Ag Weather Forum

Chilly Weekend Summary

Bryce Anderson
By  Bryce Anderson , Ag Meteorologist Emeritus
Connect with Bryce:

Cold temperatures during the Sept 12-13 weekend got a lot of attention. As it turned out, the event was not quite as intense as forecast models had indicated the week before, but it nonetheless got quite chilly. The following paragraph is a description of the temperature pattern across the U.S. last week as compiled by Informa Economics:

Temperatures began the week above normal in much of the country. However, by mid and late week below normal cold advanced into the country via the northwest and north plains. As a result the Southwest and much of the West Coast remained above normal as was the situation in eastern Texas across the South and up the Seaboard to the mid-Atlantic region. Elsewhere colder than normal conditions developed. With the cold came temperatures into the upper 20’s and low 30’s for lows Friday through Sunday mornings. The area affected included northeast Iowa and central Minnesota, central portions of Nebraska, northwest Kansas through western Nebraska into western and northern South Dakota, North Dakota as well as Wyoming and Montana. The duration of cold ranged from just less than one hour to three hours. Crop damage is thought to be minimal. Heat remained problematic in the Far West.

P[L1] D[0x0] M[300x250] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]

Now, here's more on the incursion of the cold into Iowa. While damage was likely scattered, the cold was historic. This summary is from Iowa state ag department climatologist Harry Hillaker:

Frost was scattered across much of the state on Saturday (13th) morning with official temperatures dipping to 31 degrees at Elkader, Estherville, Mason City, Sheldon, Sioux Center, Stanley and Webster City. These were the lowest temperatures recorded in Iowa for so early in the season since a 29 degree reading near Elkader on September 10, 1976...Overall, temperatures for the week averaged 9.0 degrees (F) below normal.

Bryce

Twitter @BAndersonDTN

P[] D[728x170] M[320x75] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]
P[L2] D[728x90] M[320x50] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]

Comments

To comment, please Log In or Join our Community .