January brought well above normal temperatures and much above normal precipitation. After four months of below normal precipitation, the weather flipped. The majority of the precipitation occurred in the early part of the month with several flood events. This year marks the 5th consecutive January with above normal precipitation. Mild temperatures accompanied precipitation through much of the month with light snowfall when there was a drop. Precipitation for the month totaled 4.99 inches, 1.49 inches above normal.
Precipitation totals by climate division, West 5.68 inches, Central 5.30 inches, Bluegrass 5.20 inches and East 3.79 inches, which was 2, 1.56, 2.18, and 0.23 inches above normal respectively. Temperatures averaged 44 degrees for the month, 11 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 52 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 36 degrees in the East.
Tobacco stripped is at 93%, putting progress on par with historical levels for this juncture. Winter wheat condition was rated as 3% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 62% good, and 4% excellent.
Farmers began supplementing with hay early as a fall drought set in. As a result, hay stocks are low for many in the midst of the winter months. Current hay supply is rated 6% very short, 23% short, 65% adequate, and 6% surplus. Livestock have been stressed by unstable weather. Current livestock condition is 2% very poor, 6% poor, 27% fair, 57% good, and 8% excellent.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Hay & Forage