After a very wet first half of August, most of the state saw an extended period of dry weather last week. Following some widespread showers across Western KY on Tuesday morning (8/16), the majority of Kentucky stayed dry through Saturday. Scattered to numerous showers and storms then fired on Sunday to end the weekend. The highest accumulations were seen across Central KY where some totals exceeded 2 inches and unfortunately, led to additional localized flooding. On the other side of the spectrum, some locations missed out, including the Green River region and much of the Eastern KY. Overall, the state only averaged 0.44 inches for the week. 

Summer 2022 Heat

Thus far, temperatures have run close to normal for the month of August. Saying that, it's been more of a balancing act. High temperatures have actually ran below normal, while minimum temperatures have ran above normal. This has been quite the change from June and July when heat and humidity was prevalent throughout. In fact, it was the 20th warmest June/July on record in Kentucky with data extending back to 1895. The last time we had a warmer June/July was back in 2016.

This data only takes into account temperatures. Humidity made it feel much warmer. I wrote about this topic in the 7/21 edition of the Ag Weather Update. The heat index tells us what it really feels like outside when adding humidity into the equation.

Below is a look at four stations across the state and the number of hours each exceeded heat indices of 90 and 100 degrees during the months of June and July. I included the same chart in the 7/21 edition above, but this one now takes in account the entirety of July data. As you can see, 2022 was a warm one in June and July. In almost every single case, the number of hours with a heat index of 90 and 100+ in 2022, exceeded the 30-year average. No doubt it has been a warm summer!

Forecast

Boring forecast alert! It's been a quiet start to the workweek with dry conditions in place. Expect that trend to continue for most of the state through the weekend. Isolated to scattered activity will be on the table, but most should remain dry. The best chance looks to arrive Friday afternoon/evening across the eastern half of KY. Below is a look at forecast accumulations through Saturday. As you can see, anything from nothing to a quarter inch is on the table. Better chances look to arrive early next workweek.

Unfortunately, our run of comfortable temperatures and humidity is coming to an end. Both will rise heading into the weekend. Look for highs back in the upper 80s to low 90s, a bit above normal for this time of year. Humidity won't be overly oppressive, but you'll definitely feel the change.

Looking into the end of August and start of September, outlooks are leaning toward a continuation of above normal temperatures. Precipitation-wise, forecasters favor a period of wetter-than-normal conditions. Following a week of mostly dry conditions and heat returning to the area, it'll be time for some rain. 

Related News from UK and Beyond

Kentucky Crop Progress and Condition Report - USDA NASS Kentucky Field Office, August 22, 2022

Kentucky 4-H Relief Fund Raffle - Kentucky 4-H Foundation, 

Horses Impacted by Eastern Kentucky Flooding - Shoshana Rudski, The Horse Digital Editor, August 19, 2022

Status of Insect Pests in Soybeans and Corn in August - Dr. Raul Villanueva, UK Entomology Extension Specialist, August 16, 2022

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Confirmed in Kentucky - Dr. Nicole Gauthier, UK Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist, August 23, 2022

Fall Storm Spotter Training Webinars Available - Paducah National Weather Service Office