Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Central U.S.; Heat Building in the Western U.S.

A cold front pressing east across the central U.S. will be the focus for areas of strong to severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall through this weekend. Strong to severe thunderstorms my bring damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes while excessive rainfall may lead to areas of flooding. Heat will build across the western U.S. with heat-related watches, warnings, and advisories issued. Read More >

A very noticeable pattern change took place throughout May compared to April and March as very warm and dry weather prevailed. This led to a reversal from pretty widespread areal flooding due to the rapid melting of an area-wide deep snowpack in April to a very dry pattern with flash drought conditions developing through the month. Rainfall was below average everywhere, and for some places, several inches below average. Ashland recorded the driest May on record! Temperatures were also several degrees above average everywhere. As a result, rivers and streams are starting to fall below normal levels.