KENTUCKY MONTHLY AND ANNUAL CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR -- 2005
By: Tom Priddy--UK Agricultural Weather Center
* Based on Preliminary Data. Graphs of Kentucky Monthly Temperature
and Rainfall available at:
http://wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/climgraphs/
and weekly graphs available within the UKAWC Kentucky Weather Information
Web site. Sources: UKAWC, NCDC and Midwest Regional Climate Center
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: December 2005
...16th Driest and 24th Coolest December on Record...
Temperatures for the period averaged 33.8 degrees across the state
which was 3.5 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from
43 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high
temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to -2
degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from
27 degrees in the West to 27 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the
West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Temperatures for 2005
ranked as the 22 warmest year on record.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.36 inches
statewide which was 1.92 inches below normal. Precipitation
totals by climate division, West 2.12 inches, Central 2.58
inches, Bluegrass 2.29 inches and East 2.44 inches, which was
-2.45, -2.25, -1.69 and -1.43 inches respectively from normal. By
station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.61 inches at
Cape Girardeau to a high of 3.58 inches at Hardinsburg. Total
precipitation for 2005 ranked as the 14th driest year on record.
Kentucky
12/ 1/2005 to 12/31/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 35.2 37.9 -2.7 2.12 4.57 -2.45 46
2 34.4 37.8 -3.4 2.58 4.83 -2.25 53
3 32.2 36.4 -4.2 2.29 3.98 -1.69 57
4 33.3 37.0 -3.7 2.44 3.87 -1.43 63
State 33.8 37.3 -3.5 2.36 4.28 -1.92 55
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Kentucky Climate Summary: November 2005
ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL:
Temperatures for the period averaged 48.2 degrees across the state which
was 1.8 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 60 in the
West to 60 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from
near normal in the West to 4 degrees above from 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 2 degrees above
normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 3.28 inches statewide
which was 0.81 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 3.53 inches, Central 3.68 inches, Bluegrass 2.29 inches and
East 2.79 inches, which was -0.99, -0.57, -0.31 and -1.10 inches
respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a
low of 0.30 inches at Cumberland Gap to a high of 6.92 inches at
Evansville. The month started and ended with near normal hydrologic
moisture conditions west and central...and moderate hydrologic drought
conditions in the bluegrass and eastern areas of the state.
For the entire nation...
# November 2005 ranked as the 9th warmest November in the 1895 to present
record. The preliminary nationally averaged temperature was 45.5°F (7.5°C),
which was 3.0°F (1.7°C) above the long-term mean.
# November 2005 had near average precipitation, nationally, ranking 54th
wettest.
# For the last 3 months temperature was much above average and ranked as
the 4th warmest such period in the 1895 to present record. The preliminary
nationally averaged temperature for September-November was 56.6°F (13.7°C)
which was 2.3°F (1.3°C) above the long-term mean.
# September-November had near average precipitation, ranking 39th driest in
the last 111 years.
# The December 2004-November 2005 temperature was much above average and
ranked as the 6th warmest such period in the 1895 to present record. The
preliminary nationally averaged temperature was 54.2°F (12.3°C) which was
1.4°F (0.8°C) above the long-term mean.
# Precipitation was near average for December-November, ranking 52nd
wettest for the last 12 months based on a record of 110 such periods.
---
Kentucky Climate Summary: October 2005
ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL:
11th Driest and 48th Warmest October on Record:
Dry, mild conditions from the previous month continued into October with
limited rainfall and two periods with record and near-record high
temperatures. Frost threatened nearly every evening during the final week
of the month with upper 20's on the last weekend of the month. Severe and
moderate hydrologic drought continued to plague the eastern half of the
Commonwealth most of the month, but moisture conditions closer to normal
occurred in the western half of the state. For the entire state, October
2005 was the 11th driest October in the past 111 years and the 48th warmest
October. And, finally, it was a very active hurricane month with 8 tropical
depressions becoming named hurricanes. Unlike the tropical storms from the
previous month which brought Kentucky and the Ohio Valley varous amounts of
rain, none of the tropical storms during October provided any impact to Kentucky.
Temperatures for the period averaged 58.1 degrees across the state which was
1.1 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 69
in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near
normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 48 degrees in the East. Departure
from normal low temperature ranged from near from normal in the West to 3
degrees above normal in the East.
