February 2018 Climate Summary

Overview and Graphics

February 2018 Climate Review: The big takeaway from February was the abnormally wet conditions the region endured, with amounts of 7 to 11 inches common. In fact, February 2018 now ranks as the wettest February on record in Evansville, IN, with 9.24”, shattering the previous wettest February set back in 2000 when 7.26” was observed. Cape Girardeau checked in as their 2nd wettest February, while Paducah recorded their 4th wettest. This was in large part due to a 5 day stretch from the evening of February 20th through February 24th when much of the region picked up 5 to 8 inches of rain. Both Evansville, IN and Cape Girardeau, MO picked up identical 3.45” of rain on February 24th, setting new records for wettest February calendar day on record. On the winter side of the spectrum, little snow occurred across the region, but Evansville did manage to pick up 0.9”, between snow that fell on the 1st and 17th.

Temperatures ranged from 3 to 5 degrees above normal across the region. In Paducah, KY it was the 8th warmest February on record. The region experienced a cold start to the month, with 10 of the first 12 days averaging below normal, but then unseasonably warm to record warm temperatures took over. There were 4 days that made it into the 70s in Paducah and Evansville, IN with temperatures on the 20th within 1 to 3 degrees of all-time February record highs. Both Paducah and Evansville experienced their warmest low temperatures ever recorded in February on the 20th, thanks to a cold front that waited until just after midnight to pass through these cities. Low temperatures that day of 67 in Paducah and 65 in Evansville are more typical of June!

February 2018 Review: Precipitation and Temperature Maps (Click on image to enlarge)

Climate Maps are from the Northeast Regional Climate Center

The graphic below is an interpolated rainfall map using actual observations. Please note that there are likely discrepancies in between observations, since the values are estimated based on nearest reports.

Monthly Summary Listings of normals and records for Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau

Monthly Climate Report: Paducah | Evansville | Cape Girardeau

Records Listing of records for Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardaeu

Record Event Reports: Paducah | Evansville | Cape Girardeau