Monday, July 22, 2013

[californiadisasters] United States Drought Monitor (July 18, 2013)



Current Drought Conditions and the Seasonal Drought Outlook

Currently 46% of the contiguous U.S. is in moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought. The drought is concentrated in the western half of the country, in contrast to this time last year,
when 61% of the contiguous U.S. was in moderate (D1) to exceptional drought (D4), and drought conditions stretched nearly from coast to coast. Currently the D4 category covers a larger area compared to this time last year (4.3% vs. 0.7%, respectively), mainly in CO, KS, NM and TX, causing notable agricultural impacts in these states.

The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook indicates that drought will persist in much of the West from now through October. Some improvement is expected in the Southwest due to monsoon
moisture and an increase in seasonal rains (hatched area). Drought is anticipated to develop in eastern OK and west-central AR due to long-term precipitation deficits. The designation of
improvement (green areas), does not imply ending of drought conditions, just a possible easing of conditions.

Temperature, Precipitation and Wildfire Outlooks

For the summer months, much of the West is expected to have above-normal temperatures, along with the New England states, portions of the mid-Atlantic states, and the northern
coast of Alaska. "EC" indicates temperatures have equal chances of being below normal, normal or above normal. www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov

The 3-month precipitation outlook indicates that southern portions of Alaska may have below-normal precipitation. The Southeast may receive above-normal precipitation, as well as portions of Arizona and New Mexico. "EC" indicates precipitation amounts have equal chances
of being below normal, normal or above normal.

The Significant Wildfire Potential for the month of August will be above normal for most of Oregon and California, and parts of Idaho and Montana. Fire potential in the East will remain below normal along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts while returning to normal in the upper and mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.www.nifc.gov

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