Wheat planting conditions: Late-September 2019
What are the current soil conditions across the wheat-growing regions of KS? What is the short-term weather outlook? Find out more here.
November weather in Kansas...in like a lion
Just like March, November came in like a lion with very cold temps. What factors played a role in this weather pattern? Will it warm up before winter officially arrives? What is the updated outlook going into December? Our K-State weather team addresses these questions in this article.
The latest winter weather outlook for Kansas is here
For the winter season, the Climate Prediction Center looks at the average outlook for December, January, and February. The latest winter climate outlook (and last before winter begins) was issued on November 21st. What is expected for this winter season in Kansas?
Kansas Climate Summary for 2019 - A wet year
The Kansas Climate Summary for 2019 offers a summary of the precipitation, temperature, severe weather, and drought status for Kansas. Overall, 2019 will be remembered as a wet year, with an increase in severe weather events.
Kansas weather highlights for each month of 2019
How well do you remember key weather events that impacted Kansas during 2019? When was the Linwood tornado? What month saw record rainfall? When did the "bomb cyclone" strike Kansas? This article offers a short weather summary for each month in 2019.
March weather outlook and looking beyond to Spring
Will this spring be cool and wet? How about warm and dry? Only time will tell for sure, but our specialists in the Kansas Climate Office offer their interpretations of the newly released 3-month outlook and what it may mean for Kansas.
Record-setting rainfall for southeast Kansas - How wet is it?
It has been quite some time since farmers in southeast Kansas have wished for rain. Just how wet has it been down in that corner of the state? Records have been broken and new ones have been set!
Become a volunteer weather reporter in Kansas - Join the CoCoRaHS Network
The weather affects everyone. Have you ever wondered just exactly how much rain you received? Join the CoCoRaHS Network and be an active participant in weather recording in Kansas!
Resources for weather education at home - All ages and skill levels
School classrooms are closed. The spring Storm Spotter training was cancelled. What do we do for weather education?? The National Weather Service has a number of products available for a wide range of age groups, interest levels, and expertise.
How do soil temperatures for 2020 compare to historical averages for Kansas?
This article discusses soil temperature climatology (30-year average) and how 2020 compares to the climate normal for Kansas. Climate "normals" provide a valuable historical perspective to help us understand current weather.
Summer weather outlook for Kansas
For most of Kansas, May has brought cooler-than-normal temperatures. With summer officially starting in roughly one month, what can we expect in terms of heat and rainfall? Will the drought in parts of KS persist or improve? Read more from the Kansas State Climate Team.
Just how much rain qualifies as a toad-strangler?
Are you familiar with the term "toad-strangler"? It means a very heavy rain - enough to strangle a toad. On May 15, several location in parts of eastern and central KS experienced this kind of rainfall event. Read more in this article from several Agronomy Extension specialists.
Kansas weather: Early June heat, drought...repeat?
The first week of June has been unusually warm all across Kansas. But, how unusual is it and where does June 2020 rank in the record books? How long will it last? Read more about this hot start to June in this article.
Ag-Climate Update for May 2020
The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Every month the update includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
Update on drought conditions in Kansas - June 23, 2020
While portions of Kansas did get significant rainfall in the last week, other areas remain dry with expansion of drought status in many locations. Read more about the drought status for Kansas and what to expect for moisture and temperatures as we head into July.
Ag-Climate Update for June 2020
Here's a recap of the weather experienced across Kansas during the month of June. The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. It includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
June 2020 in Kansas: One big hot wind
While windy days in Kansas are certainly common, June is historically one of the lighter wind months. This was not the case for June 2020. Sustained winds were above average for most of June for much of the state. What conditions were driving these winds? Read more here from the KS Climate team.
Kansas weather - Early fall 2020 outlook
The first outlooks for early Fall 2020 in Kansas have been released. What can we expect as we look toward August, September, and October in terms of rainfall and temperatures? Learn what the early predictions are in this article from the Kansas Climate Team.
Update on the fall weather outlook for Kansas - August 6, 2020
The fall weather outlook can be complex and is reliant on many various patterns across the globe. Many changes in regions outside the United States impact our persistent patterns.What weather pattern is most likely for Kansas this fall?
