April 2010 Climate Summary

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

Temperature Summary

April 2010 was warmer than normal for most locations across the High Plains Region. The highest above normal temperature departures occurred in the eastern Dakotas where temperature departures were 6-10 degrees F (3.3-5.6 degrees C) above normal. The above normal temperature departures tapered off in intensity toward the western part of the Region, ending in central Wyoming and northern Colorado, where temperature departures of 2-4 degrees F (1.1-2.2 degrees C) below normal occurred.

Many locations across eastern portions of North Dakota and South Dakota were ranked in the top 10 warmest Aprils on record and at least two locations set or tied for the warmest on record. Fargo, North Dakota recorded its warmest April on record (period of record 1881-2010) with an average temperature of 51.6 degrees F (10.9 degrees C) which was 8.1 degrees F (4.5 degrees C) above normal. This beat the old record of 51.5 degrees F (10.8 degrees C) which occurred in both 1915 and 1987. Britton, South Dakota tied its own 1987 record for the warmest April (period of record 1893-2010) with an average temperature of 53.5 degrees F (11.9 degrees C).

Precipitation Summary

Precipitation varied this month and areas of the Region which received at least 150 percent of normal precipitation included north and central North Dakota, southwestern South Dakota, western Nebraska, northern Kansas, western and southeastern Wyoming, and northern Colorado. While western Wyoming received above normal precipitation this month, it was not enough to make a dent in the ongoing drought conditions. Meanwhile, an ongoing lack of precipitation in northwestern North Dakota and south central Kansas led to the development of abnormally dry conditions.

April was an active month as weather ranging from snow to tornadoes affected parts of the Region. Early in the month, a series of snowstorms hit Wyoming pushing snow totals for the season even higher. For example, Riverton, Wyoming, with 61.9 inches (157.2 cm) of snow, now ranks as the second snowiest season on record (period of record 1907-2010). Later in the month, severe storms affected areas of the Region. In particular, April 22nd was one of the most active severe weather days of the month for the High Plains Region. Numerous tornadoes, large hail, and damaging thunderstorm winds were reported in eastern Colorado and western Kansas. These storms also produced heavy rain which caused record precipitation totals. One of these locations was Healy, Kansas. During the 24-hour period from April 22-23, Healy, Kansas received a record 4.26 inches (108.20 mm) of precipitation. According to a local sheriff, up to 4 feet of water covered the streets in the downtown area. This precipitation not only set the new record for the day, but also for the highest one day precipitation total for the month of April and the 4th highest one day precipitation total for the entire period of record (period of record 1901-2010). In addition, for the month of April, Healy, Kansas received 5.82 inches (147.83 mm) of precipitation, or 305 percent of normal. This beat the old record of 5.77 inches (146.56 mm) received in April 1984.

Climate Outlook

El Niño conditions were present this month and are expected to continue through Spring 2010. El Niño is expected to transition to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions by Summer 2010. The temperature outlook indicates a higher probability of below normal temperatures for the majority of the Region including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, northeastern Wyoming, and eastern Colorado. Only the southwestern corner of Colorado and the far southwestern corner of Wyoming have a higher probability for above normal temperatures. Equal chances of above, near, or below normal temperatures are predicted elsewhere. The precipitation outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal precipitation for the majority of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, southeastern Wyoming, and the eastern half of Colorado. Equal chances of above, near, or below normal precipitation are predicted elsewhere in the Region.  More information about these forecasts can be found here.

Drought Watch

Minor changes to the drought monitor occurred this month. Abnormally dry conditions (D0) developed in central Kansas and also spread from Montana east into the northwest corner of North Dakota. Both areas have experienced below normal precipitation over the past few months. The drought conditions in Colorado and Wyoming have remained largely unchanged from last month. According to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released April 15th, the moderate drought conditions (D1) in northwestern Colorado and southwestern Wyoming are expected to improve through July 2010, however the moderate (D1) to severe drought conditions (D2) in the remaining areas of Wyoming are expected to persist.