The up-and-down temperatures in December are expected to be on the high side Friday and bring with them the risk of stormy weather. Residents in Scott County experienced a tornado earlier this week. A late fall-winter severe storm is always a possibility. University of Kentucky Agriculture Meteorologist Matt Dixon remembered a deadly tornado in November 16 years ago.
“I think back to 2005. One of the reasons I got into meteorology was a tornado that hopped from Henderson County to Vanderburg County in Indiana and produced an F-3 tornado at the time,” said Dixon.
Dixon said temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 60’s Friday before dipping during the weekend. The ag meteorologist noted above normal temperatures and precipitation are forecast for the winter months.
Matt Dixon said the Commonwealth has seen above normal precipitation in all of the past six winters and above normal temperatures in five of the six. Dixon noted that trend is expected to continue over the next few months. And with that comes the possibility of muddy conditions on cattle farms. Dixon added there are steps farmers can take to help mitigate livestock concerns. “We’ve been suggesting maybe you put out all weather surfaces in your feeding areas. Minimize the amount of mud that your cattle have to walk through. There’s also some publications on rotational grazing structures, fence line feeders for beef cattle,” explained Dixon.
Dixon said warmer than usual weather conditions can speed up winter wheat development and create concern. Also, with the prospects for higher precipitation, Dixon noted that also brings with it the need for flood protection.