Ag-Climate Update for July 2020
The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. The update includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
Ag-Climate Update for August 2020
The month of August was dry for all divisions across Kansas. The lack of moisture had negative impacts on dryland corn. Read more about the August weather impacts in the latest Ag-Climate Update.
Ag-Climate Update for September 2020
The month of September was much drier than normal, with all districts averaging less than average for the month. Read more about the September weather and associated agronomic impacts in the Ag-Climate Update.
What does a La Nina winter mean for Kansas?
You may have heard the terms El Nino and La Nina in discussions about weather patterns. What do these terms mean and how do they help predict future climate forecasts for Kansas? Learn more in this article from the Kansas Mesonet team.
Ag-Climate Update for October 2020
October 2020 in Kansas was much drier than normal. It ranked as the 11th driest October since 1985. For more weather and climate insights from October, check out the Ag-Climate Update.
Update on drought conditions in Kansas - December 4, 2020
Heavy precipitation in some areas of Kansas resulted in some improvement in the drought status. Other areas that missed the rain declined or stayed the same. What is the outlook for the next 2 weeks in KS? Learn more in this article.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for November 2020
The November Ag-Climate Update is here and recaps the weather events and impacts over the course of November. This article offers a brief summary with a link to the full 2-page online resource.
Kansas Mesonet has wind chill analysis at your fingertips
The wind always seems to blow in Kansas and in winter, this wind can make the cold temperatures feel colder. Monitor the wind chill in your area with this tool from the Kansas Mesonet.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for December 2020
The December Ag-Climate offers a summary of the weather and climate impacts across Kansas. This publication is a collaborative effort between climate and extension specialists.
Look back at Kansas weather for each month of 2020
This article offers a quick highlight reel of the significant weather events that occurred over each month of 2020 for Kansas. Do you remember them all?
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for January 2021
The first month of 2021 brought wide swings in both temperature and precipitation across Kansas. Read more about where January 2021 falls in the record books and the agronomic impacts across the state.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for February 2021
February 2021 in Kansas was one for the record books! While you probably don't want to relive it, the Ag-Climate Update for February offers a summary of the severity and potential agronomic impacts associated with last month's weather for Kansas farmers.
Join the CoCoRaHS Network...because every drop counts!
Join a community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and become a weather reporter! The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS, dedicates March for its annual recruitment drive. Learn more in this article. Every drop counts!
A classic March wind storm in Kansas
This last week in March started out with significant wind across Kansas. While wind is not unusual during the spring months in Kansas, how windy did it get? What will the month of April bring to Kansas? Read more here in this article.
Kansas Mesonet adds a new tool for tracking days between rainfall events
The Kansas Mesonet is always working to expand its "toolbox" for Kansas farmers and other agricultural professionals. They have released a new feature that tracks the number of days since a rainfall event. This information will prove useful for monitoring the activation of chemicals, assessing crop performance, and more.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for March 2021
The Ag-Climate Update for March is here! The month of March started out dry for most of the state, but by the end had rebounded to being well above average for all regions. What will April bring? Read this update to find out!
Learn the facts about lightning and how to stay safe
As summer thunderstorm season approaches, make sure you know the facts about how lightning can travel. Learn the best strategies for keeping safe, including what to do if you are working outside in a remote area with no immediate access to a safe structure.
Does a quiet April mean a quiet tornado season in Kansas?
The spring tornado season is Kansas has been quiet so far. Does a quiet April give any clues about what the rest of the spring and summer will bring to Kansas? Learn more in this article from the K-State Weather and Climate team.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for April 2021
April in Kansas brought cool, dry conditions for many regions. The Ag-Climate Update for April includes a brief summary of this past month, discusses relevant agronomic impacts, and looks ahead to June.
Summer weather outlook for Kansas - May 20, 2021
As a cooler-than-normal May comes to a close, what is the outlook for the summer months in Kansas? The Climate Prediction Center has released its 3-month summer outlook. The summer outlook for Kansas is explained in this article from the K-State Agronomy climate team.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for May 2021
By the end of May, 97 percent of Kansas was drought-free. Severe weather tried to make up for a slow start with 34 reports of tornadoes and 159 hail events. Get the full Ag-Climate Update for May in Kansas by following the link in this article.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for June 2021
The month of June in Kansas was generally warm and dry for most regions. For a complete summary of the June weather and its impacts on agriculture in Kansas, check out the June Ag-Climate Update.
