Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across the Southern and Eastern US; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the southern and eastern US this week, with heavy rain and localized flooding, particularly near the Gulf Coast. Monsoonal moisture will bring rain and potential flooding to parts of the Southwest. Heat and fire weather threats will continue to impact the West. Read More >

The image below is a 1000m resolution, "true color" image from the MODIS satellite valid today - 1 February 2012. A couple interesting features noted on the image are described below:

Areas in "brown" are predominantly void of snow. As such - a vast majority of South Dakota is completely snow free! Obviously, this is quite rare for the 1st of February.
The "brown ground" is able to absorb much more solar energy, which allows temperatures to warm. This is a major reason why temperatures have remained above normal.
Residual areas of snowcover (white) are confined to the Black Hills region in western South Dakota and the Glacial Lakes region in northeastern South Dakota.
A large section of Lake Oahe north of Pierre is free of ice (dark blue color). Again, very rare for early February.

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Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across the Southern and Eastern US; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Image of the Day - Satellite Image of a Snow Free South Dakota