Rainfall for the period totaled 1.11 inches statewide which was 1.94 inches
below normal and only 36 percent of normal rainfall. Rainfall totals by
climate division, West 0.306 inches, Central 0.56 inches, Bluegrass 1.42
inches and East 1.92 inches, which was 2.87, 2.64, 1.51 and 1.01 inches
respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of
0.02 inches at Nashville to a high of 2.57 inches at Huntington.
Kentucky
10/ 1/2005 to 10/31/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 59.2 58.7 0.5 0.30 3.17 -2.87 9
2 58.7 57.5 1.2 0.56 3.20 -2.64 17
3 57.4 56.3 1.0 1.42 2.93 -1.51 49
4 57.3 55.8 1.5 1.92 2.93 -1.01 65
State 58.1 57.0 1.1 1.11 3.05 -1.94 36
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Kentucky Climate Summary: September 2005
ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL:
12th Driest and 23rd Warmest September on Record:
September 2005 will go into the record books as a mostly dry and very warm
month. Severe weather was limited but the remnants of Hurricane Rita
provided benefical rainfall during the end of the 3rd week to parts of
Kentucky. From this rainfall, west and central sections of the Commonwealth
improved in soil moisture status to "wet spell" but Bluegrass and East
areas of the state were in moderate and severe hydrologic drought,
respectively, by month's end...according to the Palmer Drought Index. The
state received only 37 percent of normal rainfall for the entire month.
Temperatures for the period averaged 71.8 degrees across the state which was
3.5 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 84 in the West to
84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3
degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Low
temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the
East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above
normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. September 2005
was the 4th month in a row with above normal temperatures...
Rainfall for the period totaled 1.28 inches statewide which was 2.20 inches
below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.82 inches,
Central 0.88 inches, Bluegrass 1.22 inches and East 1.20 inches, which was
1.56, 3.02, 2.04 and 2.21 inches respectively below normal. By station,
rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 4.61 inches at Cape Girardeau.
Kentucky
9/ 1/2005 to 9/30/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 72.8 70.0 2.8 1.82 3.37 -1.56 54
2 72.4 68.8 3.6 0.88 3.90 -3.02 22
3 71.5 67.8 3.8 1.22 3.26 -2.04 37
4 70.9 67.3 3.6 1.20 3.41 -2.21 35
State 71.8 68.4 3.5 1.28 3.48 -2.20 37
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Kentucky Climate Summary: August 2005
Above Normal Temperatures And Much Above Normal Rainfall:
2ND WETTEST, 8TH WARMEST AUGUST ON RECORD (110 YEARS):
August was some kind of month. Hot, Dry and Wet. In addition to
experiencing various degrees of drought across the Commonweath...the
remnants of Tropical Storm Katrina drenched most of the state with copious
rainfall. August began with most of the stae in Mild to Moderate
hydrologic drought. By the second week, drought conditions worsened with
West and Central deepening to Moderate category, and the Bluegrass area
sinking into Severe hydrologic drought. With below normal rainfall for the
first half of the month...crops were seriously impacted by the dry
conditions. Some improvement occurred during the final days of the third
week due to a stalled stationary front sitting over the state all weekend.
By the beginning of the final week, west and central had improved...but the
Bluegrass area and east climate zone continued in Severe and Moderate
drought respectively. The last few days of the month saw the remnants of
Hurricane Katrina inundate most of the state, such that by the end of the
month, total rainfall for August was generally 5 to 8 inches with some
central locations exceeding 12 inches...ranking it as the 2nd wettest August
on record (110 years).
As the 8th warmest August on record...the Bluegrass state experienced well
above normal number of days in the 90s: Paducah, 21, Bowling Green 20,
Louisville 20, Covington 14, Lexington 17, and Jackson 13.
Temperatures for the month averaged 78 degrees across the state which was
3.4 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 90 in the West to
89 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3
degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low
temperatures averaged from 70 degrees in the West to 68 degrees in the
East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees above
normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high
temperatures were near 100 degrees and extreme low temperatures were in
the upper 50s.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 7.16 inches statewide
which was 3.56 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate
division, West 7.85 inches, Central 10.42 inches, Bluegrass 6.39 inches and
East 4.82 inches, which was 4.66, 6.89, 2.67 and 0.91 inches respectively
above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.47
inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high of 11.12 inches at Princeton. The
greatest 1-day total was near Hopkinsville with 6.35 inches with Princeton
following closely with 4.70 inches. Monthly rainfall totals of selected
locations are listed below.
