National Overview
June Highlights
June Temperature
- The average contiguous U.S. temperature during June was 72.6°F, 4.2°F above the 20th century average, ranking warmest in the 127-year record and surpassing the previous record set in 2016 by 0.9°F.
- For the month, temperatures were above average to record warm across the West and Northeast and were also above average across the northern and central Plains and parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast. Eight states — California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island — ranked warmest on record for the month with six additional states ranking second warmest.
- Approximately 15.2 percent of the contiguous U.S. observed its warmest June on record. This is the largest extent of record warm temperatures on record for the U.S.
- A heatwave across the Southwest mid-month resulted in Salt Lake City tying their all-time high temperature of 107°F on June 15 and Palm Springs, CA, tying their all-time maximum temperature of 123°F on June 17. Phoenix reported a record 6 consecutive days of 115°F+ temperatures June 15-20.
- An amplified ridge of high pressure across the Pacific Northwest contributed to the record warm temperatures seen across the region in late June. Much of the heat across the West during June was influenced by a persistent ridge situated across the region for a majority of the month.
- New all-time maximum temperature records were set for a number of locations across the Northwest on June 27 and 28 including Quillayute, Washington, where the high temperature for June 28 reached 110°F — 11°F warmer than the previous all-time maximum temperature reported on August 9, 1981.
- Dallesport Airport, Washington, reported a temperature of 118°F on June 28. If confirmed, this value would tie for the warmest temperature on record for Washington State.
- Nearly 200 fatalities associated with this heat wave were reported in Oregon and Washington.
- For additional information on the record western warmth, please see the Western Regional Climate Center highlights.
- Temperatures were near to below average across portions of the Deep South and Southeast.
- The contiguous U.S. average maximum (daytime) temperature during June was 85.6°F, 4.3°F above the 20th century average, ranking second warmest on record. Above-average to record-warm maximum temperatures were observed across the West, northern and central Plains, Great Lakes and Northeast. California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Rhode Island ranked warmest on record for daytime temperatures. Below-average daytime temperatures occurred across the Deep South, Gulf Coast and Southeast.
- The contiguous U.S. average minimum (nighttime) temperature during June was 59.6°F, 4.0°F above the 20th century average, ranking warmest on record. Above-average to record-warm minimum temperatures were observed across most of the CONUS. California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Massachusetts and Rhode Island ranked warmest on record for nighttime temperatures. Near-average nighttime temperatures occurred across portions of the Deep South and Southeast.
- The Alaska average June temperature was 51.0°F, 1.8°F above the long-term mean, ranking in the warmest third of the historical record for the state. Overall, the Aleutians, Panhandle and Northeast Interior regions experienced the warmest departures during June while the North Slope and Bristol Bay regions had near-average temperatures.
- Sea ice melt in the Chukchi Sea was close to the 30-year average. June sea ice extent was 103% of the 1991-2020 median value.
- Based on data received by July 6, there were 15,829 record warm daily high (8,061) and low (7,768) temperature records during June, which is more than 10 times the 1,444 record cold daily high (844) and low (600) temperature records.
- Based on NOAA's Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index (REDTI), the contiguous U.S. temperature-related energy demand during June was 164 percent of average and the 14th highest value in the 127-year period of record.
June Precipitation
- The June precipitation total for the contiguous U.S. was 2.93 inches, exactly average.
- Precipitation was above average across parts of the Southwest, Deep South, Midwest, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast and Southeast. Mississippi ranked second wettest while Alabama ranked fifth wettest on record.
- Tropical Storm Claudette formed on June 19, made landfall along the Louisiana coast, traversed the Southeast and brought significant rain and flash flooding to the region. Tornadoes damaged homes and at least 13 deaths were associated with this storm.
- Precipitation was below average across much of the interior West, northern Rockies, northern and central Plains and the Northeast. South Dakota ranked driest on record with five additional states across the northern Rockies, northern Plains and Northeast ranking among their top-10 driest Junes on record.
- Alaska received 2.74 inches of precipitation during June, which is 0.40 inch above average, ranking in the wettest third of the record. The Panhandle received above-average precipitation with Juneau reporting its fourth-wettest June on record. Precipitation received across northwest Alaska was also above average due to a series of fast-moving low pressure systems tracking from eastern Siberia into Alaska at the end of June.
- According to the June 29 U.S. Drought Monitor report, approximately 47.2 percent of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up from nearly 44 percent at the beginning of June. Drought intensified and/or expanded across portions of the West, northern and central Plains, Midwest, New England and Hawaii. Drought severity lessened across the southern High Plains, Carolinas and Virginia as well as Puerto Rico.
Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
- Through the end of June, eight weather and climate disaster events have been identified, with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the U.S. during 2021. The eight individual billion-dollar events of 2021 include:
- Two flood events focused in California (January 24-29) and Louisiana (May 14-19).
- The historic mid-February winter storm and cold wave with impacts focused in Texas.
- Two severe storm events in late-March (24-25 and 27-28) across many southeastern and eastern states, respectively.
- Two severe storm events focused across Texas and Oklahoma in mid-to-late April (12-15 and 27-28).
- The expanding Western drought and heatwave that has amplified throughout 2021.
- In addition to significant economic impacts, these events resulted in at least 331 fatalities.
- The most costly U.S. event so far in 2021 was the February 10-19 Winter Storm and Cold Wave with total, direct losses of approximately $20 billion. This is now the most costly U.S. winter storm event on record surpassing (nearly doubling the inflation-adjusted cost of) the Superstorm of 1993.
