February 5, 2007

January 2007 was expected to be a mild and dry month, based on the projections of anticipated mild El Nino conditions in the equatorial Pacific. While the first three weeks of the month were mild, it was not a dry month. In addition, the final week to 10 days of the month turned to seasonal temperatures, and, at times, very cold. The western section of the Bluegrass State was so wet that water ponded in fields along with river flooding for extended periods through the month. With the mild temperatures for most of the month, limited snowfall occurred. Jackson reported 3.3 in. of snow and Covington reported 4.9 in. of snow, with only trace amounts reported at Paducah, Louisville, and Lexington. January temperatures averaged 37.4 degrees across the State which was 4.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 4.21 in. statewide which was 0.49 in. above normal. By station, monthly precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.59 in. at Bristol to a high of 6.43 in. at Paducah.

High pressure dominated the Ohio River Valley as the month began. A low pressure system made its way out of Texas/Louisiana, ushering in warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. Rain showers were isolated to the western portions of Kentucky, and became more numerous across the Commonwealth through the weekend. Temperatures averaged 46 degrees, 15 degrees above normal. Extreme temperatures ranged from a maximum in the upper 60s to a minimum in the mid 20s. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 1.33 in., 0.61 in. above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.52 in. at Dix Dam to a high of 2.80 in. at Somerset.

Very mild temperatures dominated the entire second week. A complex low pressure system slowly approached the Ohio Valley before stalling out over the Bluegrass State for the entire weekend, providing an extended period of cloudy, wet conditions, including periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, especially in western and northern sections of the State. Far eastern and southeast sections of the State received limited amounts of rainfall. Temperatures averaged 44 degrees, 13 degrees above normal. Extreme high temperatures were in the upper 60s and lows were in the low 20s. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 1.10 in., 0.38 in. above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.16 in. at London to a high of 3.00 in. at Paducah.

The third work week start mild and wet. Moderate to heavy rainfall continued from the previous weekend with temperatures in the 60s. Greatest rainfall amounts occurred west, central and in the Bluegrass area. The remainder of the week was less active with cooler and dry weather the rule. A storm system moving north from the lower Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley during the weekend spreading a wintry mix of sleet, and freezing rain into the region which changed over to light to moderate rain by mid-day before ending. Temperatures averaged 35 degrees, 3 degrees above normal. Extreme high temperatures were in the mid 60s and extreme low temperatures were in the upper teens to low 20s. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 1.35 in., 0.63 in. above normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.66 in. at Bristol to a high of 2.27 in. at Cape Girardeau.

After 3 weeks with mild and wet weather in the Bluegrass state, the weather was exactly the opposite. Temperatures were below normal with mostly drier conditions. Yet, several periods of light snow and flurries occurred across the State with very little accumulation except in the southeast were 1 to 2 in. were received. Milder temperatures returned for a brief period of low 50's before dropping into the teens. Temperatures averaged 33 degrees, 1 degree below normal. Precipitation (liq. equ.) totaled 0.05 in., 0.67 in. below normal. Precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 in. at Bardstown to a high of 0.88 in. at Somerset. The final days of the January had below normal precipitation and cold temperatures to end the month.

The latest Palmer Drought Index continued to indicate Extreme Moist Spell (west) to Very Moist Spell (central and Bluegrass) to Moist Spell (east) for Kentucky. Crop Moisture remained surplus to mostly adequate with some standing water and flooding from heavy showers across Kentucky. Snowfall during January was very limited to non-existent. Farmers enjoyed the mild January weather and made good progress on routine winter chores. January temperatures caused little livestock stress but frequent heavy rains created muddy field conditions. 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.