Summer is a great time to join the CoCoRaHS Network...because every drop counts!
When rain falls in Kansas during the summer, it's usually a big deal. You can measure and report this rainfall in your own backyard! To learn more about becoming a volunteer observer in Kansas, please read this article from Mary Knapp, Assistant State Climatologist for Kansas.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for July 2021
The month of July was drier than normal on average for Kansas. Some areas in the southeast were particularly wet however. Statewide average temperature was cooler than normal which slowed down changes in the US Drought Monitor. The July Ag-Climate discusses the associated agronomic impacts of July's weather.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for August 2021
The month of August brought mostly warm and dry conditions for Kansas, with some isolated areas of heavy rain. The dry weather stressed corn, sorghum, and soybeans in many regions. Read about all the agronomic impacts in the Ag-Climate Update for August 2021.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for September 2021
The month of September was warmer than normal for Kansas. Globally, this was the 2nd warmest September on record. Will October be cooler? Read more about the weather and climate impacts from the last month in the Ag-Climate Update.
Some areas in Kansas are still waiting for the first freeze
Several locations across Kansas have passed 200 days since recording freezing temperatures. For some of these places, this will set the record for the latest freeze. Learn more about the climatology of late freezes and the impacts of extended growing seasons in this article.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for October 2021
The Ag-Climate Update for October is here! On average, October 2021 was warmer than normal across Kansas. Rainfall was split, with more falling in eastern Kansas. Learn more about the agronomic impacts of last month's weather in this latest Ag-Climate Update.
Kansas experiences a warm start to winter
A very warm finish to November carried over into December across most of Kansas. Since Thanksgiving, 111 maximum temperature records have been broken in Kansas. Can Kansans expect more unseasonably warm weather for the rest of the winter? Learn more in this article from KSU meteorologist Chip Redmond.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for November 2021
The November Ag-Climate Update includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
Look back at the significant weather events in Kansas during 2021
This article offers a quick month-by-month glimpse at the significant weather events across Kansas in 2021. Our state saw many low temperature records get broken, abnormally cool summer temperatures, and a later than normal fall freeze to name a few. What else happened in 2021?
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for December 2021
The last month of 2021 proved to be a warm one! How did it stack up in the record books? What other notable weather and climate impacts were recorded in KS last month? Find out in this latest edition of the Ag-Climate Update!
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for January 2022
The Ag-Climate update for the month of January 2022 in Kansas is here. This article offers a brief summary of the weather and climate impacts across Kansas last month and includes a link to the full update.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for February 2022
The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. This article contains a short summary and provides a link to view the entire update for February. The update discusses agronomic impacts, notable highlights, and looks ahead to the weather outlook for March.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for March 2022
Statewide average temperature in March was closer to the normal, with an average temperature of 43oF across the state. This was only about -0.5oF cooler on average than normal. Climatologically, Kansas March precipitation was about 2 inches. This month was slightly drier in the west but significant wetter across the eastern portion of the state.
Jumping Straight to Summer
This year started off with statewide below-normal temperatures through April. With the dry conditions experienced through this period, the cool temperatures helped mitigate drought expansion and water demands. However, May has brought a turn to much-warmer-than-normal temperatures for Kansas thus far. With our lack of previous warmth, our bodies haven’t had an opportunity to adjust and it has brought on numerous additional stressors.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for May 2022
The May Ag-Climate Update has been released. Get a comprehensive summary of the weather in KS during the month of May and any associated impacts. This May was slightly warmer than normal on average. Precipitation was markedly above average for portions of central and eastern KS.
Update on drought conditions in Kansas - June 28, 2022
This article summarizes the weather in Kansas during the week of June 22 to June 28. Isolated, heavy rains in some areas led to improvement in drought status, while the western regions remain dry. The northeast portion of KS could see moderate rainfall through the weekend. What will July bring for Kansas?
