Figure 2 - Climate outlook example, showing the probability of below normal (blue) and above normal (red) temperatures for the month of April, 2020. The area in white represents equal chances (probability) of having above, near, or below normal temperatures. Similar outlooks are available for precipitation conditions
Climate of the Plains and Midwest
Due to specific factors that control our regional climate, much of the Plains and Midwest experience a humid continental type. Continental climates are classified as such because of their warm or hot summers and cold winters. Southern portions of the region (Kansas, most of Missouri, southern half of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio) are warm enough that they are classified as a humid subtropical climate type. The western reaches of the Plains (eastward side of the Rockies, non-mountainous but higher altitude) experience a drier climate type known as semi-arid or steppe. A distinctive feature of this region is the marked east to west gradient in precipitation and humidity. On average, the Midwest receives twice as much precipitation on an annual basis when compared to the western High Plains. Precipitation is highest (40-50 inches) in the humid subtropical areas of eastern Kansas, most of Missouri and southern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. The precipitation gradient is strongest for Kansas
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