Recent Conditions

We’re looking at a short and sweet Ag Weather Update this week with relatively quiet conditions in place. It borderline feels unreal, but we’re actually seeing some sun this week! April, as a whole, has been exceptionally wet for most of the Bluegrass State. Below is a look at the month-to-date rainfall through April 20th. Most of the western half of Kentucky has already seen 4+ inches through April 20th. Some folks in the Purchase and Pennyrile regions have even recorded 5-6+ inches. Just to put that into perspective, the state's normal for precipitation in April sits at 4.73 inches. The one exception to the wet weather was across Southeastern Kentucky, which continues to run in the abnormally dry category on the U.S. Drought Monitor with below normal rainfall and low stream flows in place.

The wet conditions across Western and Central Kentucky last week were also accompanied by severe weather. A line of strong to severe storms pushed through the area Wednesday afternoon (4/13) and into Wednesday night. While there were multiple reports of damaging winds, the line also produced 14 tornadoes. Thankfully, unlike early December 2021, these tornadoes were relatively weak and short-lived. More information on rating, peak winds, and path length can be found in the event overview from the National Weather Service offices in Louisville and Paducah.

This is a good reminder that we are getting into peak tornado season for the state of Kentucky. You should have shelter/emergency preparedness plans in place. Below is a look at the number of tornado warnings issued by month in the state of Kentucky going back to 1986. While tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, peak frequency tends to be in April and May.  

Forecast

The wet and cool weather has pushed planting behind schedule. The latest KY Crop Progress and Condition Report shows that only 6% of corn has been planted, which is 10% behind the 5-year average. Dr. Chad Lee, UK Grain Crops Extension Specialist, sent out a good reminder on his Twitter profile this week, mentioning that “conditions are more important than calendar” and “we still have total yield potential.” Bottom line, hang in there! We’re not alone in this position across the Midwest Region (below).

The upcoming week will feature more of the same in the way of up and down temperatures, but it appears we’ll finally get a significant stretch of dry conditions. This follows what will be a period of rain showers tonight and into tomorrow. A tenth to a half inch will be in play (a little less across Southeastern Ky). Conditions then turn dry through at least Sunday, along with a SIGNIFICANT warming pattern in place. Look for highs in the 80s this weekend with south winds in place! Some areas may even hit the middle 80s.

Our next chance of showers arrives early next week as a cold front crosses into the Ohio Valley. This looks to be another case of the western half of Kentucky seeing the highest accumulations with rain diminishing to the east. Temperatures take a dip behind the boundary. Below is a look at the 6-10 day temperature outlook that has higher confidence in below normal temperatures for the end of April. In addition, there are hints of drier conditions for the end of April/start of May. Something to watch!

Related News from UK and Beyond

Kentucky Crop Progress and Condition Report - USDA NASS Kentucky Field Office, April 18, 2022

2022 research looks different at UK’s Princeton station - Katie Pratt, UK Ag Communications, April 20, 2022

Management of Fusarium Head Blight (Scab) of Wheat with Fungicides - Dr. Carl Bradley, UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, April 19, 2022