Temperatures

Soil temperatures across most of the state are well into the 70's and starting to creep into the 80's this morning (Figure 1). Heat indices in Columbia are over 100, which is something we've never experienced in May over the last 53 years. A cold front is forecasted to move into northwest Missouri tomorrow night. This will bring cooler temperatures, although still above average. And temperatures are predicted to stay above average through May 20 (Figure 2).

Figure 1 Bareground soil temperatures at 2 inches below ground are well within the 70's on Wednesday morning. Image from mesonet.missouri.edu

Figure 2 Outlook on air temperatures for the period May 16-May 20, 2022. Source: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

Preciptitation

The cold front will bring with it chances of rain on Friday across most of the state. Weather over the next 7 days is predicted to bring 0.5 to 1.25 inches of rainfall, which is near to below normal for this time of year (Figure 3). However, rainfall totals can be difficult to accurately forecast with these types of weather patterns that can result in scattered showers and storms.

Figure 3 Outlook on precipitation for the period May 16 to May 20, 2022. Source: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

For real-time Missouri weather data visit mesonet.missouri.edu.

Header image of thermometer courtesy of rawf8 via Shutterstock