The Month of April was wetter and warmer than normal according to the data collected throughout the month at our studios in northeast Newton. High Temperatures for the month averaged 62 degrees, while 60 is normal. The lows averaged 39 degrees, with 37 being normal. The higher than normal readings follow the statewide averages.
That’s State Climatologist Justin Glisan. Across the state the average temperature when combining highs and lows was 48 degrees. Glisan notes last month brought the above average rain that the state needs.
At our studios…precipitation was recorded on 10 of April’s 30 days…and totaled 3.93-inches. That 49-hundredths of an inch above normal. Last month also featured a National Weather Service rated EF-1 tornado that touched down just northeast of Monroe’s PCM High School and traveled northeast for just over 4 miles before lifting northeast of town. The National Weather Service says the April 26th twister had a maximum width of 80 yards and damaged a few homes and outbuildings with its peak winds of 105 miles per hour. It was one of many tornadoes that day and for the month.
Locally…the warmest temperature recorded last month was 85, which was the high temperature for April 15th. 29 was the coolest temperature. It occurred on the 5th and 6th of the month. The most rain, 1.61 inches, fell last Saturday April 27th. For this month…Glisan expects more of what we had in April.
The State Climatologist notes our recent weather has been challenging for farmers.
Corn and soybean planting were reported slightly ahead of schedule heading into this week.