Prolonged, Intense Heat Wave; Excessive Rainfall in the Southern Rockies; Severe Weather in the Central US

Extremely dangerous heat will persist from the Midwest to the East Coast into late this week. Monsoonal moisture may produce excessive rain and considerable flash flooding and debris flows, especially near recent burn scar areas in New Mexico and west Texas. Severe storms are possible from the southern/central Plains into the Great Lakes and Northeast, and the northern/central Plains today. Read More >

Drought Information

Near to above-normal late spring precipitation has continued to improve drought conditions across North and Central Texas. Several locations across western North Texas and eastern Central Texas received 150 to 300 percent of normal precipitation over the last 30 days.

Though drying will occur with warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation favored this summer, we do not anticipate any change in drought conditions through the end of August.

Current Drought Conditions

U.S. Drought Monitor

Fire Danger

With winter dormancy ongoing, any extended period without precipitation could reignite wildfire concerns. The days with the greatest potential for fire initiation and spread are those that are sunny and warm with low humidity and breezy winds. This potential will diminish with the onset of the spring growing season.

Even if a formal burn ban is not in effect for your area, it is still important to be vigilant about fire usage. Avoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is a drought statistic specifically designed to assess fire danger.

Drought Links

National Integrated Drought Information System

National Drought Mitigation Center

Drought Impact Reporter

Precipitation Estimates

Lake Levels

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