Widespread Rain from Texas to the Central Appalachians; Heavy to Excessive Rainfall in Southern California and the Southwest

Scattered thunderstorms and widespread showers are expected from the Texas coast to the central Appalachians today. Heavy to excessive rainfall will continue in southern California into the Desert Southwest through Saturday. Heavy rain will pose a risk of flash flooding, especially across burn scar and urbanized regions. Read More >

Drought Information

Drought conditions are redeveloping across western North and Central Texas in response to the growing rainfall deficit through late summer and early fall. Though October is climatologically the wettest month of the year, the current outlooks for the next 1-3 months favor below normal precipitation making the development/expansion of drought conditions increasingly likely.

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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