Weather averages and extremes in Kansas for the first half of 2022
The most predictable aspect of the weather in Kansas is that it is unpredictable. We can learn a lot from looking at how temperature and precipitation measurements compare to the 30-year normal. This article examines 20 Mesonet station all across Kansas and how this first half of 2022 compares to the last 30 years.
Kansas weather history: Looking back at two record-setting summers
It seems like every summer, Kansans wonder if this was the hottest summer on record. The two years that still sit at the top of the list of hottest summers were 1934 and 1936, both during the Dust Bowl era. Learn more about this time in Kansas history in this article.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for June 2022
The Ag-Climate Update for June 2022 highlights the weather experienced across Kansas and the associated impacts. Western Kansas experienced a short-term heat wave event that resulted in cattle losses and contributed to worsening drought conditions. Read more about June's weather in this article.
Growing season precipitation for Kansas in 2022
This article looks at 36 locations across Kansas and how much rainfall has been recorded during the "growing season" so far this summer. Each location has been ranked in terms of "driest" compared to the years of record for that location. How does the location near you compare in the history books?
How hot has it been in Kansas this summer?
July is typically the hottest month in Kansas, and this year has been no exception. But, has this summer been hotter than normal? How does it compare to previous summers? This article examines measured summer temperatures from 40 locations all across Kansas.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for July 2022
The Ag-Climate Update for the month of July for Kansas is here! This resource a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. This article provides a brief summary of the publication and provides a link to the entire factsheet. For July 2022, the words are hot and dry. Read more here!
The summer of 2022: Hot and dry across Kansas
The meteorological summer of 2022 began on June 1 and ended on August 31. Between those two dates Kansans endured a dry, hot summer. Drought conditions deteriorated to the worst in nearly a decade. Historically speaking, where does summer 2022 rank on the lists of driest and hottest years?
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for August 2022
The month of August brought hot and dry weather across most of Kansas. Substantional drought conditions developed in central Kansas with other areas seeing no improvement. Many areas ranked in the top ten of hottest Augusts on record. Read more in the Kansas Ag-Climate Update for August 2022.
Drought progression in Kansas during the 2022 growing season
Drought conditions across Kansas have steadily worsened since the start of this growing season. Parts of Kansas that were drought-free in April are now classified in the most extreme drought classification. How did we get there? This article looks at the progression of drought across Kansas this growing season.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for September 2022
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. For September 2022, warm conditions across the state further developed drought. The statewide average temperature for September was 72 degrees, which is over 3 degrees above normal.
Recent cold front brings snow and needed moisture to Kansas
Snow fell for the first time this fall across many parts of Kansas on November 14. After a warm autumn, this recent cold spell and associated snow was an abrupt change in the weather for most of Kansas. In this article, we take a closer look at average snowfall totals across Kansas and what snow means in terms of added moisture to the soil.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for October 2022
The Ag-Climate Update for October in Kansas details the weather conditions experienced across the state and associated impacts. Drought conditions persisted and expanded during October. The average 3-month precipitation for August through October ranks as the driest on record. Read more by accessing the full report that is linked in this article.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for November 2022
Exceptional drought persisted across many areas of Kansas during the month of November. November was the first month that averaged below normal temperature statewide since March 2022. Learn more about the weather across KS in November in this month's Ag-Climate Update.
Looking back at the weather across Kansas in 2022
As we start a new year, this article takes a look back at the weather across Kansas throughout 2022. This article by Assistant State Climatologist, Matthew Sittle, breaks down each month and offers a short summary of notable weather events. How well do you remember the weather of 2022?
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for December 2022
The statewide average precipitation for December 2022 was only 0.74 inches, which was below normal. The state also averaged below normal for temperature for December. The Ag-Climate Update for December 2022 recaps the month and associated weather impacts across Kansas.
Kansas weather: Looking back at January and ahead to February
This article looks at the different and varied weather systems that impacted Kansas during the month of January. Last month started out warmer than normal and ended with some very cold temperatures. The weather outlook for February is also included.
A comparison of three historical mid-February cold outbreaks in Kansas
On average, January is the coldest month of the year in Kansas, and December is the second coldest. Temperatures begin to warm in February. However, some of the all-time coldest temperatures in Kansas have happened in the month of February. This article dives into the weather archives from over a century ago.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for January 2023
This article provides a short summary of the Ag-Climate Update for January 2023 in Kansas. The full report is linked in this article and includes a brief weather summary, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for February 2023
The February Ag-Climate Update includes a brief weather summary, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights. Check it out!
