February 2008 Climate Summary

Colder than normal temperatures were prevalent in eastern portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and northeastern Kansas. Average February Temperature departures from the 1971-2000 Normals ranged from -4F (-2C) to -10F (-6C) for much of this area. These depressions were aided by snow cover which present for much of February throughout this entire region, with the deepest snow depths in portions of eastern North Dakota and northeast Kansas.
The Nebraska Panhandle and areas west of Kearney, western Kansas and the plains of Colorado and Wyoming were very close to normal temperatures, with some areas between 2F (1C) and 4F (2.2C) above Normal on the lee side of the Rockies in Colorado and Wyoming.
Early in February, several low pressure systems passed bringing snow and moisture to the eastern high plains, with the most liquid precipitation
in falling southeastern Kansas. Total precipitation amounts in southeast Kansas for February 2008 ranged from 2.5 inches (6 cm) to 4 inches (9.5 cm), which were greater than 200% of the 1971-2000 liquid precipitation total Normal for February. Also benefiting from above Normal liquid precipitation amounts were the Rockies in southwest Colorado and portions of southwest Wyoming.

Precipitation Summary
Early in February, two strong low pressure systems passed (5th/10th) bringing snow and moisture to the eastern high plains, with the most liquid precipitation falling in southeastern Kansas. Total precipitation amounts in southeast Kansas for February 2008 ranged from 2.5 inches (6 cm) to 4 inches (9.5 cm), which were greater than 200% of the 1971-2000 liquid precipitation total Normal for February. Topeka, KS experienced its second wettest February on record, and its wettest winter on record (Dec-Feb). Also benefiting from above Normal liquid precipitation amounts were the Rockies in southwest Colorado and portions of southwest Wyoming. The remainder of the High Plains region was normal or near normal, with some pockets of dry in western North Dakota and western Nebraska. Below is a table with precipitation and snowfall amounts and ranking within historical record from select locations in the High Plains region.

Climate Outlook
With La Nina ENSO conditions expected for the remainder of the cold season, as NOAA forecasters continue to call for above-average temperatures and dryer than normal conditions for much of the southern High Plains, extending from Central Nebraska south through Kansas and Colorado. This winter outlook is produced by scientists at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. More information can be found here: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/.

Drought Watch
Almost no changes to the Drought Monitor during the month of February for the High Plains region. Some categorical improvement is expected in western portions of the Dakotas in through May 2008, according to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released February 21. An even higher likelihood of categorical improvement is expected in western Wyoming. Persisting drought conditions are expected in North Central ND, with possible intensification in portions of Southwest Kansas and Southeast Colorado. A change from expected improvement to continued drought persistence occurred between the January Drought Outlook and the February release, possibly a result of a drier than expected February conditions for western South and North Dakota.