- The second most costly event was the Texas and Oklahoma Severe Storms during April 27-28 with damage costs of $2.4 billion.
- The January-June 2021 inflation-adjusted costs are at a near-record pace for the first six months, at nearly $30 billion — trailing only 2011.
- Since these billion-dollar disaster records began in 1980, the U.S. has sustained 298 separate weather and climate disasters where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (based on the CPI adjustment to 2021) per event. The total cost of these 298 events exceeds $1.975 trillion.
Year-to-Date Highlights
January-June Temperature
- The year-to-date (January-June) average contiguous U.S. temperature was 49.3°F, 1.7°F above average, ranking in the warmest third of the record.
- January-June temperatures were above average across the vast majority of the West, northern Plains, Great Lakes, Northeast, mid-Atlantic and parts of the Southeast. Maine ranked third warmest and both California and New Hampshire ranked fifth warmest on record for this six-month period.
- Temperatures were below average across much of the southern Plains.
- The Alaska statewide average temperature for the year-to-date period was 22.6°F, 1.3°F above average, and ranked in the middle third of the record. Above-average temperatures were present across the Aleutians and Bristol Bay regions with near-average temperatures dominating the rest of the state.
- The contiguous U.S. average maximum (daytime) temperature during January-June was 61.0°F, 1.7°F above the 20th century average, ranking in the warmest third of the historical record. Above-average temperatures were observed across the West, northern Plains, Great Lakes, Northeast and portions of the Southeast. Maine ranked third warmest for daytime temperatures.
- The contiguous U.S. average minimum (nighttime) temperature during January-June was 37.5°F, 1.8°F above the 20th century average, ranking in the warmest third of the record. Above-average temperatures blanketed much of the West, northern and central Plains, Great Lakes, East Coast and portions of the Gulf Coast. Maine ranked fifth warmest on record while New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island ranked sixth warmest.
- Based on REDTI, the contiguous U.S. temperature-related energy demand during January-June was 67 percent of average and was the 18th lowest value on record.
January-June Precipitation
- The year-to-date national precipitation total was 14.64 inches, 0.67 inch below average, ranking in the driest third of the January-June record.
- Precipitation was above average from the central and southern Plains to the Midwest and from the Deep South to the Southeast. Louisiana ranked eighth wettest on record for this year-to-date period.
- Precipitation was below average across much of the West, northern Plains, Great Lakes, Northeast and Florida. Nine states across the interior West, northern Plains and New England ranked among their top-10 driest January-June periods on record.
- For Alaska as a whole, precipitation was above average during the first half of 2021. In the Panhandle, Juneau ranked second wettest on record for this period.
Extremes
- The U.S. Climate Extremes Index (USCEI) for the year-to-date period was 19 percent above average and ranked in the highest one-third of the 112-year period of record. Extremes in warm maximum temperatures and dry PDSI were the major contributors to this elevated CEI value. The USCEI is an index that tracks extremes (occurring in the upper or lower 10 percent of the record) in temperature, precipitation and drought across the contiguous United States.
- On the regional scale, The West and the Southwest regions experienced the most elevated extent of extremes for this six-month period. In the West, elevated extremes were the result of extensive areas of warm maximum and minimum temperatures, days without precipitation and the largest extent of dry PDSI (100% extent across the region) on record. For the Southwest, elevated extremes were the result of warm maximum temperatures, one-day precipitation and a record high extent of dry PDSI. In contast, the Southeast experienced 36 percent below-average extremes during the first half of the year. The only elevated extremes observed were due to wet PDSI across the region.
Regional Highlights
These regional summaries were provided by the six Regional Climate Centers and reflect conditions in their respective regions. These six regions differ spatially from the nine climatic regions of the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Northeast Region (Information provided by the Northeast Regional Climate Center)
- The Northeast had its fourth warmest June since 1895, with an average temperature of 68.0 degrees F (20.0 degrees C), 2.5 degrees F (1.4 degrees C) above normal. Average temperature departures for the 12 Northeast states ranged from 0.4 degrees F (0.2 degrees C) above normal in West Virginia to 4.1 degrees F (2.3 degrees C) above normal in Maine. This June was the hottest on record for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, and ranked among the 14 warmest Junes on record for eight other states: Connecticut and Maine, second warmest; Vermont, third warmest; Delaware, fifth warmest; New York, sixth warmest; New Jersey, eighth warmest; Maryland, ninth warmest; and Pennsylvania, 14th warmest. Boston, Massachusetts, and Caribou and Portland, Maine, experienced their warmest June on record. In addition, several locations recorded their warmest June day or warmest minimum temperature for June. See last paragraph for details.
- June was drier than normal for the Northeast, with the region receiving 3.23 inches (82.04 mm) of precipitation, 73 percent of normal. State precipitation ranged from 43 percent of normal in Maine to 104 percent of normal in West Virginia, the only wetter-than-normal state. This June ranked as Maine’s fourth driest June on record, while New Hampshire had its 10th driest June.
