Issued By: WFO Mobile/Pensacola Contact Information: sr-mob.webmaster@noaa.gov This will be the final product on this event. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit weather.gov/mob/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. DROUGHT LESSENS ITS AREAL GRIP OVER THE DEEP SOUTH A small area of severe drought is in place over the far northern zones. Moderate drought continues over much of southeast MS to portions of the Highway 84 corridor over southwest AL. Drought Information Statement for southeast MS, southwest AL, and the western FL Panhandle Valid 01/11/2025 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for the SE US and central Gulf Coast Drought intensity and Extent D2 (Severe Drought): Over southern Choctaw Co. AL near Silas, eastward to near western Wilcox Co. AL near Pine Hill. D1 (Moderate Drought): Much of southeast MS. eastward to across the Highway 84 corridor to along and north of Monroeville, AL. DO (Abnormally Dry): A small area surrounding the Moderate and Severe drought area over the interior. Okaloosa Co. FL and southern portions of Covington Co. AL. Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change: No Change: Much of the local area saw no change in drought intensity over the past week. Precipitation Over the past 30 days, much of the local area generally along and south of a line from New Augusta MS to Camden AL has seen 100 to 200% of normal rainfall. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that flow and stage on a few local area river and stream points remain below to much below normal. Rivers and streams that are experiencing below normal stages, may result in typically deeply submerged objects being likely closer to the water’s surface or in some cases exposed, presenting a waterway hazard for safe recreational boating and commercial navigation. Agricultural Impacts Crop condition in the driest of areas is very poor. Crop disease and insect damage elevated. Pasture lands provide little to no livestock feed. Supplemental feeding is required to maintain livestock condition. Fire Hazard Impacts The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise ID calls for January to be at above normal risk for wildfire for the western and northern FL Panhandle. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged until conditions improve. Mitigation Actions Water conservation techniques are strongly encouraged in drought areas. Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Local water restriction ordinances may be in place. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Many local area rivers and streams are running below to much below normal in flow and stage. To view the most current stages and flow for each state’s, stream and river points, please visit: MS: https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?r=ms&m=real AL: https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?r=al&m=real FL: https://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?r=fl&m=real Agricultural Impacts Crop condition in the driest of areas is very poor. Crop disease and insect damage elevated. Pasture lands provide little to no livestock feed. Supplemental feeding is required to maintain livestock condition. It is recommended that farmers reach out to local USDA office for details on available funding assistance. Fire Hazard Impacts The National Interagency Fire Center out of Boise, ID has outlooked the month of January as above normal for wildfire risk for the western and northern FL Panhandle as above normal for wildfire risk. Decayed timber and very dry underbrush in area forests along with dry grasslands pose an above normal risk for development and spread of fire. It’s also important to note that in the event of strong cold frontal passages, periods of critically low daytime humidity in combination with gusty northerly winds will bring periods of increased wildfire potential. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Precipitation forecast amounts from January 10th to the 17th range 1.00” to 1.50” along the MS Gulf coast, eastward to the western FL Panhandle. North of the coast, rainfall amounts look to range less than an inch. Long-Range Outlooks There is a 40 to 50% probability of below normal temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation favored during the month of January for the central Gulf coast. Drought Outlook The seasonal drought outlook for the first quarter of 2025 suggests that drought persists over portions of the interior and returns along and south of I-65.