For many superintendents in the region, this has been the season of precipitation. Whether it's record-breaking rain on a month-to-month basis or daily record-breaking rainfall rates, areas throughout the region have seen more rain this season than they have in the past. Just last week, areas in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin saw decades-old daily rainfall records surpassed; and this is on top the already wet season we have experienced.
So just how much precipitation has the region seen this year? Below are graphs broken down by state (please click on the graphs for a larger image), showing how 2017 monthly totals (information from Weather Underground) stack up to the historical monthly averages (information from U.S. Climate Data). The last graph showcases the total precipitation the region has received this year vs. historical average totals (please note, all graphs represent rainfall totals in inches, and display information from March 1 - July 14).
While superintendents employ cultural and mechanical practices to plan for adverse weather, we simply can't control or predict the weather. Seasons like this where extreme weather is the norm shows just how important these best management practices are. They also highlight the dedication and commitment superintendents display on a daily basis, as many have been working around-the-clock to ensure the course is in the best possible condition at all times.
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