Those hot summer-like temperatures last week set many May records. And thus far, May has been warmer than normal with average air temperatures ranging 2 to 5 degrees higher than the 30-year historical averages (Figure 1). Next week, we will return to near normal air temperatures (Figure 2). Cooler air temperatures to the north and warmer air temperature to the south will likely contribute to an unsettled weather pattern across Missouri, and this is typical for May.

Figure 1 Average Air Temperature Departure in May 2022 compared to 1991-2020 May air temperatures. Source: Midwest Climate Center - https://mrcc.purdue.edu/

Figure 2 Air temperatures will return to near normal for most of the state from May 23-27. Source: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

However, the likely result will be above-average rainfall across much of the state. Forecasted accumulations are between 1 and 3 inches across the state from May 18th and the 25th (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Forecasted precipitation accumulation through May 25, 2022. Map generated by NOAA - http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/day1-3.shtml

For real-time weather information in your region of the state, visit mesonet.missouri.edu.