8/18/2024 - 8/24/2024

Climate in the News:

Forecasted in the Climate Prediction Center's 6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook, the Southern Region is expected to see some above-normal chances of precipitation. The highest probability of these chances are in southwest Texas. Over the past two weeks, the majority of the region has seen very little rainfall, with some areas in Texas experiencing none. Rainfall, especially in Texas, will be critical to prevent the expansion and worsening of drought conditions. Unfortunately, though, it will take a lot of rain to end drought in many areas. In Mississippi, some areas need at least around 6 inches, but some areas in the state need upwards of 13 inches to alleviate drought conditions.

Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook

Weather Synopsis:

A few thunderstorms occurred last week in the Hill Country of Texas. The combination of southerly surface winds and a small-scale upper-level disturbance provided the environment necessary for thunderstorms to form.

Weather Prediction Center Surface Analysis

Source: WPC Surface Analysis, 8/23/24 at 4 pm CST

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 18th - 24th

Graphic showing the mean temperature anomalies across the Southern Region for August 18th - 24th

Last week, temperatures in the Southern Region ranged from hot in Texas to warm in the eastern portions of the Region. The western portion of the Region experienced temperatures above normal, while the eastern portion of the Region experienced temperatures below normal. The largest departure from normal was observed in the Texas Panhandle where daily average temperatures were over 9 degrees above normal. There was a wide spread in the weekly average temperature in the Region with parts of Texas experiencing around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee seeing temperatures around 73 degrees. Overall, weekly average temperature ranged between 70 degrees in the Great Smoky Mountains and 92 degrees in West-Central Texas.

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 18th - 24th

Graphic showing the precipitation anomalies across the Southern Region for August 18th - 24th

A dry Southern Region seems to continue to be the trend. The Region experienced yet another week with minimal rainfall. Evening showers did occur in the Hill Country of Texas throughout the week as several shortwaves acted as a mechanism to initiate thunderstorms. This precipitation occurred mainly on Saturday, August 24th, when 1.82 inches of rain fell in Llano County, TX. Overall, though, precipitation in the Hill Country was on the order of half an inch.

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