National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Life-Threatening Flash Flooding in South Central Texas; Heat Continues from the Northern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic

Life-threatening and locally catastrophic flash and urban flooding is expected across portions of south-central Texas through early Friday, with significant river flooding and rapid rises on small streams, arroyos, and typically dry washes expected. A significant heat wave continues for the Rockies, Northern Plains, and Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic, peaking in intensity through midweek. 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.