- The U.S. Drought Monitor released on June 3 showed 3 percent of the Northeast in moderate drought (D1) and 37 percent as abnormally dry (D0). During June, above-normal temperatures, below-normal precipitation, low streamflow and groundwater levels, and little soil moisture led to worsening conditions in New England and New York. Severe drought was introduced in Maine and northern New Hampshire. Moderate drought was introduced on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and expanded in northern New England and northern New York. Abnormal dryness expanded in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. However, southern parts of the Northeast, including portions of West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey were wetter, easing abnormal dryness. The U.S. Drought Monitor released on July 1 showed 4 percent of the Northeast in severe drought, 17 percent in moderate drought, and 21 percent as abnormally dry. Vermont’s record for longest drought duration grew to 54 straight weeks as of June 29. The dry conditions had several impacts. Portions of New England and New York saw near-record low streamflow and/or groundwater levels, with daily low streamflow records set on several waterways in Maine and New Hampshire. Water levels of some Maine reservoirs were lower than usual, possibly affecting loon productivity and curtailing some boating flows. Water levels were also well below average on Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain. Eighty-six community water systems in New Hampshire had water restrictions in place as of June 30, with 78 of them having mandatory restrictions. In Maine, the South Berwick Water District enacted mandatory water restrictions due to low water levels in their four wells, while several other public water systems had voluntary water restrictions in place. A water watch was issued for Lowville, New York, as water levels in the village’s water tank were lower than usual. Several wells in Maine and Vermont ran dry or were experiencing water shortages. Farmers in Maine and New Hampshire noted the need to irrigate but experienced some water shortages and slow crop growth. Some New York growers reported stressed corn, reduced productivity of second cutting of hay, and having to replant soybeans. Dry conditions in northern New England continued to pose an increased risk of fires starting easily and burning deeply, with both states seeing more fires than usual this spring. Two fire chiefs in Vermont delayed some training sessions in order to save water in case it was needed to fight fires. A New Hampshire fire chief purchased a water tank that allows the department to bring their own water supply when fighting fires in rural locations instead of relying on waterways that are running low. The dry conditions allowed large populations of gypsy moth caterpillars to proliferate in the Northeast, further taxing trees experiencing drought stress, and contributed to an outbreak of browntail moth caterpillars in Maine.
- The period from June 5 to 9 was particularly warm in the Northeast, setting numerous daily maximum and high minimum temperature records, leading to poor air quality, and causing some schools to send students home early. However, the period from June 26 to 30 was even hotter. Newark, New Jersey, recorded its all-time hottest June temperature on record with a high of 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) on June 30, beating the previous record of 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) recorded on June 29, as well as a few other times. Meanwhile, Boston, Massachusetts, tied its hottest June temperature of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) on June 30. It was the first time on record that Portland, Maine, recorded three consecutive days with a high of at least 95 degrees F (35.0 degrees C) during the month of June, tying the site’s all-time streak. Low temperatures were also unusually warm, with Syracuse and Rochester, New York; Caribou and Portland, Maine; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Concord, New Hampshire; and Dulles Airport, Virginia, setting or tying their warmest minimum temperatures on record for June. At month’s end, Burlington, Vermont, as well as Newark, Boston, and Concord, set/tied their records for greatest number of June days with a high of at least 95 degrees F (35.0 degrees C). Concord also set its record for the greatest number of June days with a high of at least 90 degrees F (32.2 degrees C), recording nine such days this June. There were numerous days during June with severe weather or flash flooding, with several noteworthy examples listed below.
- June 3 - Two EF-1 tornadoes, one in Oneida County, New York, and one in Baltimore County, Maryland, snapped or uprooted more than 100 trees.
- June 8 – Chester County, Pennsylvania, saw as much as 7 inches (178 mm) of rain, leading to impassable roads and water rescues.
- June 9 – Flash flooding from as much as 5.50 inches (139.70 mm) of rain in Downeast Maine washed out roads, isolating residents. Straight-line winds of up to 95 mph (42 m/s) in Pike County, Pennsylvania, damaged several homes and hundreds of trees. In New Jersey and Delaware, lightning resulted in one fatality, left one person injured, and started several fires.
- June 10 – Portions of West Virginia saw up to 5 inches (127 mm) of rain, with a site in Kanawha County receiving 1.80 inches (45.72 mm) of rain in 30 minutes, leading to many closed roads, stranded vehicles, and water rescues. A storm report from Lincoln County noted that 50 families were trapped, 25 homes were damaged, and two homes were destroyed from the flooding.
- June 14 – An EF-0 tornado touched down in Marion County, West Virginia. Frankford Creek at Frankford, Pennsylvania, rose 5.5 feet (1.7 m) in 24 minutes, with reports of stranded vehicles, water rescues, and closed roads in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and Camden County, New Jersey.
- June 21 – Severe storms produced widespread wind damage across the Northeast, with storm reports noting downed trees and power lines, blocked roads, and damage to a few buildings. Two tornadoes touched down, an EF-1 in Tompkins County, New York, and an EF-0 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
- June 30 – Widespread wind damage occurred in the region, with straight-line winds of up to 90 mph (40 m/s). Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped and several structures sustained damage from falling trees or directly from the wind.
- For more information, please visit the Northeast Regional Climate Center Home Page.
Midwest Region (Information provided by the Midwest Regional Climate Center)
- June temperatures were above normal for much of the Midwest. Regionwide average temperature was 71.5 degrees F (21.9 C) which was 2.5 degrees F (1.4 C) above normal. This ranked as tied for the 10th warmest June since 1895, and the 2nd warmest June in the last 30 years. The most extreme heat was in the first half of the month in the Upper Midwest. Of more than 1,300 daily record high temperatures, more than 1,000 occurred in the first half of the month. Maximum temperatures during the first half of the month were often warmer in the northern half of the region than in the southern half. Much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin were 5 to 6 degrees F (2.8 to 3.3 C) above normal while much of Kentucky was near normal for the month. Several states had top-10 warmest June temperatures. Minnesota ranked 3rd warmest, Wisconsin 4th, Michigan 6th, and Iowa 9th. It was the warmest June in Minnesota and Iowa since 1988 and the warmest June in Wisconsin and Michigan since 2005.