Join the CoCoRaHS Network...because every drop counts!
The weather community has its own March Madness event and it involves recruiting volunteer weather observers. CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, is a citizen-based project where observers measure and report precipitation at their homes or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge. Learn more in this article! We need you!
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for March 2023
This article looks back at the weather across Kansas during the month of March. The complete Ag-Climate Update is linked in this article and includes a weather summary, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, monthly extremes, and 1-month precipitation and temperature outlooks. Check it out!
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for April 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update for April is here. This article offers a short highlight of the weather across the state of Kansas during the month of April. The entire Ag-Climate Update is linked in the article and offers more in-depth information about the weather-related agronomic impacts and the upcoming outlooks.
Kansas Mesonet has improved evapotranspiration estimates
The Kansas Mesonet strives to provide tools that improve field decisions and hopefully extend water resources for producers. The latest upgrade involves a tool for estimating evapotranspiration. This is an important output variable for making irrigation decisions, particularly during drought. Don't miss out on learning about this free resource!
Spring rainfall summary and the summer outlook for Kansas
This article examines the rainfall totals across Kansas during spring (March, April, and May) more closely. Statistics are provided for the different climate divisions and at the county level. The updated summer weather outlook for Kansas from the Climate Prediction Center is also discussed.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for May 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update for May 2023 is here! This article summarizes the weather across Kansas in May and associated agronomic impacts. A link to the complete May Update is provided in this article. Additional maps, graphs, and relevant information can be found in the full report. Check it out!
Assessing hail damage to corn
Severe thunderstorms and hail are nothing new to Kansas farmers. During this time of year, the threat level is high and parts of Kansas have already seen some destructive hail events in July. Many questions arise after hail events about the status of field crops. This article covers how to assess hail damage to corn.
Growing season weather summary for Kansas in 2023
As of July 9, there have been 100 days since April 1, a date that meteorologists often use to define the start of the summer growing season. In this article, we take a look at how the 2023 growing season has compared to 2022, and how 2023 compares to normal for Kansas.
Growing season weather summary: Evapotranspiration and growing degree days
Last week, we examined the 2023 growing season compared to 2022 regarding temperature and precipitation differences. This article takes a closer look at the growing season to date and considers additional variables such as evapotranspiration (ET) and growing degree days.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for June 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Each month a comprehensive report is released. This article provides a brief summary and includes a link to the full report. In July, significant rainfall was received in western Kansas but drought conditions continue to persist in many areas.
July weather summary for Kansas - A cool start, a hot finish
In an eUpdate article last month, we examined the counts of 90-degree days across Kansas this summer. However, a recent stretch of hot weather has nearly erased the negative departure for the first three weeks of July. This article summarizes the month of July in terms of temperature and stress degree days.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for July 2023
The latest Ag-Climate Update summarizes the weather across Kansas during the month of July. Above-normal rainfall led to improvements in drought conditions in many areas, with particular emphasis in western Kansas. Across Kansas, there were 402 severe weather events in July, including 2 tornadoes, 105 damaging hail reports, and 305 high wind events.
A historic heat wave across Kansas: August 19-25, 2023
In the last five weeks, Kansas has endured two stretches of extreme heat. The first occurred during the last 10 days of July. The second heat wave was even hotter than the first and began with a vengeance on August 19. This article looks back on this historic heat wave that affected the entire state of Kansas.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for August 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update for the month of August is here! This report summarizes the weather and associated agronomic impacts across the different cropping districts of Kansas. The month of August saw some excessive heat waves. Check out this article for the rest of the weather story of August.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for September 2023
The September Ag-Climate Update for Kansas is here. This article offers a summary of the full report. The entire Ag-Climate Update can be accessed in this article. The month of September saw some improvement in drought conditions in parts of Kansas. Temperature-wise, September was warmer than average. Find out more in this article.
Kansas Mesonet measured atmospheric changes during recent solar eclipse
On October 14, an infrequent astronomical event took place: a partial solar eclipse. The moon’s orbit passed between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking Kansas’ view of the entire solar disc for about 3 hours. Some Kansas Mesonet sites captured changes to meteorological variables during the eclipse. Learn more in this article.