Location Rain Departure
Paducah..........6.04" +2.70
Princeton.......11.12" +7.11
Bowling Green....8.36" +5.00
Louisville Arpt..6.98" +3.67
Covington........6.34" +2.55
Lexington........5.78" +2.12
Jackson..........3.92" -0.21
Summary by Kentucky climate zone:
Kentucky
8/ 1/2005 to 8/31/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 79.9 76.8 3.0 7.85 3.19 4.66 246
2 79.5 75.4 4.2 10.42 3.52 6.89 296
3 78.2 74.5 3.7 6.39 3.72 2.67 172
4 76.7 73.7 2.9 4.82 3.91 0.91 123
State 78.4 75.0 3.4 7.16 3.60 3.56 199
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Kentucky Climate Summary: July 2005* (Preliminary)
***14TH DRIEST MAY, JUNE, AND JULY ON RECORD***
Above Normal Precipitation and Above Normal Temperatures
For most of the state, July was a typical hot and dry summer month. Statewide
precipitation values averaged below normal for three of the four weeks sending
western, central, and bluegrass regions into mild and moderate drought. Eastern
Kentucky was able to stay ahead of the curve in terms of rainfall due to the
remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy that moved over the area during the first week
of July. The following week, rain from Hurricane Dennis helped alleviate some of
the impending drought conditions. Western Kentucky benefitted the most,
generally measuring 2-3 inches of rain. Other than a few weak fronts and pop up
thunderstorms, conditions were mostly dry through the end of the month. Across
Kentucky, 5 of the past 6 months have averaged below normal precipitation.
Hot temperatures made their presence known across Kentucky this July. It was the
28th warmest July in the past 111 years. Highs were routinely in the upper 80's
and lower 90's. There was a respite from the heat as clouds and rains from
Dennis kept highs in the 70's, which set records as minimum high temperatures.
The worst heat of the summer so far came during the last week of July. Dew
points had crept into the upper 70's, and air temperatures had climbed into the
middle and upper 90's allowing heat index values to range from 105-110 degrees.
Livestock heat stress reached emergency levels. A weak cold front at the end of
the month cut off the humidity and returned temperatures to near normal levels.
Across Kentucky, 4 of the past 6 months have averaged above normal temperatures.
Covering the months of May, June, and July, statewide precipitation averaged
9.57", which is the 14th driest May-July on record in the past 111 years.
Temperatures for the period were right in the middle of the pack at 71.4
degrees, which was the 52nd warmest.
Temperatures for the period averaged 77.6 degrees across the state which was 1.3
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 87 in the
East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal
in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged
from 69 degrees in the West to 69 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low
temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above
normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the upper 90's. Extreme lows were in the
upper 50's.
Rainfall for the period totaled 4.22 inches statewide which was
0.25 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 4.31
inches, Central 4.77 inches, Bluegrass 3.07 inches and East 4.53 inches, which
was 0.20, 0.25, -1.45 and 0.08 inches respectively from normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.57 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high
of 6.21 inches at Glasgow.
*Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary: June 2005*
...6th Driest May/June Total Rainfall...
...21st Driest and 27th Warmest June...
After 9 of the past 12 months with very wet conditions in Kentucky, June 2005,
similar to May, was drier than normal...and the 6th driest May/June rainfall
total on record. By the end of the month, the Palmer Drought Severity Index had
placed West, Central and Bluegrass areas in the "mild" hydrologic drought
category and "topsoil moisture short, germination slow" category for the Crop
Moisture Index. Only the 2nd week of June received above normal rainfall for the
state and that was due to the remnants of an early tropical storm, T.S. Arlere,
moved ashore along the Gulf Coast states...and into the Ohio Valley which
provided some moisture relief. And, unlike last summer when some sections of
Kentucky did not receive any days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 90
degrees (F), western sections of the state received 12 days during June 2005
with temperatures equal to or greater than 90 F, Covington 10 days, Lexington 9
days and Jackson 5 days.
