Drought Information for Central Alabama

Updated Dec 18, 2008

Synopsis...

The heavy rainfall that occurred last week across Central Alabama has caused drought conditions to recede from the area. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor now indicates that no areas are currently listed as being in drought status. Abnormally dry conditions persist in a zone from Sumter and Marengo counties northeast to Etowah and Cherokee Counties...but additional rainfall during the next week could improve these conditions to near normal. Remaining areas of Central Alabama are now listed as being near normal.

The Drought Monitor classifies drought within one of these five categories:

D0...Abnormally Dry
D1...Moderate Drought
D2...Severe Drought
D3...Extreme Drought
D4...Exceptional Drought

A stationary front has lingered across North Alabama during the past few days...with an unsettled weather pattern across the area. This has allowed additional rainfall to occur the past week...with many areas receiving cumulative rainfall totals of one to two inches... with locally greater amounts. Monthly rainfall totals are averaging from three and a half to six inches...with local amounts over eight inches. Normal rainfall for December averages between four and five inches. For the year to date... rainfall is averaging from forty two to fifty eight inches...with the lowest amounts generally found in west central sections.

(For up to the most recent climate report...click on the city.)

Hydrologic Impacts...

Soil moisture profiles have moistened considerably due to the recent rainfall across the area. This has allowed area stream flows across Central Alabama to return to near or above normal levels.

The USDA states that the cotton and peanut harvests have been mostly completed...with this year`s peanut harvest yields described as outstanding. Overall the state`s livestock were reported to be in good condition going into winter. The latest reports from the USDA are to the right.

Fire Danger Impacts...

The fire danger risk across Central Alabama has continued to improve. Keetch-Byram Drought Indices (KBDI) generally range from 100 to 335...with areas southeast of a line from Lanett to Prattville to Fort Deposit less than 100. Values above 500 indicate a Severe Fire Danger.

The Alabama Forestry Commission reports that no counties are currently under a Fire Alert...but the State Forester urges anyone doing outside burning to take all necessary safety precautions.

Hydrologic Summary and Outlook...

Most stream flows reported by USGS gages have returned to near normal to above normal flows. Periodic rainfall will be needed if stream flows are to remain near normal flows this winter.

Most reservoir levels have remained fairly steady or risen a little. Listed below are today`s levels for some of the major reservoirs across Central Alabama and levels from December 11th:

Social Impacts...

Area reservoirs continue fairly steady or have risen a little because of the recent rainfall. The threat of municipal water shortages has eased. If near normal rainfall occurs this winter municipal water supplies should be in good shape heading into next spring.

Outlook...

A stationary front across the extreme northwest sections of Alabama this morning will meander across that area the next couple of days. This will produce a chance for some light rainfall across the area. A strong cold front is forecast to move across Central Alabama on Sunday...bringing better chances for rain Saturday night into Sunday. Drier and much colder air will follow the front Sunday night into Monday...before the next front approaches the area by Tuesday bringing another chance for rainfall to Central Alabama by Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The two week outlook...from December 25th through December 31st... calls for above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation chances.

The longer-range outlook for January through March is for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation chances.

The latest seasonal drought outlook through March does not indicate a likelihood that drought conditions will redevelop.

Update Statement...

This will be the last Drought Statement issued. These statements will be resumed if drought conditions return to the area.

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