- June precipitation varied considerably across the Midwest. Rainfall totals in Minnesota fell short of 2.00 inches (51 mm) for most of the state while wet conditions, 5.00 inches (127 mm) or more, from northern Missouri to southern Michigan, across southern Indiana to eastern Kentucky, and in southwestern Ohio and central Wisconsin. The wettest areas were in northern Missouri and southern Michigan. Regionwide precipitation was 3.91 inches (99 mm) which was 0.63 inches (16 mm) below normal. Five states were below normal and four were above normal. Statewide Minnesota was at just 39 percent of normal in June and Iowa was at 59 percent of normal. Michigan was wet with 131 percent of normal, with southern Michigan receiving more than twice their normal monthly rainfall. The last week of June saw a nearly stationary boundary draped from northern Missouri to southern Michigan which brought repeated heavy rains to that area. For the period June 24th-30th, Missouri had 32 stations with 10.00 inches (254 mm) or more rainfall and Illinois had five more stations exceeding that level. Minnesota had the 4th driest June on record (1895-2021) while Michigan ranked as the 16th wettest in its history. It was the driest June in Minnesota since 1961.
- June precipitation varied considerably across the Midwest. Rainfall totals in Minnesota fell short of 2.00 inches (51 mm) for most of the state while wet conditions, 5.00 inches (127 mm) or more, from northern Missouri to southern Michigan, across southern Indiana to eastern Kentucky, and in southwestern Ohio and central Wisconsin. The wettest areas were in northern Missouri and southern Michigan. Regionwide precipitation was 3.91 inches (99 mm) which was 0.63 inches (16 mm) below normal. Five states were below normal and four were above normal. Statewide Minnesota was at just 39 percent of normal in June and Iowa was at 59 percent of normal. Michigan was wet with 131 percent of normal, with southern Michigan receiving more than twice their normal monthly rainfall. The last week of June saw a nearly stationary boundary draped from northern Missouri to southern Michigan which brought repeated heavy rains to that area. For the period June 24th-30th, Missouri had 32 stations with 10.00 inches (254 mm) or more rainfall and Illinois had five more stations exceeding that level. Minnesota had the 4th driest June on record (1895-2021) while Michigan ranked as the 16th wettest in its history. It was the driest June in Minnesota since 1961.
- After a relatively quiet month of severe weather in May, strong and severe storms were much more common in June. A total of more than 1,200 reports of severe wind, large hail and tornadoes were received during the month in the Midwest. Much of this severe weather occurred during the middle weeks of June. Highlights included tornadoes in southwestern Indiana on June 8th, which led to an injury near Patoka, Indiana. Winds on June 11 in western Missouri led to gusts as high as 90 mph (144 kph). On June 12th, two children were injured as a passenger truck collided with a fallen tree blow over by strong winds. Southeastern Minnesota recorded a large hail event on June 17th, with more than 20 reports of 2-inch (5-cm) hail. On June 18th, a widespread storm system brought severe weather to areas of Iowa through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. A 4-inch (10-cm) diameter hailstone was recorded near Bridgewater, Iowa along with other irregularly shaped hailstones. An EF-2 tornado was also reported near Fort Recovery, Ohio. The worst event during the month as the EF-3 tornado near Naperville, Illinois on June 20th. Winds were estimated at 140 mph (225 kph), with 11 people injured along a nearly 16-mile (26-km) path. Several other tornadoes were reported on that day in Indiana as well. Scattered thunderstorms in the final week of June were also recorded, with light to moderate damage to trees and buildings reported.
- Significant rainfall from northern Missouri through southern Lower Michigan led to flooding and flash flooding from June 24th-30th. Minor and moderate flooding appeared overnight in northwestern Missouri on June 25th. Flooding also impacted central Illinois and northwestern Indiana. Flash flooding led to agricultural and domestic impacts, with homes in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois seeing high water in lawns and basements due to the area’s flat terrain, and the Interstate 55 roadway southwest of town damaged by flooding and closed. The Detroit, Michigan metro area was also severely impacted from flash flooding, as the Detroit Public Library and other public buildings were flooded. Interstate 94 in metro Detroit was also closed for several days as water covered the roadway.
- For further details on the weather and climate events in the Midwest, see the weekly and monthly reports at the Midwest Climate Watch page.
Southeast Region (Information provided by the Southeast Regional Climate Center)
- Temperatures were near average across much of the Southeast region for the month of June. Monthly mean temperatures were within 2 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) of normal for over 96 percent of the 156 long-term (i.e., period of record equaling or exceeding 50 years) stations across the region. There were only a handful of stations that observed monthly mean temperatures that were ranked within their ten warmest values on record, including Washington Dulles, D.C. (1952-2021; 4th warmest), Tampa, FL (1890-2021; T-4th warmest) and Cape Hatteras, NC (1874-2021; 9th warmest). Maximum temperatures ranged from 3.3 degrees F (1.8 degrees C) above normal in Celo, NC (1948-2021) to 5.1 degrees F (2.8 degrees C) below normal in Orangeburg, SC (1953-2021). Daily temperature minimums ranged from 3.4 degrees F (1.9 degrees C) above normal in Clayton, NC (1955-2021) to 1.6 degrees F (0.9 degrees C) below normal in Chatham, VA (1922-2021). The coldest weather of the month across the Southeast occurred on the 1st and 2nd, as the circulation around a departing mid-latitude cyclone ushered in unseasonably cold, dry air from Canada. Daily minimum temperatures ranged from 50 to 65 degrees F (10 to 18.3 degrees C) across portions of every state including Florida, with some locations in the higher elevations of North Carolina and Virginia falling below 50 degrees F. In contrast, the warmest weather of the month occurred from the 13th through the 15th, as the circulation around the Bermuda High, situated off the Atlantic coast, transported warm, humid air northward over much of the Southeast region. Daily maximum temperatures exceeded 90 degrees F (29 degrees C) across much of the region, with portions of central Florida, and Georgia reaching 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) or higher.