What is a Super El Nino, and how will one potentially affect Kansas?
Scientists with the National Center for Atmospheric Research stated recently that a Super El Niño will likely occur this winter. El Niño conditions occur when there are extended periods of above-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. This article discusses El Niño, what it takes for an ordinary El Niño to be called super, and how it might affect Kansas’ weather.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for October 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Every month, the update includes a summary of the weather for the previous month, including agronomic impacts for Kansas. Above-normal temperatures were observed for all nine climate divisions in the state.
Significant precipitation fell over southwest Kansas in mid-December
A storm system brought significant precipitation to much of southwest Kansas last week. Precipitation lasted into early on Dec. 15. Storm totals exceeded 3 inches in some areas of southwest Kansas. This article details how much precipitation fell and how this event ranks in the record books.
Unseasonably mild weather for December in Kansas
Christmas is only a few days away, and meteorological winter begins on the 21st, but the weather certainly doesn’t look or feel winter-like right now. December has been unseasonably mild in Kansas so far. With more mild weather in the forecast, December 2023 could go down in history as one of the warmest on record for Kansas.
Kansas Ag-Climate Update for November 2023
The Kansas Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Every month, the update includes a summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
Kansas weekly drought update and climate report: Dec. 27, 2023 - Jan. 2, 2024
This article summarizes the weather conditions across Kansas for the week of December 27, 2023 through January 2, 2024. Also included in this report is an update on the drought status across Kansas and the short-range weather forecast for the next 8 to 14 days.
Wind chill analysis tool from Kansas Mesonet
The forecast for the coming week consists of bitter cold air, the coldest of the winter season thus far. The “feels like” temperature is also usually influenced by the wind. This article discusses how wind chill values are estimated and why monitoring during the winter is important. The Kansas Mesonet offers a wind chill analysis tool. Check it out.
Ag-Climate Update: December 2023
The month of December in 2023 was the second warmest December in Kansas since 1895. The average statewide temperature for December was 39.2 degrees F, 6.0 degrees above normal. The December Ag-Climate Update recaps the weather and associated impacts across Kansas. The full report is linked in this article.
Looking ahead to spring weather in Kansas
Despite two cold weeks in January, winter 2023-2024 has been warm. Precipitation was much above normal until February. Now, things are drying out and greening up, and the landscape is in need of precipitation. This article will look to the future and provide some ideas of what to expect for spring and early summer 2024.
Tips for safe and successful prescribed burning this spring
The prescribed burning season in Kansas has started. This article discusses reasons for conducting a prescribed burn and ways to have a safe and successful prescribed burn. In addition, there are some online tools and resources that will be useful when planning a prescribed burn.
Join the CoCoRaHS Network...because every drop counts!
In the weather community, March is the month focused on adding members to each state's CoCoRaHS network. What is CoCoRaHS? It is a citizen-based project where observers measure precipitation at their home or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge and report their daily totals each morning. It's free and easy! Read this article for more information.
Soil temperature, weather forecast, and seed quality are critical for cotton establishment
When cotton gets off to a good, uniform start, the crop can overcome many stresses and produce profitable lint yields. When is the best time to plant cotton in Kansas? This article discusses the importance of soil temperature at planting, the forecasted weather, and seed quality when trying to achieve good establishment.
weather cotton soil temperature seed quality planting conditions
Kansas weekly drought update and climate report; May 8-14, 2024
The article summarizes the weather across Kansas from May 8 through May 14. Temperatures average near normal, and rainfall fell in some areas while other areas remained dry. There is also an update on the drought status and the upcoming weather forecast for Kansas.
Average Precipitation Distribution: A Kansas Climate Primer
This article discusses the different precipitation patterns in Kansas. The change in average precipitation for different regions of Kansas is based on several factors, including topography and time of year. Learn more about how precipitation varies and why in this article.
Assessing hail damage to corn
Severe weather is not uncommon during the summer in Kansas. Several destructive hail events have recently occurred in various Kansas regions. The impact of hail damage largely depends on the growth stage of the corn. This article goes into more detail about assessing hail damage in corn.