Temperatures for the period averaged 74.3 degrees across the state which was 2
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 85 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below
normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 2
degrees above normal in the East. The extreme high temperature occurred at
Paducah on June 30th at 96 degrees (F), and the extreme low temperature was 51
at Covington on June 17.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.94 inches statewide which was
1.32 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.64
inches, Central 3.01 inches, Bluegrass 2.38 inches and East 2.70 inches, which
was 0.35, 1.35, 1.97 and 1.63 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.16 inches at Berea to a high of 4.88
inches at Evansville.
*Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary May 2005*
Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation
*** 9th Driest May on Record in the Past 111 Years
*** 26th Coolest May on Record in the Past 111 Years
May 2005 was cool and dry. Things got off to a chilly start as Bowling Green,
Covington, Lexington, London, Louisville, and Paducah either set or tied a
record low during the first week of May. Unseasonably cold temperatures settled
in, dropping lows into the 30's causing frost and freeze concerns. Kentucky
experienced a small dose of summer during the second week of May as record highs
were set in Paducah and Jackson with readings near 90 degrees.
Precipitation was hard to come by in some locations this month. Most of the rain
fell during the third week as Kentucky was hit with severe weather. Locally
heavy downpours prompted flood and flash flood warnings, frequent lightning,
strong winds, and large hail were all reported. The wettest area of the state
was north central Kentucky as Hardinsburg, Henderson, and Louisville all
recorded more than 3 inches of precipitation, but these values are still below
normal. Most locales measured between 2-3 inches of precipitation. Paducah
recorded its 2nd driest May on record with only 0.82 inches of precipitation.
Jackson recorded its 4th driest May on record with 2.50 inches. These values are
3.93 and 2.66 inches below normal, respectively. Due to the lack of rain this
month, western Kentucky has entered into incipient/mild drought status. Central
and Bluegrass regions have adequate moisture, and Eastern Kentucky is slightly
moist.
In total, 3 of the 4 weeks during the month had average state temperatures below
normal and average statewide precipitation amounts below normal. This in
contrast to May 2004 where the state measured 8.31 inches of precipitation with
an average temperature of 69.2 degrees, which was the 5th wettest and 6th
warmest May on record. Three of the past 4 months have had below normal
precipitation.
Temperatures for the period averaged 62.1 degrees across the state which was 1.9
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 75 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below
normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 4
degrees below normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.39 inches statewide which was
2.66 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.38
inches, Central 1.95 inches, Bluegrass 2.57 inches and East 2.58 inches, which
was 2.61, 3.31, 2.35 and 2.27 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.82 inches at Paducah to a high of
4.53 inches at Louisville.
Click here for Recent Temperature and Precipitation Anomaly Maps
*Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary April 2005*
Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation
April showers bring May flowers. The month began and ended on a wet note with
widespread rain and thundershowers. The majority of the month was warmer and
drier that normal with the first three weeks averaging above normal temperatures
and slightly below normal precipitation amounts. Jackson set a record high of 82
degrees. Some severe weather was relevant during the third week of April. There
were reports of isolated weak tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds. The month
ended cold and wet, with temperatures nearly 10 degrees below normal. During the
last week of April, 2-3 inches of rain fell across eastern Kentucky prompting
flood and flash flood watches and warnings. Overall, in the past 111 years,
April 2005 was the 40th warmest and 25th wettest April on record.
Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the state which was 1.6
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 69 in the West to 69 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below
normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 47 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 2
degrees above normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 5.18 inches statewide which was
0.99 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 4.74
inches, Central 5.14 inches, Bluegrass 4.63 inches and East 5.93 inches, which
was 0.21, 0.94, 0.74 and 2.11 inches respectively above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 3.65 inches at Hardinsburg to a high
of 7.47 inches at Jackson.
Click here for Recent Temperature and Precipitation Anomaly Maps
4/ 1/2005 to 4/30/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 58.2 57.5 0.7 4.74 4.53 0.21 105
2 57.4 56.1 1.3 5.14 4.20 0.94 122
3 56.5 54.5 2.1 4.63 3.89 0.74 119
4 55.4 54.4 1.0 5.93 3.82 2.11 155
State 56.8 55.6 1.2 5.18 4.09 1.09 127
*Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary March 2005*
Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation
The month began with a weak winter storm bringing light snow showers to the
state, and it ended with sunny skies and highs in the 70's. By week,
temperatures averaged 3 to 4 degrees below normal all month. Temperatures did
not begin to warm up until well after the first official day of Spring. The last
week of March finally brought temperatures in the 70's and 80's under mostly
sunny skies. March precipitation amounts averaged about a half an inch below
normal. A couple of low pressure systems brought rain and isolated thunderstorms
to the state. March is generally when severe weather becomes and issue, but only
a few hail and wind events were recorded and one F0 tornado. March 2005 ranked
as the 35th coolest and the 44th driest March in the past 111 years.
Temperatures for the period averaged 42.8 degrees across the state which was 3.4
degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 54 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below
normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 0
degrees from normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 4.09 inches statewide which was
0.51 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.90
inches, Central 4.58 inches, Bluegrass 3.65 inches and East 4.16 inches, which
was 0.78, 0.29, 0.70 and 0.24 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 2.18 inches at Berea to a high of 4.12
inches at Princeton.
Kentucky
3/ 1/2005 to 3/31/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 44.9 48.1 -3.2 3.90 4.68 -0.78 83
2 42.7 47.2 -4.4 4.58 4.87 -0.29 94
3 41.3 45.2 -3.9 3.65 4.35 -0.70 84
4 42.3 45.6 -3.3 4.16 4.40 -0.24 94
* Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary February 2005*
Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation:
All four weeks during the month averaged above normal temperatures continuing
the warm trend during the start of 2005. High temperatures on several days
climbed into the 60's and lower 70's. However, the end of the month ended on a
cold note as a winter storm brought some light snow to the state. The month was
very dry, with only the second week recording above normal precipitation
statewide. Generally, February was a quiet month weatherwise. In the past 111
years, this was the 36th driest and the 25th warmest February on record.
February 2005 marked the first time since March 2004 that statewide average
precipitation was below normal. Five of the past 6 months have average above
normal temperatures.
Temperatures for the period averaged 40.6 degrees across the state which was 3.4
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 49 in the West to 49 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below
normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 33 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 7
degrees above normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 2.73 inches statewide which was
1.04 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.99
inches, Central 2.93 inches, Bluegrass 2.21 inches and East 2.74 inches, which
was 1.06, 1.19, 1.23 and 0.72 inches respectively below normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.68 inches at Spindletop to a high of
4.20 inches at Somerset.
Kentucky
2/ 1/2005 to 2/28/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 42.1 38.6 3.5 2.99 4.04 -1.06 74
2 41.2 38.1 3.1 2.93 4.12 -1.19 71
3 39.4 36.1 3.3 2.21 3.43 -1.23 64
4 39.7 36.9 2.8 2.74 3.46 -0.72 79
* Based on Preliminary Data
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Kentucky Climate Summary January 2005*
Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation
The start of 2005 brought very mild and wet conditions to the Bluegrass State. A
stationary front stalled across the region kept rain and unseasonable
temperatures in the picture for the first two weeks. Record highs were set as
temperatures reached the lower 70's. Flooding along the Ohio River and other
rivers and streams caused problems for cities and towns. Ohio River levels were
their highest since the late 1990's. Winter finally set it halfway through the
month. A series of Alberta clippers ushered in snow and cold temperatures as a
persistent northwest flow set up across the state. The month ended on a quiet
note with temperatures and precipitation near normal. January 2005 marks the 10th
month in a row that precipitation values have averaged above normal. Average
temperatures were 6 degrees above normal placing this month as the 18th warmest
January in the past 111 years.
Temperatures for the period averaged 39.1 degrees across the state which was 6.2
degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 45 in
the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above
normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures
averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from
normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 9
degrees above normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 4.94 inches statewide which was
1.17 inches from normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 4.94
inches, Central 5.47 inches, Bluegrass 5.01 inches and East 4.52 inches, which
was 1.24, 1.45, 1.57 and 0.82 inches respectively above normal. By station,
precipitation totals ranged from a low of 3.18 inches at Hardinsburg to a high
of 6.48 inches at Covington.
Kentucky
1/ 1/2005 to 1/31/2005
Temperature Precipitation
cd temp norm dev prcp norm dev percent
1 39.9 33.8 6.1 4.94 3.70 1.24 133
2 40.2 33.5 6.7 5.47 4.02 1.45 136
3 37.7 31.9 5.8 5.01 3.45 1.57 145
4 38.7 33.2 5.5 4.52 3.70 0.82 122
* Based on Preliminary Data
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