Climatology of Extreme Precipitation in the Midwestern U.S.

Extreme precipitation events are highly disruptive, having economic and safety ramifications for society. This study examines the climatology of extreme precipitation in the Midwestern United States for the 1950–2015 period using the daily unified gauge-based analysis of precipitation from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Characteristics of extreme precipitation are analyzed both in space and time. The frequency, intensity, and seasonality of extreme precipitation are investigated and compared to characteristics of overall precipitation. In addition, we identify changes over time at the state level in the Midwest. Overall, the annual amount of extreme precipitation has increased by (46%-119%) in six states. Our results show that this increase has been primarily driven by increases in frequency. Nonetheless, extreme precipitation’s contribution to total precipitation has not conclusively increased except in 3 states.