7/18/2024

Last week the majority of the Southern Region saw temperatures just below normal and a lack of significant rainfall. Although, temperatures were above-normal in Tennessee and precipitation was below-normal. This resulted in widespread one-class degradation leading to expansion of moderate and severe drought (D1 & D2) as well as the introduction of a small area of extreme drought along the border with Alabama. Moderate to severe drought also expanded in Northern Mississippi where widespread one-class degradation were observed. Finally, degradation in Central and north-central Texas resulted in the introduction of abnormally dry conditions to several areas.

Looking into the future, outlined by the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast from the Weather Prediction Center, areas from Central Texas to eastern Tennessee are expected to see substantial rainfall. This should help moisten the soil and even result in some small-scale drought improvements in places.