- Precipitation varied across the region for June, with the driest locations found across much of Virginia, western North Carolina, and central Florida. Monthly precipitation totals ranged from 70 to less than 25 percent of normal across these locations. Indeed, Danville, VA (1916-2021) observed its 6th driest June with only 1.2 inches (30 mm) of precipitation, which was more than 2.7 inches (68 mm) below average. In contrast, the wettest locations were located across most of Alabama, central Georgia, eastern North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Precipitation totals ranged from 150 to 300 percent of normal. Tuscaloosa Oliver Dam, AL (1900-2021) received 14.83 inches (377 mm) of precipitation, over 10 inches (254 mm) above normal, making this the wettest June on record. From the 7th through 8th, a slow-moving upper-level low ushered in a deep southeasterly stream of moisture across Georgia, with 2-day precipitation totals exceeding 5 inches (127 mm) and numerous reports of localized flooding. Augusta, GA (1873-2021) received 4.89 inches (124 mm) of rain on the 7th, making this the wettest June day on record, and 2.63 inches (67 mm) was observed in one hour, the 4th highest hourly total ever. From the 19th through the 23rd, Tropical Storm Claudette impacted the region, causing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms across Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Tuscaloosa Airport, AL (1948-2021) observed 8.16 inches (207 mm) of rain on the 19th making this the wettest day ever on record. Flooding in the city damaged or destroyed 45 homes. Search and rescue teams were deployed to search for those who were lost in flash floods. A private dam failed near Tuscaloosa due to the rain, and subsequent flooding washed out a water and sewer main at a steel plant. This damaged the city’s sewage system, prompting officials to issue water restrictions for over 100,000 people. A total of 14 people died in various incidents related to the storm: 10 from car accidents, 2 from fallen trees, and 2 from flooding. Tropical Storm Danny impacted Georgia and South Carolina on June 28th-29th with rainfall reports of 3-5 inches (76-127 mm) in some areas, causing localized flooding.
- There were 336 reports of severe weather across the Southeast during June, which is 44 percent of the median monthly frequency of 760 reports during 2000-2019. There were 8 confirmed tornadoes reported for the month (5 EF-0, 2 EF-1 and 1 EF-2), 67 percent of the monthly average of 12. Three of these tornadoes occurred with Tropical Storm Claudette on June 19th, including the EF-2 tornado in Escambia County, AL. Maximum wind speed was estimated at 127 mph (57 m/s). This tornado produced significant tree damage and completely destroyed several mobile homes. Emergency management reported up to 20 total injuries with 2 of them serious, including a person who was thrown from his home when it was destroyed. Another tornado from the storm, rated EF-1, developed over Cedar Point Pier, AL with peak winds reported at 85 mph (38 m/s). The pier suffered damage to some railings and light poles. There was one injury reported when a board was launched through the window of a pickup truck. No fatalities were reported. There were 26 reports of hail for the month, with the largest being golf-ball sized (1.75 inches) in Orangeburg, SC on June 15th. It caused significant damage to the A.C. units and windows of Lake Marion High School. There were 295 wind reports for the month, which is a little less than half of the average (653 reports). A microburst with winds of 75-80 mph (31-36 m/s) was reported in Jones County, NC on June 15th. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Unfortunately, a young woman was struck and killed by lightning on June 12th while swimming at a beach on Tybee Island, GA.
- Drought conditions improved across all of the Southeast region for June. Adequate rainfall fell in the driest areas; consequently, the severe drought (D2) was eliminated in the Carolinas by the end of June, with just a few pockets of moderate drought (D1) embedded in an area of abnormally dry conditions in central Virginia, central North Carolina and eastern South Carolina. Moderate drought (D1) was eliminated in Florida; however, pockets of abnormally dry conditions (D0) remain. Drought conditions improved across Puerto Rico as well, with an area of moderate drought (D1) in the southern part of the island ringed by an area of abnormally dry conditions (D0). The citrus growing region in Florida experienced warm and dry conditions; however, normal grove activities continued with extra irrigation. Rainfall in the northern part of the Florida Peninsula put disease and pest pressures on the peanut crop. Cotton maturation, however, remained behind schedule, due to the dry conditions early in the growing season. Rain continued to improve pasture quality, and cattle remained in good condition throughout the state. Frequent rainfall events in Georgia helped maintain good overall crop conditions. Early corn began to mature but corn rust was noted in a few of the wetter counties. Southern corn rust was also detected in some fields near coastal Alabama due to rains from Tropical Storm Claudette. Warm temperatures and adequate rainfall improved crop conditions across South Carolina. However, heavy amounts of localized rain increased the presence of annual summer weeds in pastures, but cattle remained in mostly good condition.
- For more information, please visit the Southeast Regional Climate Center Home Page.
