in the West to 12 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 10 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 62 degrees at BENTON 4N and the extreme low was -15 degrees at RICHMOND 8E. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.22 inches statewide which was 0.59 inches below normal and 27% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.09 inches, Central 0.16 inches, Bluegrass 0.33 inches and East 0.31 inches, which was 0.77, 0.7, 0.37 and 0.5 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at CADIZ 4SW to a high of 0.64 inches at STANFORD 4NE. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 13, 2014 to January 19, 2014 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation: The Commonwealth became entrenched in an unsettled weather pattern this past week. Multiple quick-hitting disturbances allowed for at least a chance of precipitation each day. Earlier in the work week, warmer air in place kept all precipitation falling as rain. Highs got into the low to mid 50s, which is about 20 degrees above normal for this time of the year. Temperatures then went below freezing Tuesday night and in doing so, transitioned any precipitation over to snow, but accumulations were light in nature. The most pronounced system came Thursday night and into Friday as a disturbance aloft and surface cold front swept through the region. The northern half of the state received anywhere from a half to 1 inch of snowfall. Some of the heavier bands laid about 2 inches on the ground. Conditions then dried off for the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 1 degree warmer than normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 1 degree cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 26 degrees in the West to 28 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 58 degrees at PADUCAH ASOS and the extreme low was 6 degrees at CYNTHIANA 8N. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.51 inches statewide which was 0.33 inches below normal and 61% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.37 inches, Central 0.66 inches, Bluegrass 0.42 inches and East 0.57 inches, which was 0.51, 0.23, 0.31 and 0.3 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at PADUCAH ASOS to a high of 1.02 inches at EDMONTON 5W. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 6, 2014 to January 12, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation: Dangerously cold temperatures swept into the Commonwealth earlier this past period with the passage of a strong Arctic front. High temperatures only got into the single digits on Monday with lows that night dropping anywhere from 0 to -10 degrees below zero. These were the coldest conditions felt across the Commonwealth since 2011. Accompanying the bitterly cold temperatures was a breezy northwesterly wind, which put wind chills down to below -20 at times. A warm-up then ensued through the remainder of the week as winds shifted to the south. Temperatures by Friday and through the weekend rose well above normal into the 50s. Conditions became unsettled going into the second half of the period. The most significant system came Friday night and into Saturday when a cold front moved through the area. Most areas saw a half to a little over 1 inch rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 30 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal and no change to the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 38 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 21 degrees in the West to 20 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 4 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 62 degrees at BOONEVILLE 2S and the extreme low was -13 degrees at PIKEVILLE 13S. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.15 inches statewide which was 0.27 inches above normal and 130% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.14 inches, Central 1.05 inches, Bluegrass 1.08 inches and East 1.31 inches, which was 0.21, 0.11, 0.33 and 0.4 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.46 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 1.77 inches at ALBANY 1N. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 30, 2013 to January 5, 2014 Below Normal Temperatures and Precipitation: Conditions remained dry and warm as the Commonwealth rang in 2014. High pressure shifting east allowed for some warmer temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s under mostly clear skies. The first of a couple areas of low pressure then entered the lower Ohio Valley going into Thursday. 1 to 2 inches of blowing snow fell across northern portions of the state. The second low pressure system pushed northeast through the Bluegrass State on Sunday and into the overnight. Most precipitation started off as rain before transitioning to snow as cooler temperatures filtered into the region. Another 1 to 2 inches was common across northern portions of the area, before temperatures plummeted overnight. Temperatures for the period averaged 31 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees cooler than normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous period. High temperatures averaged from 40 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 3 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 22 degrees in the West to 22 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 2 degrees cooler than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 58 degrees at BURKESVILLE 3W and the extreme low was -3 degrees at VANCEBURG 6W. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.35 inches statewide which was 0.54 inches below normal and 39% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.38 inches, Central 0.41 inches, Bluegrass 0.36 inches and East 0.26 inches, which was 0.55, 0.56, 0.42 and 0.64 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at BIG SANDY to a high of 0.87 inches at PADUCAH ASOS. ---