Ulysses, Kansas Climate Summary • Average Annual Temperature
55.6°F (13.1°C)
• Average Annual High Temperature
68.6°F (20.3°C)
• Average Annual Low Temperature
42.6°F (5.9°C)
• Average Annual Precipitation
21.7 inches (551 mm)
• Average Annual Snowfall
19.3 inches (49 cm)
• Average Number of Days with Measurable Precipitation
67
• Average Number of Days with Snowfall
12
Climate Overview
Ulysses, Kansas has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 55.6°F (13.1°C), with an average annual high temperature of 68.6°F (20.3°C) and an average annual low temperature of 42.6°F (5.9°C). The average annual precipitation is 21.7 inches (551 mm), with most of the precipitation falling during the spring and summer months. The average annual snowfall is 19.3 inches (49 cm), with most of the snowfall occurring during the winter months.
Summer
Summers in Ulysses, Kansas are hot and dry. The average high temperature in July, the warmest month, is 95°F (35°C), and the average low temperature is 62°F (17°C). The average monthly precipitation in July is 2.6 inches (66 mm).
Winter
Winters in Ulysses, Kansas are cold and dry. The average high temperature in January, the coldest month, is 43°F (6°C), and the average low temperature is 19°F (-7°C). The average monthly precipitation in January is 0.7 inches (18 mm).
Spring and Fall
Spring and fall in Ulysses, Kansas are mild and dry. The average high temperature in April, the warmest month, is 68°F (20°C), and the average low temperature is 39°F (4°C). The average monthly precipitation in April is 2.3 inches (58 mm). The average high temperature in October, the coolest month, is 63°F (17°C), and the average low temperature is 33°F (1°C). The average monthly precipitation in October is 1.2 inches (30 mm).
Climate Variability
The climate in Ulysses, Kansas is subject to variability, with occasional periods of extreme heat, cold, or precipitation. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ulysses was 115°F (46°C) on July 14, 1936. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Ulysses was -31°F (-35°C) on February 12, 1899. The wettest year on record in Ulysses was 1993, with a total of 36.9 inches (937 mm) of precipitation. The driest year on record in Ulysses was 1956, with a total of 9.9 inches (251 mm) of precipitation.
Climate Change
The climate in Ulysses, Kansas is changing, with average temperatures increasing and precipitation patterns becoming more variable. The average annual temperature in Ulysses has increased by 1.8°F (1°C) since 1895, and the average annual precipitation has decreased by 2.5 inches (63 mm) since 1895. The frequency of extreme heat events has also increased in Ulysses, with the number of days with temperatures above 100°F (38°C) increasing by 50% since 1950.
Climate Impacts
Climate change is having a number of impacts on Ulysses, Kansas, including:
• Increased heat stress, which can lead to health problems, especially for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
• More frequent and severe droughts, which can damage crops and lead to water shortages.
• Increased flooding, which can damage property and infrastructure.
• Changes in plant and animal life, which can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
The city of Ulysses is taking steps to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including:
• Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Planting trees and other vegetation to help cool the city and reduce heat stress.
• Improving water conservation efforts to reduce the risk of water shortages.
• Working with local farmers and ranchers to develop more sustainable agricultural practices.
• Educating the public about climate change and its impacts.
