National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. Read More >

Drought Information

 


 

Despite, near to above-normal late spring precipitation, some drying will occur this summer with warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation favored through August. However, drought conditions are not currently predicted to redevelop across North and Central Texas through at least the end of August. 

 


Current Drought Conditions

  

U.S. Drought Monitor

 

U.S. Drought Monitor - North and Central Texas

 

U.S. Drought Monitor - Texas

 


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 usageAvoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished. 

 

Texas Outdoor Burn Bans

Keetch-Byram Drought Index

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