High Plains Region (Information provided by the High Plains Regional Climate Center)
- Oppressive heat and dryness caused drought conditions to continue to intensify throughout the High Plains in June. Impacts were being felt in several sectors across multiple states in the region. The continuation of poor pasture and range conditions across the Dakotas and Wyoming has made it increasingly difficult to find forage for livestock, which has forced producers to sell off their herds. The availability of high-quality water supplies for livestock was also very limited. Soil moisture was depleted across the northern part of the region. For instance, according to the June 29th USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, 90 percent of South Dakota’s topsoil moisture and 87 percent of its subsoil moisture were rated short to very short. Spring wheat and barley were not only faring poorly in the Dakotas, but nationwide as well, as both crops were in the worst condition ever recorded up to this point in the season since at least 2001. Corn and soybean conditions began to deteriorate throughout the Dakotas as well, as curling corn leaves and short soybeans were reported. Corn will be entering the silking stage very soon in this region, which is a critical growth stage due to the amount of moisture needed. If ample precipitation is not received during this stage, yield is likely to be lower.
- Ongoing drought conditions across the Northern Plains also contributed to extremely high temperatures. While heatwaves are certainly not uncommon in June, the intensity of the heat that early in the summer was unusual. Several locations throughout the Dakotas reached 100.0 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) the first week of the month. However, it was the heatwave in late June across the northern U.S. that was highly impactful, especially across the Pacific Northwest. Numerous all-time high temperature records were shattered across Washington and Oregon, and many were left vulnerable to the heat due to the lack of air conditioning, resulting in over 100 deaths. It is worth mentioning that the heatwave also impacted western Canada. Lytton, British Columbia set an unofficial record high for Canada at 121.3 degrees F (49.6 degrees C). While the number varies by source, several hundred deaths were blamed on the heatwave in British Columbia.
- Temperature
- After much of the region experienced below-normal temperatures in May, the pattern flipped in June, bringing above-normal temperatures to nearly the entire region. With the exception of the majority of Kansas and eastern Colorado, most of the High Plains experienced temperature departures of at least 2.0 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) above normal. However, the greatest departures occurred across a large portion of Wyoming and areas of the Dakotas, where temperatures were 6.0-8.0 degrees F (3.3-4.4 degrees C) above normal. Numerous locations in five High Plains states broke into the top 10 warmest Junes on record.
- Partly to blame for the widespread temperature records was a heat wave that occurred in mid-June, which sent temperatures soaring above 100.0 degrees F (37.8 degrees C). During this heat wave, Sheridan, WY recorded its highest June temperature on record when it reached 107.0 degrees F (41.7 degrees C) on the 15th (period of record 1907-2021). This tied the highest temperature ever recorded in any month for Sheridan. On the 16th, it reached 105.0 degrees F (40.6 degrees C) in Grand Junction, CO, which tied the record for highest June temperature (period of record 1893-2021). In fact, three of Grand Junction’s top 10 highest June temperatures were reached last month on the 15th, 16th, and 17th. It is also worth noting that the heat came especially early this year for some locations. Casper, WY reached 101.0 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) on the 15th, which was its earliest 100.0 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) day on record by six days (period of record 1939-2021). Colorado Springs, CO had its earliest 100.0 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) reading as well, occurring on the 16th. Interestingly, Colorado Springs has only recorded a maximum temperature of 100.0 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) 10 times since record-keeping began in 1894.
- Precipitation
- For the most part, June was dry across the High Plains. Monthly precipitation totals of less than 50 percent of normal were widespread, with pockets of South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska receiving 25 percent of normal precipitation at best. This resulted in several locations breaking into the top 10 driest Junes on record. For instance, Mobridge, South Dakota tied for its 2nd driest June, recording a paltry 0.38 inch (10 mm) of precipitation (period of record 1911-2021). The dryness drove up temperatures and exacerbated drought conditions across the region.
- On the other hand, southwestern and central Colorado, as well as pockets of North Dakota and eastern Kansas, had a wet June with precipitation exceeding 150 percent of normal. While this was not record-breaking, heavy rains did cause impacts in Colorado. For instance, localized flooding occurred in Montrose on the 24th after the CQ canal was overwhelmed with water. According to an article in the Montrose Press, floodwaters damaged homes and agriculture and livestock operations. A few days later, heavy rain fell over the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar in Glenwood Canyon, triggering several mudslides that forced the closure of Interstate 70 two separate times over the course of a few days.
- When one thinks about June on the High Plains, an active severe weather period usually comes to mind. While there were reports of severe weather throughout the region in June, it was rather quiet compared to recent years. For instance, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita, only four tornado warnings were issued across Kansas, which was well below the June average of 29 (based on data going back to 1986). According to the Storm Prediction Center, 109 tornadoes were reported nationwide in June, which is below the most recent three-year average of 141.
- The 2020-21 snow season officially ended on June 30th. Snowfall varied across the region, with portions of Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska having an above-normal snow season while much of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Kansas missed out. Lincoln, NE had its 3rd snowiest season, while Scottsbluff, NE had its 4th snowiest (Lincoln period of record 1948-2021, Scottsbluff period of record 1893-2021). Meanwhile, it was the 7th least snowiest season for Bismarck, ND and the 8th least snowiest for Grand Forks, ND (Bismarck period of record 1886-2021, Grand Forks period of record 1893-2021).
- Upper Missouri Basin mountain snowpack completely melted out in June. Due to drought conditions in the upper Basin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Water Management Division announced that they will reduce navigation flow support for the second half of the navigation season. However, they do expect that the length of the navigation flow support season will be a full eight months, ending December 1. Below-normal precipitation continued to cause streamflows to dwindle throughout the region. The lowest streamflows could be found across much of North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, western Colorado, and along the northern, southern, and western borders of Wyoming. However, streamflows were faring well across much of Kansas and eastern Colorado where precipitation has been more plentiful.
