Provided by the State Climate Office of Ohio, a collaboration of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, Geography Department, and OSU Extension with support from Energent Solutions.
Temperature and Precipitation
During the spring, Ohio experienced above-average temperatures and precipitation. Statewide average temperatures were 0°F to 3°F above normal, with the most significant departures observed in the southeastern and northern regions (Fig. 1a). Most areas received between 10 and 15 inches of precipitation, with localized amounts of 15 to 25 inches in the southwest (Fig. 1b). Precipitation totals were generally above average across the state, with most locations recording 0 to 4 inches above normal and some areas in the southeast and other isolated regions receiving up to 8 inches above normal. A few isolated areas experienced deficits of up to 2 inches below normal (Fig. 1c). Overall, precipitation ranged from 100% to 150% of normal across Ohio, with a small region in the southeast and parts of northwestern Richland County reaching up to 175% of normal (Fig. 1d).
Soil and Energy
The 3-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the spring season indicates wetter-than-normal soil moisture conditions across most of Ohio. SPI values generally ranged from 0 to 2, reflecting broadly moist conditions throughout the state. However, a small region in eastern Ohio continued to experience abnormally dry conditions with SPI values of up to -2 (Fig. 2).
Most regions of Ohio experienced below-average Heating Degree Days (HDDs), reflecting a warmer-than-usual early spring. However, Cooling Degree Days (CDDs) were also below normal, indicating cooler-than-average conditions later in the season. This pattern is explained by above-normal temperatures in March and April, which reduced the need for heating, followed by below-normal temperatures in May, which limited the demand for cooling (Fig. 3). As a result, overall energy demand for temperature regulation was lower than normal throughout the spring.
Looking Ahead
The Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) three-month outlook suggests a likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures across Ohio and wetter-than-average conditions in parts of the state, though both forecasts carry low confidence. The seasonal temperature outlook indicates the highest probabilities for above-normal temperatures are in eastern Ohio (Fig. 4a). Meanwhile, the precipitation outlook shows a slight chance for wetter-than-normal conditions in the southwestern region, with near-normal precipitation expected elsewhere across the state (Fig. 4b).
Note: these outlooks do not provide the quantity of above or below normal conditions, just the likelihood of occurrence (i.e., the probability).
This spring's variable conditions posed challenges for farmers. Cool temperatures and elevated precipitation delayed crop planting, which was then followed by a period of extreme heat at the end of June. Looking ahead, the outlook for both warmer and wetter conditions remains uncertain, with probabilities close to normal also possible. In the longer term, persistent warmth could stress crops during key growth stages, especially if accompanied by intermittent dry spells. Conversely, a return to near-normal conditions could ease some agricultural concerns, allowing for more typical development and harvest timelines.
Authors
Aiden Ridgway: Atmospheric Sciences Undergraduate, Student Assistant: Climate Services - Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, The Ohio State University, ridgway.72@osu.edu
Geddy R. Davis: Meteorologist/Atmospheric Scientist, Program Coordinator: Climate Services - Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, The Ohio State University, davis.5694@osu.edu
Aaron B. Wilson: State Climate Office of Ohio, Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center & OSU Extension, The Ohio State University, wilson.1010@osu.edu