February brought above normal temperatures and much above normal precipitation. Weather patterns have been somewhat erratic through the month in terms of both temperature and precipitation. The month started with heavy rain which gave way to wintry precipitation in the form of ice and snow. Conditions were dry for a few days, however heavy rain moved in yet again. A full day of steady precipitation led to flooding in low lying areas. With the unstable fronts, came a wide range of temperature change.
Precipitation for the month thus far totaled 3.98 inches, 1.83 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 4.45 inches, Central 4.30 inches, Bluegrass 4.46 inches and East 2.69 inches, which was 2.07, 1.95, 2.6, and 0.66 inches from normal respectively. Temperatures averaged 38 degrees for the month, 2 degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East.
With some cold temperatures and wintry precipitation, farmers have had to feed more hay this month. With that said, hay supply remains good overall. The current hay supply is rated as 1% very short, 8% short, 76% adequate, and 15% surplus. Periods of mild weather have relieved winter stress on livestock. There were reports of frozen wheat during the last cold snap; however, condition remains good. Winter wheat condition was rated as 1% very poor, 1% poor, 19% fair, 68% good, and 10% excellent.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat