Above Average Temperatures for the West and Central Plains; Lake Effect Snow Continues

Well above average temperatures will prevail across the Plains and the West Coast this week, while a cold front will bring Arctic air to the South and East Coast Thursday and Friday. Lake effect snow is forecast downwind of the Great Lakes through Thursday along and behind the Arctic front, as well as mountain snow across the Southern Appalachians. Read More >

A very noticeable pattern change took place throughout May compared to April and March as very warm and dry weather prevailed. This led to a reversal from pretty widespread areal flooding due to the rapid melting of an area-wide deep snowpack in April to a very dry pattern with flash drought conditions developing through the month. Rainfall was below average everywhere, and for some places, several inches below average. Ashland recorded the driest May on record! Temperatures were also several degrees above average everywhere. As a result, rivers and streams are starting to fall below normal levels.