On Pace For Wettest Year On Record

2018 has been an active year with regard to precipitation. Several notable events have occurred including the significant February/March river flooding, Alberto, Gordon, and a rare late September river flooding episode. The heavy rainfall associated with each of these events has been enough to push us ahead of the pace for wettest year on record at the Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort climate sites. Below is a look at where we have been, where we are, and where we might be headed.

Below is an image of Louisville's precipitation (light green) so far this year compared to the wettest on record (2011 blue), normal (dark green), and the driest on record (1930 red). In addition to the precipitation traces, some notable events are highlighted. Note how Louisville pulled ahead of the record pace back in early September when the remnants of Gordon affected the area.

Louisville

Through October 26th, Louisville has seen 57.02" of precipitation which is 20.05" above normal for this time of year. At this same time back in 2011, Louisville had received 54.66" and went on to become the wettest year on record with 68.02". In contrast, at this same time back in 1930, Louisville had only received 19.66" on it's way to the driest year on record with 23.88".

Lexington

Through October 26th, Lexington has seen 59.43" of precipitation which is 22.25" above normal for this time of year. At this same time back in 1935, Lexington had received 56.98", but 2011 went on to be the wettest year on record with 66.35" In contrast, at this same time back in 1930, Lexington had only received 21.51" and went on to become the driest year on record with 24.89".

Frankfort

Through October 26th, Frankfort has seen 55.64" of precipitation which is 18.30" above normal for this time of year. At this same time back in 2015, Frankfort had received 50.15", but 2011 went on to be the wettest year on record with 65.58". In contrast, 1930 went down as the driest year on record for Frankfort with 22.59".

Bowling Green

While Bowling Green has seen above normal precipitation so far this year, they aren't seeing the record pace that other sites further north are experiencing. Bowling Green has seen 44.08" so far this year which is 3.78" above normal.

What To Expect Going Forward

Since we are already ahead of pace at three of the climate sites across north central Kentucky this late in the year, it is entirely possible that we will break the wettest year on record. In fact, a pretty active weather pattern will bring several shots of significant rainfall over the coming days to further increase our totals. Here is a look at the expected rainfall totals through the end of the work week over the Ohio River Valley region where 2 to 3 inches is possible.