Author: Gannon
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October 2023 Climate Summary
Glacier National Park in Montana, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown This October wrapped all seasons into a month in the High Plains. Scorching summerlike warmth and severe weather began the month, while the month ended with subzero temperatures and snow. An unusual and impactful severe weather outbreak in Kansas and Nebraska occurred on…
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September 2023 Climate Summary
Flathead Lake near Polson, Montana, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown The region grappled with warmer temperatures and spotty precipitation this month, less than ideal conditions for agricultural producers. These conditions delayed harvesting in the region, while others are planting winter wheat on dry soils. After another disappointing winter wheat crop this year, producers…
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August 2023 Climate Summary
Hidden Falls in Wyoming, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown August ended with a bang, after one of the more significant heatwaves impacted parts of the region in the final days of the month. Thousands of daily temperature records were broken, after temperatures eclipsed 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) for nearly a week.…
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July 2023 Climate Summary
Storm over Lincoln, Nebraska, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown July was a mixed bag of weather for the High Plains. Precipitation was greatly needed for some, while others received next to nothing. Cooler temperatures dominated much of the region, despite a heatwave late in the month. Wheat harvest in Kansas began at the…
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June 2023 Climate Summary
View of Boulder, Colorado, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown The month of June was both good and bad for the High Plains. Record precipitation greatly improved drought conditions for some, while others continued to remain dry. Drought conditions continued to intensify in the eastern portions of the region, leading to significant impacts. The…
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May 2023 Climate Summary
Sunset at Lake McConaughy outside of Ogallala, Nebraska, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown The phrase, “when it rains, it pours” would describe the month of May for northwestern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska. Parts of the area had gone nearly 290 days without over 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) of precipitation in a day to…
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April 2023 Climate Summary
Cattle in a struggling Western Kansas Pasture, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown The northern parts of the High Plains continued to deal with the brutal winter, while the southern portions were dry once again. Both parts of the region are dealing with issues related to their ends of the extremes. Snow continued to…
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March 2023 Climate Summary
Thunderstorm over Lincoln, Nebraska, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown While snow continued to impact the northern states in March, precipitation was notably absent for much of the High Plains. Cooler temperatures helped with drought conditions; however, many places desperately need moisture this spring. As the significant drought affecting Kansas enters the second year,…
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Missouri River Basin Winter Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlooks
Regional Significant Events for December 2022 – February 2023 Highlights for the Basin A historic Arctic air outbreak in late December led to hundreds of daily and thirty all-time record cold temperatures. Strong and sustained winds were present, leading to dangerous and life-threatening wind chills. Tragically, at least 11 people are known to have perished…
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February 2023 Climate Summary
Mountains of eastern Wyoming, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown February in the High Plains had it all. From severe weather to snowstorms, nothing was off the table. Snow continued to pile up in the Dakotas, Wyoming, and parts of Nebraska, leading to numerous impacts. Much of South Dakota was shut down due to…