We have had a remarkable contrast in the last two winters in terms of precipitation. While both winters have been relatively quiet in terms of snow (at least up until the last week), this winter has made up for it in rainfall.
Here are the January 1 to February 25 precipitation departure maps for 2012 (first figure) and 2013 (second figure) for the Midwest. Precipitation is the combination of rainfall and the water content of any snow/sleet/freezing rain events.
Areas in shades of yellow show below-average precipitation while areas in shades of green show above-average precipitation. As you can see, the widespread yellow in 2012 was replaced with widespread green in 2013. This is good news for Illinois and for the Midwest.
“This is good news for Illinois and for the Midwest.”
It’s good news for anyone who needs to eat.
It is remarkable how closely the two years track in opposition to one another. Are these months typically volatile?
Great news for our trees! I won’t be doing so much watering this summer. It was depressing seeing the leaves brown and drop on 100+ year old oaks in the driest parts of the state last summer, knowing there’s nothing you can do.