- Both improvements and degradations in drought conditions occurred in the High Plains in June. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the area experiencing drought (D1-D4) increased from approximately 48 percent to 55 percent over the course of the month. However, the area experiencing abnormal dryness and drought (D0-D4) decreased slightly from about 69 percent to 68 percent.
- Drought conditions intensified in parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska. New areas of extreme drought (D3) were introduced to northeastern Wyoming and southeastern South Dakota/northeastern Nebraska, while the area of D3 in north-central South Dakota expanded southward. Severe drought (D2) expanded throughout much of Wyoming, as well as eastern South Dakota into northeastern Nebraska. Moderate drought (D1) spread across portions of north-central Nebraska and the Nebraska Panhandle and filled in remaining areas of eastern South Dakota that had not been in drought. Abnormal dryness (D0) expanded into central and southern Nebraska down into north-central Kansas. All of these areas have experienced below-normal precipitation going back to April.
- Several areas also experienced improvement in conditions. Much-needed rain fell in southwestern North Dakota/northwestern South Dakota, improving D3 areas to D2 or D1. Heavy rains also improved D1 conditions along the Continental Divide in Colorado, and D0 was eradicated across much of eastern Colorado and southern Kansas.
- For more information, please visit the High Plains Regional Climate Center Home Page.
Southern Region (Information provided by the Southern Regional Climate Center)
June 2021 featured above-normal rainfall, leading to drought reduction and multiple flooding events.
- Temperature
- Across the Southern Region, temperatures in June were in the middle third of the historical values for the 1895-present period of record. Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma all ranked above the historical median. Louisiana’s June was 44th warmest, with an average temperature of 80.4 degrees F (26.9 degrees C); Texas was 42nd warmest, with an average temperature of 80.5 degrees F (26.9 degrees C); and Oklahoma was 53rd warmest, with an average temperature of 77.4 degrees F (25.2 degrees C). On the cool side were Tennessee, 62nd coolest at 73.7 degrees F (23.2 degrees C) and Mississippi, 48th coolest at 78.0 degrees F (25.6 degrees C). Striking a happy median was Arkansas, smack in the middle of the historical distribution at 76.5 degrees F (24.7 degrees C). The regional average was 78.9 degrees F (26.1 degrees C), 51st warmest. The highest maximum temperature of the month was 117 degrees F (47 degrees C) at Rio Grande Village, Texas, and the highest minimum was 85 degrees F (29 degrees C) at Galveston and Rockport, Texas. Mt. Leconte in Tennessee reported the lowest maximum and minimum temperatures: 53 degrees F (12 degrees C) and 31 degrees F (-1 degrees C).
- Precipitation
- June 2021 was the third wettest June on record for the state of Mississipp, thanks partly to Tropical Storm Claudette; the 9.96 inches (253 mm) ranked behind only 1900 and 1989. Three locations with records spanning over 100 years set their all-time June records: University (16.01 inches; 407 mm), Pontotoc (15.21 inches; 386 mm), and Enid Dam (13.76 inches; 350 mm). Most other states in the Southern Region were wetter than the historical median: Louisiana 26th wettest with 6.53 inches (166 mm), Arkansas 35th wettest with 5.03 inches (128 mm), Texas 38th wettest with 3.47 inches (88 mm), and Oklahoma 45th wettest with 4.33 inches (110 mm). Tennessee was 61st driest, at 3.96 inches (101 mm), giving the Southern Region an overall average of 4.65 inches (118 mm), 28th wettest all-time.
- Drought
- Continued improvement in drought conditions was the rule for Texas and Oklahoma, while the other portions of the Southern Region remained drought-free. Overall drought coverage decreased from slightly more than 10% of the region to slightly less than 5%, and exceptional drought (D4) was eradicated for the first time in over ten months. About half of the Trans Pecos area remained in drought, including some extreme drought (D3), and lingering areas of drought remained in isolated parts of Oklahoma, along the Texas-New Mexico border, and along portions of the Pecos and Rio Grande rivers.
- Notable Weather
- Southeastern Arkansas experienced an exceptional rainfall event on June 8 and 9, 2021, confirmed by WSR-88D weather radar. Coop station Rohwer 2 NNE, in over sixty years of record-keeping, had previously recorded a greatest one-day precipitation total of 7.21 inches (183 mm). On June 8, the record was broken with a value of 9.25 inches (235 mm). On June 9, the day-old record itself was broken, as 9.97 inches (253 mm) of rain was recorded. The two-day total of 19.23 inches (488 mm) now stands as the second-largest two-day rainfall total every recorded in Arkansas. The multi-day rainfall in the area put crops of rice, corn, and cotton underwater, with the Arkansas Farm Bureau estimating more than $310 million in crop losses (https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jun/11/flooding-continues-over-state/). The heavy rains in early June also brought flooding to northern and central Mississippi. Tropical Storm Claudette struck Louisiana and Mississippi during the middle of the month. In addition to bringing tropical-storm-force winds to coastal areas, Claudette was responsible for some flooding in southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi and a few tornadoes, but no fatalities were reported there. The largest impacts from the storm, including fatalities, were across the border in Alabama.
- Severe Weather
- Aside from Tropical Storm Claudette, June was fairly quiet. Of the fourteen tornadoes in the six-state region, only one (in eastern Mississippi during Claudette) was rated as EF-1, and none at all were reported in Oklahoma. There were 322 severe wind reports, with the strongest wind at 88 mph (39 m/s), and 44 severe hail reports, with the largest estimated to be 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter. There were no injuries or fatalities reported from any severe weather during the month.
