Summary of changes between 1991-2020 climate normals and 1981-2010 normals

Overview

Here is a summary of how the new climate normals (1991-2020) have changed compared to the previous normals (1981-2010) for our 3 official climate stations (Paducah, Evansville, and Cape Girardeau). This webpage include monthly, seasonal, and annual changes.

Monthly
Seasonal
Annual

Monthly Changes

11 of the 12 months are warmer compared to the previous set of normals. The exception is November, which trended slightly colder. The frigid Novembers in 2014, 2018, and 2019 (all of which are in our Top 10 coldest) contributed to this. However, despite colder air barreling into our area faster each winter, it doesn’t tend to stick around for long. December observed the largest increase in average temperatures by around 2 degrees. January observed the 2nd largest increase. As for precipitation, the differences were variable from month to month. All 3 sites observed a drier trend in May and November while they all observed a wetter trend in March, April, and June. In Paducah and Evansville, our wettest month of the year is now April (it was May previously). In Cape Girardeau, April is catching up but still behind May just slightly.

Paducah, KY (Click images to enlarge)

Evansville, IN (Click images to enlarge)

Cape Girardeau, MO (Click images to enlarge)

Seasonal Changes

All 4 seasons are warmer at all 3 stations. Winter was our fastest warming season, with around a 1.5 degree increase across the board. Our 2nd fastest warming season was spring. Spring and summer both trended wetter with regards to seasonal precipitation. Fall and Winter varied, with Evansville observing a slight increase and Paducah and Cape Girardeau trending a bit drier.

Paducah, KY

Evansville, IN

Cape Girardeau, MO

Annual Changes

Temperatures have warmed by just under 1 degree at all 3 locations. It was interesting that the high and low temperatures warmed at about the same rate in Paducah. This differed from Evansville and Cape Girardeau which both observed very little difference in their high temperature, but a more dramatic increase in their low temperatures. As for precipitation, all 3 sites trended wetter with Evansville observing the greatest increase. Snowfall was a smidge less in Paducah, but an entire inch less in Evansville.

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