June 2009 Climate Summary

For a printable version of the climate summary which includes more figures, data tables, and state summaries, click here.

Temperature Summary

A short heat wave developed towards the end of the month.  The combination of hot and muggy conditions created afternoon heat indices well over 100˚F (37.8˚C) in a number of locations, which negatively impacted cattle producers in the region.  Despite this heat wave, overall, temperatures across the majority of the Region were cooler than normal.  At least one location recorded its coolest June on record and several locations ranked in the top 10 coolest Junes.  Del Norte, CO recorded its coolest June with an average temperature of 54.0˚F (12.2˚C).  This broke the old record of 55.6˚F (13.1˚C) recorded in 1969.

Precipitation Summary

A large swath of the Region extending through Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska received more than 200% of normal precipitation this month.  While widespread precipitation records did not occur, many locations ranked in the top 10 wettest Junes on record.  Interestingly, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, SD, there were an unusually high number of days with measurable precipitation (daily precipitation of 0.01 inch or more) at several locations.   This June, Sioux Falls, SD and Sioux City, SD both had 16 days with measurable precipitation and Huron, SD had 15 days with measurable precipitation.   Each city tied the record for the most number of days with measurable precipitation for June.

Only small pockets of the region received less than 50% of normal precipitation this month.  These areas include southeast Colorado, extreme south central Nebraska, and northern and central North Dakota. This month’s extreme dry location is Jamestown, ND which recorded its 9th driest June with 1.27 inches of precipitation, or 39% of normal.

Climate Outlook

ENSO-neutral conditions are currently transitioning to El Niño conditions, and based on observations and forecasts this trend should continue through August.  The temperature outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal temperatures for the western half of Colorado and most of Wyoming, and a higher probability of below normal temperatures for far eastern Kansas.  Elsewhere in the region, equal chances of above, near, or below normal temperatures are predicted.  The precipitation outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal precipitation for Colorado, southern Wyoming, and a portion of the panhandle of Nebraska.  Elsewhere in the region, equal chances of above, near, or below normal precipitation is predicted.  More information about these forecasts can be found here.

Drought Watch

While abnormally dry conditions (D0) remain unchanged in southeastern Colorado, locally heavy rains helped ease drought conditions in other areas of the region this month.  Areas of western Wyoming received over 200% of normal precipitation which led to a gradual downgrade throughout the month from moderate drought conditions (D1) to no drought conditions.  Much of the D0 across South Dakota and Nebraska was eliminated and only areas that received little precipitation remain at D0.  A small section D0 and D1 have developed along the central Kansas/Nebraska border where little to no precipitation was received towards the end of the month.  According to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released July 2, drought conditions are expected to improve through September.