Category: Monthly Climate Summary
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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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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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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…
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December 2022 Climate Summary
Medicine Bow National Forest, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown 2022 will be remembered as the year of unusually high winds in the High Plains. After beginning the year with near-record strong winds, the final month brought similar conditions. Early in December, winds gusted over 40 mph (64.4 km/h) in northwestern Kansas. With how…
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November 2022 Climate Summary
Sunrise in Western Kansas, Photo Courtesy of Gannon Rush Regional Breakdown November brought relief from the continued above-normal temperatures; however, precipitation was still below-normal for much of the region. Drought conditions will likely continue through the winter, which will affect agricultural production. A lone bright spot in agriculture was the optimal weather conditions allowed for…