Drought Areas Still Exist, Getting Worse This Week

In the Midwest, a front moved through on Friday with heavy rain and severe weather in the west, and dying showers in the east. A few extra showers lingered on Sunday as well. Drier weather is on tap for Monday, but a front will slip through eastern areas with isolated showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. A larger cold front will bring showers back into the region for Thursday and Friday, some of which may be severe. Some drier areas exist around the Ohio River, which may or may not see much precipitation this week.

In the Northern Plains, showers exited on Friday, but a couple of streaks of snow fell in the Dakotas on Saturday, which have since melted. Drier conditions are expected early this week, but a strong system will slowly move through with scattered showers on Wednesday and Thursday and some showers may linger across the north into the weekend. Showers will come as a mix of rain and snow and some heavy accumulation will be possible, mostly in Montana.

In the Central and Southern Plains, severe thunderstorms moved through the southeast on Friday, but it remained dry in the west where drought continues to grow. Though some showers may develop across Texas, the region will be dry early this week. A system moving through the Northern Plains will bring a cold front through the region on Thursday with scattered showers and some severe weather. The drier areas in the west will likely be missed, however. A system will move into the region on Sunday and that may produce some better showers for some drier areas, but not likely across west Texas or the Panhandles areas.

In the Delta, a front moved through on Saturday with scattered showers. Some areas of moderate rain fell in the region, but most areas saw only light rain. Drought continues to grow in the region and drier conditions early this week will continue that trend. A front will move into the region on Friday with scattered showers and may have a tendency to stall, which could bring some needed rain into the area. However, that is not guaranteed to reverse drought conditions, which are becoming a major problem.

In the Southeast U.S., a front slid through the region this weekend, but with waning showers as it moved southeast. Many parts of Georgia and South Carolina stayed completely dry and most other areas saw only light to maybe moderate rain. Drought continues to be a major problem for the region with no help expected this week. A front will slide into the region on Saturday, but models are mixed on the chances for rainfall. Overall, this is not helpful for the drought situation.

In the Western U.S., it was largely dry over the weekend as a system left on Friday. A new system will be moving through the region this week, but models have shifted the track northward, missing much of the southern half of the region with only spotty showers or none at all. Drought in these areas are set to worsen while the north may get some help. Another system is forecast to move into the region this weekend, but not produce much widespread precipitation.

John Baranick can be reached at john.baranick@dtn.com