This was the third warmest spring on record for Missouri and the fourth warmest for Illinois. Averaged out across the entire United States it was the fifth warmest Spring, so we aren't alone when it comes to the warmth. Spring is considered March through May for climate records, and below you can see the statewide ranks across the US.

The numbers on this map can be a bit confusing, but basically out of 113 years of keeping Spring temperature records, this was the 111th warmest in Missouri. That's why you see 111 in Missouri. 111th warmest out of 113 is another way of saying 3rd warmest on record.

Although it was warm, we had enough rain to remain out of the drought areas. Illinois is abnormally dry in our viewing area, but the intense drought areas are the Southeast and out West, as you can see below. In fact this was the driest 12 month period on record for Californai and Nevanda.

For more information, click here the complete story from NOAA.

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