November 2016 Climate Summary Now Available

Overview - Continued Warmth

Above-normal temperatures continued into November throughout the High Plains. Many top 10 records for warmest November were set, as much of the region was 4.0-8.0 degrees F (2.2-4.4 degrees C) above normal. Departures were especially impressive in the Dakotas. In North Dakota, temperatures in Fargo and Grand Forks were 13.0 degrees F (7.2 degrees C) and 14.7 degrees F (8.2 degrees C) above normal, respectively, and Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, and Minot all had their warmest Novembers on record. The continued warmth during the past few months led to some remarkable fall temperature records as well. The following is a selection of locations that experienced record-breaking warm falls: Colorado Springs, CO, Pueblo, CO, Salina, KS, and Aberdeen, SD (warmest); Bismarck, ND, Sioux Falls, SD, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, and Cheyenne, WY (2nd warmest); and Williston, ND and Rapid City, SD (3rd warmest).

The continuation of above-normal temperatures resulted in several impacts around the region. Snowpack got off to a slow start in the Rockies. While some parts of the Rockies, such as the western half of Wyoming, received ample precipitation this fall, the warm temperatures caused precipitation to fall more as rain than snow. The warmth contributed to drought expanding across parts of every state in the High Plains region, especially in Colorado and Kansas. Colorado Springs, Colorado had its driest fall on record, and it was the 3rd driest in Dodge City, Kansas. Many locations experienced late first fall freezes. Although not in our region, it is worth noting that Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota experienced its latest first fall freeze on record on November 18th (period of record 1873-2016). According to Nebraska Extension, several diseases were found in fall-planted wheat throughout the state. Stripe, stem, and leaf rust diseases were widespread in part due to extended above-normal temperatures into late fall. However, the warm temperatures did have some positive impacts. For example, the growing season was extended, allowing people to enjoy their garden plants and vegetables longer than usual, and it also helped accelerate harvest.

For more information on temperature, precipitation, and impacts from climate in November in the High Plains region, please see the link to the full PDF of the summary: http://hprcc.unl.edu/climatesummaries.php.