National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Locally Heavy Rainfall for the Carolinas; Thunderstorms and Fire Weather Concerns for Intermountain West

Heavy rainfall from scattered thunderstorms is expected across the Southwest, Intermountain West, and Plains. Isolated dry thunderstorms may initiate additional fires across the west. The coastal Carolinas may experience flash floods in the coming days due to repeated thunderstorms. Additionally, a wave of intense summer heat will hit the Southern Plains and central Gulf Coast States this week. Read More >

Drought Information

 


 

One of the wettest springs on record erased the drought across the region.

However, a prolonged dry spell this summer has allowed some drought conditions to re-emerge.

 


Current Drought Conditions

  

U.S. Drought Monitor

 

U.S. Drought Monitor - North and Central Texas

 

U.S. Drought Monitor - Texas

 


Fire Danger

  

Warm season vegetation is in summer dormancy, and this abundant growth from the wet spring may serve as fuel for wildfires.  The days of greatest concern for fire initiation and spread will be those that are sunny and hot with low humidity and breezy winds. 

Even if a formal burn ban is not in effect for your area, it is still important to be vigilant about fire usageAvoid open flames near dry vegetation, and assure all coals and embers are fully extinguished. 

 

Texas Outdoor Burn Bans

Keetch-Byram Drought Index

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is a drought statistic specifically designed to assess fire danger.

 

 


 Drought Links

 

 National Integrated Drought Information System

 National Drought Mitigation Center

  Drought Impact Reporter

  Precipitation Estimates

  Lake Levels