Despite snow, we're on track for a near record dry winter

In spite of the recent bout with heavy snow, our region is actually on pace for one of its driest winters on record.

Paducah received about eight inches of snow, but that typically melts down to less than an inch of rain, depending on the snow's density and temperature.  

Normal rainfall since December 1 is generally between 7 and 9 inches, but Paducah has only received about 3 inches, the second-lowest total ever recorded since just 2 inches fell in the winter of 1977 (another very cold and snowy year). Cape Girardeau has barely seen 2 inches, and could end up with less rain than the previous record of 2.76 inches in the winter of 1992.

Precipitation deficits are roughly 5 to 7" drier than normal over the past 71 days, and that puts our entire region in some degree of drought.

Western Kentucky and southernmost Illinois is rated at D-0, or abnormally dry. The rest of southern Illinois and most of southeast Missouri is rated at D-1, or moderate drought; and northwest Tennessee along with the Missouri Bootheel are at D-2 severe drought.

Northeast Arkansas contains areas of D-4 (extreme) and D-5 (exceptional) drought.

The lack of moisture stored in the soil will be a concern for farmers planting  crops this spring.

Some relief is in sight this weekend with a forecast of up to 2 inches of rain for western Kentucky. In the longer term, drought is expected to improve or end altogether through April across much of the mid Mississippi Valley.