As of today, our yearly rainfall deficit stands at just over 10 1/2 inches. This is coming off a very dry year locally in 2006. These conditions have led to our region being placed under the "Severe Drought" category by the US Drought Monitor (1st picture on left). The Drought Monitor closely studies the entire country and determines the severity of dry spells. These drought conditions leading into the summer, could cause a warmer than normal summer.
A normal rain pattern would have led to an ample ground supply of water. Moisture in the top layer of the soil can serve to keep temperatures in check through evaporation. Granted, the added moisture in the air provides a muggy feeling, the evaporation and evapotranspiration process will keep air temperatures near seasonal levels. A parched, dry soil layer will absorb and retain the heat, therefore warming the air and leading to above normal temperatures. Again, on the flip side, it is not as humid, but very hot. The 2 week temperature trend keeps us in the above normal category. So, unless a wetter than normal pattern begins to take hold in June, we could be in for a hot summer. Please see my earlier post (Tuesday) about an active Gulf tropical season and our chances of rain.
Locally, our chance of at least some scattered showers will be a little higher through Saturday. Please be sure to see our Live Super Doppler for frequent updates. Mother's Day should be dry and warm, followed by another dry start to the upcoming week. Please see the Storm Track 9 7-Day Forecast and Video Webcast.
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