February 6, 2006
January 2006 Summary


KENTUCKY: The very mild weather conditions across the Commonwealth and lack of any kind of precipitation were the story for the first week of the New Year. Most locations reported high temperatures of near 60 degrees or greater on 4 of the past 8 days with several locations reaching near 70's. The high temperature at Bowling Green the 8th was 69 degrees, breaking the old record of 68 set 99 years ago in 1907. The high temperature at Louisville got to within one degree of the current record. Strong southwest winds ranging from 37 to 45 MPH also buffeted the region the afternoon of the 8th. Temperatures averaged 45 degrees across the state 13 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged 52 in the West to 52 in the East. Low temperatures averaged 37 degrees statewide. Extreme high temperatures were in the upper 60's to low 70's and extreme low temperatures were in the upper 20's. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 0.48 in. statewide, 0.24 in. below normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.03 in. at Nashville to a high of 1.07 in. at Jackson.

Above normal temperatures and precipitation dominated the second week of January. Temperatures averaged 43 degrees, 12 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged 51 in the West to 53 in the East. Low temperatures averaged 33 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 1.20 in. statewide, 0.48 inches above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.28 in. at Cumberland Gap to a high of 2.70 in. at Paducah.

The very mild conditions continued across the Commonwealth during the third week. But one major change occurred; this was the second week with above normal rainfall across the State. This was the first time for a consecutive two-week period with above normal rainfall since August 2005. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 3 inches south...to 1 to 2 inches in the northern half of the State. Two significant rainfall events occurred; on the 17th through the 18th and on the 22nd. Extreme high temperatures were in the mid to upper 60's and extreme low temperatures were in the mid 20's. Temperatures averaged 45 degrees, 13 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged 52 in the West to 54 in the East. Low temperatures averaged 37 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 2.11 in., 1.39 in. above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.00 in. at Mayfield to a high of 3.54 in. at Nolin Lake.

High pressure continued to dominate the weather for the Commonwealth for most of the last week of the month. Low pressure systems crossed the State and provided two rainfall events...very similar to the previous week. Moderate to heavy rainfall occurred at the beginning of the period...ending in light snow in the east, and on the 29th light showers covered the State. Mild temperatures occurred on the 24th and 27th thru the 29th as southerly wind flow kicked in, with temperatures readings in the 50's and 60's. This was the 3rd week straight with above normal rainfall. Temperatures averaged 43, 10 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 54 in the West to 52 in the East. Low temperatures averaged 33 degrees across the State. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 1.47 in. statewide, 0.75 in. above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.12 in. at Cumberland Gap to a high of 2.66 in. at Glasgow.

The Palmer Drought Index indicated west and central Kentucky had near normal moisture conditions and Bluegrass and east were in a mild hydrologic drought. Crop Moisture status was excessively wet with some fields flooded in west and central Kentucky. The Bluegrass and east crop moisture status was too wet with some standing water. So far this year, snowfall has been very limited to non-existent. Farmers enjoyed the mild January weather and made good progress on routine winter chores. Producers hauled grain, tobacco and livestock to market and attended the numerous commodity meetings held across the State. Fall planted small grains remain in mostly good condition with minimal winterkill and plenty of moisture. January temperatures caused little livestock stress but frequent heavy rains have created muddy field conditions.