- For more information, please visit the Southern Regional Climate Center Home Page.
Western Region (Information provided by the Western Region Climate Center)
- June 2021 will be remembered in the West for the historic heat wave that shattered temperature records throughout the greater Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. An extremely anomalous dome of hot air formed beneath an amplified and stationary Omega blocking pattern in the mid-troposphere. The heat dome led to many locations breaking their previous all-time maximum temperatures (see notable events). Temperature anomalies during June were above average (4–6°F; 2–3°C) throughout the southern tier of the West, with the northern tier experiencing well-above average conditions (6–8°F; 3–4°C), largely owing to the late June heat wave. With an average temperature of 69.4°F (20.8°C), Helena, MT was 7.7°F (4.3°C) above normal, good for its 2nd warmest June in 142 years of record keeping. Salt Lake City, UT had its warmest June in 74 years of records with an average of 80.2°F (26.8°C), which is 8.6°F (4.8°C) above normal. Near-normal to slightly warmer than normal (0–4°F; 0–2°C) temperatures occurred along the coast of CA due to onshore flow and presence of marine stratus. The eastern portions of AZ and NM were also near-to slightly-above average (0–4°F; 0–2°C). Early in the month, the Pacific Southwest underwent their own heat wave. With a record spanning 85 years, Las Vegas, NV experienced its 2nd warmest June with an average temperature of 92.2°F (33.4°C), 4.8°F (2.6°C) above normal.
- Precipitation throughout the West was generally well-below normal with several exceptions. The highly amplified flow during the late June heatwave brought welcome monsoon precipitation to the Southwest, leading to a small region of above normal precipitation. Pima, AZ observed 0.57 in. (14.5 mm) of precipitation (335% of normal), its 8th wettest June since records began 45 years ago. Blythe, CA measured 0.06 in. (1.5 mm; >1000% of normal), making June the 4th wettest in the past 73 years. Roswell, NM recorded its wettest June in 128 years with 6.73 in. (171 mm) of precipitation, 125% of normal. Drizzle from marine stratus helped San Francisco to its 6th wettest June with 0.57 in. (14.5 mm) of precipitation or 335% of normal. Dry records were common in the northern Intermountain West. Pocatello, ID received 0.01 in. (2 mm) of precipitation (1% of normal), making June its driest since records began 83 years ago. Bozeman, MT recorded 0.23 in. (5.8 mm; 10% of normal) of rainfall, its driest June in 77 years.
- Sea surface temperatures (SST) north of the Hawaiian Islands were 0–1.5°F (0–0.8°C) above normal, with colder SST anomalies (-1.5°F–0°F (-0.8–0°C) below normal located south and southeast of the islands. Temperatures on the Hawaiian Islands in June were near-normal, with many long-record stations observing mean temperatures near the long-term mean. With a mean temperature of 78.1°F (25.6°C) Kahului, HI (Maui) recorded its 27th hottest June (1.2°F (0.72°C) below normal;) since 1954. Despite being the start of the Hawaiian dry season, June precipitation was below average at Honolulu, HI with 0.06 in. (1.5 mm; 12% of normal) making for the 10th driest June since records began in 1940.
- June in Alaska was relatively quiet at the monthly scale, but eventful from the perspective of individual events. With 6.38 in. (162 mm) of rain, Juneau experienced its fourth wettest June (167% of normal) since records started in 1944. Modest thunderstorm activity and lightning-ignited wildfires were kept at bay by frequent showers and no sustained warm weather. The June total of 73,000 acres burned was the least amount burned in June since 2014, while the seasonal total through the end of June was the lowest since 2008. The late June heat dome and omega blocking pattern did impact Alaska, with several daily records begin set. Notably on June 28, Ketchikan recorded its highest June minimum temperature (65°F; 18.3°C) since record keeping began in 1910. The remainder of Alaskan Bering sea ice melted out by mid-month, while daily ice extent in the Chukchi was 103% of the 1991-2020 median.
- Significant Events
- Pacific Northwest Heatwave Sets New All-Time Maximum Temperatures: Many locations in the Pacific Northwest broke previous all-time maximum temperatures between June 27–29. Portland, OR, where records began in 1894, set its new all-time high temperature of 110°F (43.3°C). The Portland Airport reached 116°F (46.7°C), its highest since record keeping began in 1940. In southern OR, with records since 1900, Roseburg has a new record high of 114°F (45.5°C). Further north in WA, The Dalles measured 118°F (47.8°C), its highest since records started in 1948. This value tied the all-time WA state record. Coastal communities also experienced extreme heat. With records beginning in 1968, Quillayute, WA achieved its highest all-time temperature of 110°F (43.3°C). The Seattle, WA weather forecast office, where record keeping began in 1894, reached 107°F (41.7°C).
- Fires in the Southern Cascades: Extreme drought in the southern Cascades of northern California coinciding with the exceptional heatwave of late June came to a head with a suite of wildfire ignitions. The Lava Fire (25k acres) was ignited by lightning on the northern flank of Mt. Shasta. During late afternoon periods of peak atmospheric instability, the Lava Fire underwent extreme fire behavior and formed pyrocumulus that was widely misinterpreted as a volcanic eruption. Several miles to the northeast, the Tennant Fire (10k acres; cause under investigation) was ignited. A few days later, the Salt Fire (11k acres; cause under investigation) ignited to the southwest along the northern margin of Lake Shasta near Interstate 5, burning high value private timber and recently planted timber plantations.
- For more information, please go to the Western Regional Climate Center Home Page.