Latest On Alabama’s Drought Situation – 3/2/2017

Even though most of Central Alabama have seen a small surplus in rainfall totals so far for 2017, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that nearly all of the area are still in a drought situation. As you can see in the graphic, parts of Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Greene, Hale, and Pickens counties have returned to the “Extreme Drought” definition. Much of the northern half of Central Alabama remains in the “Severe Drought” definition, with the rest of the area ranging from the “Moderate Drought” definition to no drought at all.

We had some decent amounts of rainfall within the last 7 days across Central Alabama, where some spots in the southeastern corner of the area received 1-2 inches, while most of the area received under an inch. Unfortunately, that didn’t help improve the long term drought conditions, and most streams remain at below normal levels.

Here are the latest rainfall numbers from January 1st through March 1st…

Birmingham
2017 Total: 9.79 in … 2017 Avg: 9.55 in … 2017 Surplus: 0.24 in

Montgomery
2017 Total: 15.41 in … 2017 Avg: 10.12 in … 2017 Surplus: 5.29 in

Anniston
2017 Total: 10.59 in … 2017 Avg: 9.78 in … 2017 Surplus: 0.81 in

Tuscaloosa
2017 Total: 11.22 in … 2017 Avg: 10.84 in … 2017 Surplus: 0.38 in

Calera
2017 Total: 11.19 in … 2017 Avg: 11.24 in … 2017 Surplus: -0.05 in

Troy
2017 Total: 18.95 in … 2017 Avg: 9.29 in … 2017 Surplus: 9.66 in

Here are the deficit totals from January 1st, 2016, through March 1st, 2017…

Birmingham: -13.17 in
Montgomery: -6.28 in
Anniston: -16.73 in
Tuscaloosa: -14.71 in
Calera: -17.34 in
Troy: -4.67 in

The USDA states that many water supplies have been replenished and the crops are responding to the warm weather and increased moisture. Most producers now have adequate supplies to feed their herd, and the wheat and oats are in good shape. Cattle are in generally good condition across the area. The bad news is that some of the trees are budding out due to the warm weather, so if we have any frost or freezing in March, some damage could happen.

As far as the fire situation, the danger remains low across Central Alabama, even though the northwestern parts of the area are a little more dry than the rest. The State Forester continues to urge people to use common sense and follow all safety precautions when burning outdoors.

Most reservoirs in the area have remained near their normal winter levels, and even though voluntary and mandatory restrictions are still in effect, some restrictions have been lifted or eased recently.

GFS Rainfall Totals Through Next Thursday

The outlook for the next 7 days look to be mainly dry. We will have a front move through on Tuesday bringing us our next chance of rain, but totals through the next 7 days have most of the area receiving an inch or less, with a few locations getting slightly over an inch.

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