November 2011 Climate Summary

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

Temperature Summary

Overall, the High Plains Region experienced a warm and dry November. These conditions were favorable for crop producers and allowed most of the remaining harvesting activities across the Region to be completed. The largest temperature departures were in the Dakotas, northern Nebraska, and pockets of eastern Colorado. In these areas, temperatures were generally 4-6 degrees F (2.2-3.3 degrees C) above normal. Although a few locations had temperature departures which were 6-8 degrees F (3.3-4.4 degrees C) above normal, monthly temperature records were not set this month. Below normal temperatures were confined to western Wyoming and a few isolated locations throughout the Region. While monthly temperature records were not set this month, many locations set new daily temperature records on or near Thanksgiving. Interestingly, for many locations across the Dakotas the warmest and coldest temperatures of the month occurred near Thanksgiving. For instance, Bismarck, North Dakota had its lowest temperature of the month, 0 degrees F (-17.8 degrees C), on November 20th and just three days later set a new record high of 62 degrees F (16.7 degrees C) on November 23rd. Thanksgiving was unusually warm across the Region this year and many locations set new record highs for the day. Omaha, Nebraska recorded its warmest Thanksgiving on record with a high temperature of 73 degrees F (22.8 degrees C). This was also the warmest temperature ever recorded this late in the autumn season in Omaha (period of record 1871-2011). On average, October 27th is the last day of the season that is at least that warm in Omaha.
Departure from

Precipitation Summary

November 2011 was drier than normal for most of the Region. Many locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, and a swath running from southwest to northeast Nebraska received less than 25 percent of normal precipitation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the ongoing lack of precipitation caused moderate drought conditions to spread into eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, and northern Nebraska. Additionally, abnormally dry conditions spread across North Dakota and into parts of western South Dakota. For many locations, this autumn (September, October, and November) was one of the driest on record. One of the many locations to set records this autumn was Sioux Falls, South Dakota which only received 0.87 inches (22 mm) over the three month period. To put this amount into perspective, the normal precipitation for autumn in Sioux Falls is 6.30 inches (160 mm). The old record for driest autumn occurred in 1952 with 1.02 inches (26 mm) of precipitation (period of record 1893-2011).

There were some exceptions to the dryness this month. Central Wyoming, southern and eastern Kansas, and the southeastern corner of Colorado all received at least 150 percent of normal precipitation. The precipitation was a welcome sight in the drought impacted areas of Kansas and Colorado. Heavy rains occurred November 7-8 in southern and eastern Kansas. During this time many daily precipitation records were set and, when combined with the rest of the month, the precipitation helped many locations to be ranked in the top 10 wettest Novembers on record. Topeka, Kansas received 2.98 inches (76 mm) over the two day period, which included 2.05 inches (52 mm) on the 7th alone. This amount crushed a long-standing daily precipitation record of 1.43 inches (36 mm) set in 1918 (period of record 1887-2011). By the end of the month, Topeka had received 4.66 inches (118 mm) of precipitation which was the 8th wettest November on record. It is interesting to note that on average, November is usually one of the driest months of the year; however this November was the second wettest month of 2011 in Topeka.

Climate Outlook

La Niña conditions are present in the equatorial Pacific and are expected to continue through winter. The temperature outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal temperatures for southern Kansas and the far southeast corner of Colorado. A higher probability for below normal temperature exists for North Dakota and the northern half of South Dakota. The precipitation outlook indicates a higher probability of above normal precipitation across the Dakotas, Wyoming, western and central Nebraska, and northern Colorado. Meanwhile, southern Kansas and the southeastern corner of Colorado have a higher probability of below normal precipitation. Equal chances of above, near, or below normal precipitation and temperature are predicted elsewhere in the Region. The seasonal outlooks combine the effects of long-term trends, soil moisture, and when applicable, the El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle (ENSO).More information about these forecasts can be found here.

Drought Watch

The U.S. Drought Monitor had many changes this month. Beneficial rains across southern and eastern Kansas led to one category improvements for much of the drought stricken area. Additional improvements were made in south-central Colorado
as two areas of extreme drought (D3) were downgraded to severe drought (D2). Only a small area of exceptional drought remained in southwest Kansas and the far southeast corner of Colorado. Nebraska and the Dakotas all had degradations, as precipitation totals were well below normal. Abnormally dry conditions (D0) spread across southern North Dakota and into northwestern South Dakota. Moderate drought (D1) spread south through eastern Nebraska and also developed in eastern North Dakota. According to the North Dakota State Climate Office, before the introduction of D1 this month, the state had gone 115 consecutive weeks with no drought. D2 spread into northeastern Nebraska and east-central South Dakota as well. According to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook conditions in portions of South Dakota, Nebraska, and northern Kansas were expected to improve, while drought conditions in other areas were expected to persist.