The featured map presents an analysis of the contribution heavy rainfall events have to the overall precipitation total. For this plot, these events are defined as daily precip totals at or above two inches. The map shows the percentage of total precipitation that comes during these events. For Iowa, about 10-15% of the annual precip comes from these intense events. The pattern over the Midwest shows the maximum over southeastern Kansas and minimums over northern Michigan and western North Dakota. The reason being the combination of higher precipitable water (potential for heavy rainfall) the further south (warmer temperatures providing more capacity to hold water vapor) and the favored areas for thunderstorms (clash of air masses providing lift).

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Tags:   precip