01.23.11
Texas Drought
Percent of normal precipitation for the U.S. in December 2010. Source: Climate Prediction Center.
While the western U.S. may be flooding, the south central and southeastern U.S. has been dry. Here’s a link to a NOAA report from Thursday about the drought conditions in the southern U.S., including images of the latest drought monitor and drought outlook.
Lubbock, in western Texas, currently has a streak of 71 days (today will be day 72) of no measurable precipitation. This streak is now 7th on the list of longest dry spells. The record for most consecutive days with no measurable precipitation was set in the winter of 2005/2006 (anyone remember the fires?), at 98 days.
Here’s a link to the top 36 dry periods at Lubbock, from the Lubbock National Weather Service office. Keep checking it out from time to time, as the models are showing that this current dry streak could certainly give 2005/2006 a run for its money!