Abstract

Annual rainfall patterns in Kentucky have not been average during the 1980's. During this timespan there have been two droughts of statewide significance, and there has been wide variability within the state during most years. Because of this wide fluctuation, there has been some concern that rainfall patterns either are changing or have changed. In order to evaluate this concern, rainfall data from sites in western, south central, north central, east central, and eastern Kentucky were analyzed. An average amount of rainfall which would be predicted for these sites was calculated, using the average of that which fell annually from approximately 1960-1980. Average of that which fell annually from 1981-1986 was calculated to use for comparison with the long-term average to determine if rainfall during the 1980's has changed from that which would have been predicted. Additionally, rainfall amounts were calculated for the periods December-March and April-November. This was done in order to determine if any changes in annual distribution of rainfall had also taken place during the 1980's. The reason for selecting the period December-March is that rainfall which occurs during this period recharges groundwater and contributes greatly to streamflow throughout the year. Total rainfall averages for the 1970's were also calculated as another comparison for that of the 1980's.

Publication Date

1-1988

Volume

9

Number

1

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