Kansas drought update and climate report: July 17-23, 2024
This article recaps the weather across Kansas during the week of July 17-23. After several days of above-normal temperatures, cooler temperatures began on July 17. It also updates the drought monitor and looks ahead at the weather forecast for the coming weeks.
Summary of Kansas growing season weather in 2024
Now that July has ended, where does Kansas stand with respect to normal temperatures and precipitation for the 2024 growing season? In this report, we examine some summary statistics. The latest Drought Monitor revealed that only 11% of Kansas is considered drought-free, a dramatic change from three weeks ago.
Introducing the new Kansas State Climatologist website
The Office of the Kansas State Climatologist has launched an enhanced version of its website. This platform is an integrated, comprehensive resource for Kansas citizens, particularly oriented toward state agencies, farmers, and stakeholders. It provides reliable climate information to support agricultural and environmental decision-making.
Normal temperatures are falling in Kansas - It's all downhill from here
The meteorological summer ended on August 31. While it's still warm outside across Kansas, the average daily temperatures have begun to drop. This report looks at the timeline for the annual arrival of cooler days and nights.
Fall frost and freeze: Not yet, but not far off
When do the first frost and freeze events typically occur in Kansas? This article examines the average dates for these two significant cold weather events and discusses the upcoming short-term and seasonal temperature outlooks for Kansas.
Kansas Mesonet fall freeze and winter cold tool available
Only a few locations, mostly in far northwest Kansas, have reached the freezing mark this fall. Despite very warm temperatures expected through the weekend, cooler weather will briefly return early next week. This is a great time to visit the Kansas Mesonet's Freeze Monitor. This article explains the many uses of this online tool.
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for the week ending October 22, 2024
This article is a shortened version of the weekly Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for the week ending on October 22. Assistant State Climatologist Matt Sittel compiles the weekly weather data into a comprehensive report for Kansas. The upcoming weather outlooks for Kansas are also included. Don't miss it!
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for the week ending October 29, 2024
This article is a shortened version of the weekly Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for the week ending on October 29. Assistant State Climatologist Matt Sittel compiles the weekly weather data into a comprehensive report for Kansas. The upcoming weather outlooks for Kansas are also included. Don't miss it!
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for the week ending Nov. 5, 2024
In this week's Drought Update and Climate Report, heavy widespread rain this past week led to a large area of 1-category improvement across eastern Kansas. Statewide average precipitation for the last seven days was an impressive 2.4 inches! Read more about last week's weather and what's coming in this article.
Fall weather summary and winter outlook for Kansas
The first two months of meteorological fall, September and October, have been unseasonably warm and drier than normal. However, November has started with multiple rounds of heavy rains in many locations across Kansas. What should we expect this winter? This article looks ahead and summarizes the last two months of weather for Kansas.
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report for Nov. 13-19, 2024
For the week of Nov. 13-19, the entire state of Kansas experienced above-normal temperatures and rainfall. Portions of 29 counties were upgraded by one category in the latest Drought Monitor, resulting in all remaining areas of D2 Severe Drought being removed.
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report: Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, 2024
Meteorological fall ended on November 30, and the season closed on a chilly note thanks to an extended period of below-normal temperatures that arrived Thanksgiving week. The statewide average precipitation for the last 7 days was 0.09 inches or 31% of normal. Read more about the weather from the previous week in Kansas in this article.
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report: December 4-10, 2024
In this week's Drought Update and Climate Report, there was some improvement in drought status in parts of six counties in southwest and west central Kansas. Almost exactly one-third of the state is free of any drought status. This article also recaps the weather over the last week and looks ahead to the end of December.
Will Kansas see a white Christmas this year?
There are only a few areas in the US where the chance of a white Christmas is near 100%, and Kansas is not one of them. A white Christmas, by meteorological definition, occurs if there is at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on December 25, at 7 AM local time. Will we see snow on the ground on December 25?
Kansas Drought Update and Climate Report: December 11-17, 2024
This article recaps the weather across Kansas during the last week, ending on December 17. Slight improvements were seen in the drought status in southwest and southeast Kansas. The start of 2025 looks to be warmer than normal. Learn more in this article from Assistant State Climatologist Matt Sittel.