July 2018 Climate Summary Now Available

A Month of Extremes

Temperature and precipitation patterns varied across the High Plains in July, and the presence of extremes was no exception this month. Much of the region experienced relief from the heat, particularly in the eastern High Plains where temperatures were slightly below normal. In fact, the second half of July brought fall-like temperatures to areas of the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas. However, the extreme heat continued in the western High Plains, providing no relief to drought-stricken areas of Colorado and southern Wyoming. Heavy rains provided drought relief to southwestern Kansas and portions of the Dakotas, but it also caused flooding in locations such as Brookings, South Dakota. Severe weather was a prominent feature throughout the High Plains in July, as tornadoes, hail, and high winds damaged crops and structures. Meanwhile, eastern Kansas, western Colorado, and southern Wyoming missed out on the rains, and drought impacts continued to mount. Streamflows were indicative of heavy rainfall or the lack thereof throughout the region, with high flows in portions of South Dakota and Nebraska, and low flows in areas of Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas.

July marked the approximate halfway point through the growing season and, for the most part, crops were faring well. Kansas was the exception where nearly one-quarter of the corn and soybean crops were in poor to very poor condition, according to the July 31st U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin. Corn progress was well ahead of schedule due to the heat experienced during the late spring and early summer, and it is expected to mature early across much of the region this year. The winter wheat harvest was nearly wrapped up in Colorado and Kansas, and production was negatively impacted by a combination of drought and hailstorms. Pastureland was suffering in the two states, with 46 percent of pastureland in Colorado and 35 percent of pastureland in Kansas in poor to very poor condition. Throughout the course of the month, topsoil moisture declined in all High Plains states except Colorado. However, it was still faring worst in Colorado, with 35 percent of the state’s topsoil moisture rated poor to very poor.

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