HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Weather Authority has been mentioning the lack of rain and the threat of a worsening drought here in the Tennessee Valley all week.
On Thursday morning, the drought monitor update was released, showing the expansion of drought conditions across the area.
Abnormally Dry conditions (yellow) have expanded farther east to include the majority of North Alabama. The only areas not experiencing drought conditions are a small sliver of Madison, Jackson, Colbert, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Franklin (AL) counties.
Western Lauderdale and the far northern extent of Colbert County are continuing to experience Moderate Drought conditions (beige).
Lack Of Measurable Rainfall In Huntsville:
On Wednesday, storms moved through the Huntsville metro, producing heavy rainfall. While this was a relief to see, it unfortunately did not help the rain deficit we are currently seeing. The A.S.O.S. site, or the Automated Surface Observing System, is located at the Huntsville International Airport. 3
The A.S.O.S. is located at the airport for climate record-keeping purposes and in a location to get the most accurate reading for temperature, wind, precipitation, and more.
During Wednesday’s event, there was a sharp cutoff when it came to where the storm produced heavy and very light rain. Where the site is located received a trace compared to down the road, which may have received well over half an inch.
With the A.S.O.S. site only recording a trace of rain on Wednesday, Huntsville has now seen 12 days without measurable rainfall, 0.01 inches or higher. The last measurable rainfall was on September 16, when nearly 0.70 inches fell.
The city is currently seeing a monthly deficit of just over three-quarters of an inch. By this time of the month, Huntsville should have recorded 1.95 inches, but has only observed 1.18 inches.
Muscles Shoals is the opposite of Huntsville, with a current monthly rain total of 3.60 inches, which is above normal by 1.53 inches.
With limited rain chances in the forecast for the next seven days, the drought conditions will likely continue to worsen. Stick with The Weather Authority for the latest!
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