Drought continues to be mostly a non-issue across the Southeast. This summer has provided adequate moisture across southern states like Alabama and Georgia. Even in Florida where dry conditions are prevalent, they have improved in recent weeks. This is according to the June 19 release of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Florida’s driest conditions are concentrated to the southern area of the state. Severe drought is reported in southern counties like Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Broward, Palm Beach, Hendry, Lee, Glades, Charlotte and DeSoto.
Florida’s dry conditions extend as far north as Dixie, Levy, Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Duval and Saint Johns counties, where abnormally dry conditions are reported. Most of North Florida and the Florida Panhandle are drought free and have sufficient moisture.
Persistent rains in Georgia and Alabama have left both states with sufficient moisture and zero dry conditions. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Automated Weather Network, Tifton, Georgia, has received 2.69 inches of rainfall since June 1, totaling 14 rainy days. Vidalia, Georgia, has received 7.46 inches of rainfall in that same timeframe, including 13 rainy days.
According to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Alabama’s May weather was characterized by severe events and heavy rainfall with 8 to 15 inches recorded across the state. It’s carried over into June with the state currently having sufficient moisture.
Sources: U.S. Drought Monitor, UGA Automated Weather Network, Alabama Emergency Management Agency