10/31/2024

A week of summer-like temperatures and precipitation in October have led to widespread drought degradations in the Southern Region. Areas in Northern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee received small amounts of rainfall from a half to a tenth of an inch. However, these rainfall totals will not be enough to significantly improve drought conditions in the areas after weeks of dryness. Moderate to extreme drought conditions spread across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Abnormal to severe drought conditions continued to expand, capturing 95% of Mississippi, 92% of Oklahoma, 91% of Texas, 80% of Arkansas, 79% of Louisiana and 73% of Tennessee. 

Looking to the future, the Weather Prediction Center forecasted a series of cold fronts that will produce widespread and significant rainfall over the Southern Region. After one month without substantial rainfall, the first week of November may cause welcome drought improvements in the Region.