Heavy Rainfall in the Southern Plains, Carolinas and Florida; Heat in the West and Northeast

Heavy to excessive rainfall over parts of the southern Plains, Florida Panhandle, and coastal Carolinas may bring areas of flooding today. Hot to extremely hot temperatures are in place through early this week across much of the western U.S. and northern New England. Read More >

September featured pretty widespread warmer than average temperatures and below average rainfall. Few records were broken this month, though a record high low temperature was set at Brainerd and a couple daily rainfall records were set. The warm and dry conditions have resulted in expanded drought conditions, with pockets of moderate to extreme drought across portions of northwest Wisconsin along the South Shore, inching into Carlton and Pine counties. Abnormally dry conditions have spread into parts of northeast Minnesota as well. Many rivers and streams are running below normal across northwest Wisconsin.

Above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation are likely to persist across the region through October, as is forecasted by the Climate Prediction Center. Chances are equal for above or below normal temperatures and precipitation through December. Areas that are currently experiencing drought will likely see conditions persist for the foreseeable future.