August 2011 Climate Summary

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

Temperature Summary

August 2011 temperatures were generally near normal for the majority of Nebraska and the Dakotas. However, a large area of Colorado and Kansas had temperature departures ranging from 4-8 degrees F (2.2-4.4 degrees C) above normal. By the end of the month, several locations were ranked in the top 5 warmest Augusts on record. With an average temperature of 74.1 degrees F (23.4 degrees C), Colorado Springs, Colorado had its warmest August on record (period of record 1894-2011). The old record of 72.6 degrees F (22.6 degrees C) occurred in 2007. The warmer than normal August temperatures allowed many locations in Colorado and Kansas to break summer (June, July, and August) temperature records as well. Dodge City, Kansas broke multiple records by having its warmest and driest summer on record (period of record 1874-2011). With an average temperature of 83.5 degrees F (28.6 degrees C) Dodge City was able to break the previous record of 83.4 degrees F (28.6 degrees C) set during the Dust Bowl in 1934. Dodge City also had 50 days at or above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) this summer which crushed the old record of 42 days also set in 1934. The ongoing hot and dry conditions across southern Kansas and Colorado have stressed crops and livestock. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service livestock liquidations took place throughout the month in order to reduce stress on pastures and water supplies.

Precipitation Summary

Dryness prevailed across southern Kansas, eastern Colorado, central Wyoming, eastern South Dakota, and northern North Dakota. Extreme (D3) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions persisted across much of southern Colorado and southern Kansas. While some areas of the extreme drought conditions in Colorado were downgraded, relief was not in store for southern Kansas as the area received lower than normal precipitation. Dodge City, Kansas had its 6th driest August on record and only received 0.65 inches (17 mm) of precipitation, which was 24 percent of normal (period of record 1874-2011). The driest August on record occurred in 1894 with 0.15 inches (4 mm) of precipitation. Dodge City also recorded its driest summer on record with 1.58 inches (40 mm) of precipitation. Interestingly, the year-to-date (January 1 – August 31) precipitation of 4.60 inches (117 mm) was also the lowest on record.

While drought conditions occurred in the southern-most portions of the Region, a large section stretching from northern Kansas up through central North Dakota experienced many storms and was wetter than normal. Areas that had precipitation totals which were at or above 150 percent of normal included southern North Dakota, central South Dakota, west-central Wyoming, northern Kansas, and pockets of eastern, northern, and southwestern Nebraska. Lincoln, Nebraska had its 7th wettest August on record with 6.89 inches (175 mm) of precipitation which was 206 percent of normal (period of record 1887-2011). This amount was no where near the record 13.89 inches (353 mm) that was set in August 1910; however one daily rainfall record was broken. Early morning thunderstorms on the 30th brought 2.62 inches (67 mm) of rain which broke the old record of 2.23 inches (57 mm) set in 1977.

Climate Outlook

El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle (ENSO)-neutral conditions are present in the equatorial Pacific and are expected to continue into fall. The temperature outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal temperatures for nearly the entire Region, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and the majority of Wyoming and the Dakotas. Equal chances of above, near, or below normal temperatures are predicted for northwestern Wyoming, western North Dakota, and extreme northwestern South Dakota. The precipitation outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal precipitation for South Dakota, southern North Dakota, the majority of Nebraska, and northeastern Wyoming. Meanwhile, a higher probability of below normal precipitation exists for a small sliver of southern Colorado. Equal chances of above, near, or below normal precipitation are predicted elsewhere in the Region.  The seasonal outlooks combine the effects of long-term trends, soil moisture, and when applicable, ENSO.  More information about these forecasts can be found here.

Drought Watch

Several changes occurred to the U.S. Drought Monitor this month. Crop stress in eastern South Dakota and Nebraska led to an introduction of mainly abnormally dry conditions (D0). However, a small area of moderate drought (D1) developed in far southeastern South Dakota. By mid month, D0 was also present in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, a small portion of eastern Wyoming, and far northwestern Nebraska. Scattered showers across eastern Colorado allowed for a one-category improvement for a good portion of the extreme drought conditions (D3). Meanwhile, D3 and D4 (exceptional drought conditions) expanded in western Kansas as hot and dry conditions persisted. According to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook released August 18th drought conditions in Kansas and eastern Colorado were expected to improve somewhat. The drought conditions in central Colorado were expected to persist, while just to the west, drought conditions were expected to develop.