Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Scattered strong to severe storms, excessive rainfall, and flooding are expected across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast today. Flood Watches are in effect. Heat will continue to impact the West today. Heat advisories are in effect for portions of the Intermountain West; and Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect for portions of Arizona and southeast California. Read More >

September featured pretty widespread warmer than average temperatures and below average rainfall. Few records were broken this month, though a record high low temperature was set at Brainerd and a couple daily rainfall records were set. The warm and dry conditions have resulted in expanded drought conditions, with pockets of moderate to extreme drought across portions of northwest Wisconsin along the South Shore, inching into Carlton and Pine counties. Abnormally dry conditions have spread into parts of northeast Minnesota as well. Many rivers and streams are running below normal across northwest Wisconsin.

Above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation are likely to persist across the region through October, as is forecasted by the Climate Prediction Center. Chances are equal for above or below normal temperatures and precipitation through December. Areas that are currently experiencing drought will likely see conditions persist for the foreseeable future.