LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Weather conditions were very mild during February, with well above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the month. Temperatures were abnormally high for most of February, continuing a similar trend from January. Overall, this winter season is progressing as one of Kentucky’s warmest. Light snowfall occurred at the start of February, and intermittent rain showers and storms developed throughout the month.
Temperatures for the period averaged 47 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 57 in the West to 57 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 8 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 38 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperatures ranged from 10 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 12 degrees warmer than normal in the East. The extreme high temperature for the period was 82 at HARTFORD 3E and the extreme low was 7 at CYNTHIANA 8N.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.60 inches statewide which was 1.78 inches below normal and 47% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.59 inches, Central 1.74 inches, Bluegrass 1.49 inches and East 1.58 inches, which was 2.17, 1.93, 1.43 and 1.6 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.40 inches at CARBONDALE ASOS to a high of 3.60 inches at CADIZ 4SW.
Pastures have started to regenerate early as a result of unseasonably warm conditions, with some concern for potential cold weather events in March. Fertilization and spring seeding of pastures has begun on many livestock operations.
Most producers still feel hay supplies are adequate, with minimal change from ratings in January. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 5% very short, 14% short, 71% adequate, and 10% surplus. Livestock continued to be rated in mostly good condition. Livestock conditions were reported as 1% very poor, 2% poor, 18% fair, 66% good, and 13% excellent.
Some fruit trees and winter wheat appear to be breaking dormancy from the extended warm weather. There is concern from producers for the most recent dip in temperatures over the weekend. Wheat fields continue to be monitored for any significant damage from the freeze. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 3% very poor, 7% poor, 18% fair, 58% good, and 14% excellent.
Farmers have been preparing for spring planting and attending agricultural trade shows and conferences.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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