8/11/2024 - 8/17/2024

Climate in the News:

Much of the Southern Region has so far avoided drought this astronomical Summer, but per the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook for Fall significant drought development is likely. Throughout the beginning of August, drought development occurred in northwest Texas and western Oklahoma. Drought development is likely this Fall in much of the Southern Region from West Texas to western Tennessee. Many of these areas classified for drought development are the same areas at risk for rapid onset drought (flash drought) through the end of August.

U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook for Fall

Weather Synopsis:

Last week the skies were fairly clear across the Southern Region. To blame for this was the upper-level ridge which set up over the Region early in the week. This ridge brought warm temperatures as well as stable air, which is not conducive for thunderstorms.

Upper level pressure and wind map displaying an upper level ridge

Temperature:

Overall, summer days in August are hot across most of the region. High humidity levels are present near the coast due to the prevailing southerly winds that bring moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

Graphic showing the average temperature across the Southern Region for August 11th - 17th

Graphic showing the mean temperature anomalies across the Southern Region for August 11th - 17th

Temperatures were quite warm again last week in the Southern Region, as an upper-level ridge was parked over the region for much of the week. Temperatures were above normal for the majority of the region, specifically in northwest Texas where temperatures were eight to ten degrees above normal. Temperatures were slightly below normal though in northern Tennessee. Overall average temperatures for the week ranged between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Precipitation:

With the majority of the region being in a humid subtropical climate, rainfall is common at any point of the year. Frequently, during the summer months, sea breezes initiate thunderstorms and rain showers, which are quite common along the coastal areas.

Graphic showing the accumulated precipitation across the Southern Region for August 11th - 17th

Graphic showing the precipitation anomalies across the Southern Region for August 11th - 17th

The majority of the Southern Region remained dry yet again last week, although Oklahoma and Arkansas saw a few showers due to remnant storm systems from farther north. The highest weekly precipitation total came out of eastern Oklahoma where about 7 inches of rainfall was observed. Specifically, in Sequoyah County, OK just under 4 inches of rain fell on August 12th according to a CoCoRaHS report. Overall though, many areas did not receive any rainfall.

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