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July 2023 runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 99% of average or 3.3 million acre-feet, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Runoff was near or above average in all areas, except Fort Peck in Montana, which was 68% of average. Precipitation was below normal over much of the upper Missouri River basin in July, apart from small areas in Wyoming and southern South Dakota. The lower basin had a mix of above- and below-normal rainfall. The six mainstem power plants generated 877 million kWh of electricity in July, down 79,000 kWh from the typical July energy generation of 956 million kWh. The power plants were expected to produce 7.8 billion kWh of electricity this year, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh. DRGNews (Pierre, S.D.), Aug 10, 2023

The mandatory water conservation order for Round Hill ended on Feb. 7 after taking effect on Nov. 1 because drought limited water production from its 12 wells. On Feb. 7, the town received state approval to add a new well. Voluntary water conservation was again encouraged. Loudon Now (Leesburg, Va.), Feb 8, 2024 The Round Hill Town Council on Nov. 1, adopted mandatory water restrictions, which prohibit most outdoor water use. Round Hill officials initially urged water conservation in August as lower well yields and longer recharge times caused alarm. On Sept. 6, the council enacted a formal voluntary water conservation policy urging the public to avoid water waste. Despite the calls for conservation, water consumption has not fallen significantly. Loudoun Now (Leesburg, Va.), Nov 2, 2023

SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1147 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND SOUTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon across parts of far eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. ...Upper Mississippi Valley/Southwestern Great Lakes... A shortwave trough will move northeastward into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, as a surface low moves through northwestern Minnesota. Ahead of a cold front, low-level moisture advection will occur to the southeast of the surface low across the mid to upper Mississippi Valley, with surface dewpoints reaching the mid to upper 40s F. As surface temperatures warm ahead of the front, weak destabilization will take place along and near the moist axis from southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. During the mid to late afternoon, convection is forecast to develop near this axis and move northeastward across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Although MLCAPE is forecast to remain below 500 J/kg in most areas, a pocket of steep mid-level lapse rates near 8 C/km is forecast to spread over the moist sector during the afternoon. This combined with large-scale ascent associated with the shortwave trough, and strong deep-layer along the northwestern edge of an 80 to 100 knot mid-level jet, will likely support a potential for rotating storms. Hail, strong wind gusts and a marginal tornado threat will be possible during the late afternoon as instability peaks. The threat could spread northeastward into the Chicago vicinity before dissipating over southern Lake Michigan during the early evening. ..Broyles/Squitieri.. 02/08/2024 Read more

SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1147 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND SOUTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon across parts of far eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. ...Upper Mississippi Valley/Southwestern Great Lakes... A shortwave trough will move northeastward into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, as a surface low moves through northwestern Minnesota. Ahead of a cold front, low-level moisture advection will occur to the southeast of the surface low across the mid to upper Mississippi Valley, with surface dewpoints reaching the mid to upper 40s F. As surface temperatures warm ahead of the front, weak destabilization will take place along and near the moist axis from southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. During the mid to late afternoon, convection is forecast to develop near this axis and move northeastward across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Although MLCAPE is forecast to remain below 500 J/kg in most areas, a pocket of steep mid-level lapse rates near 8 C/km is forecast to spread over the moist sector during the afternoon. This combined with large-scale ascent associated with the shortwave trough, and strong deep-layer along the northwestern edge of an 80 to 100 knot mid-level jet, will likely support a potential for rotating storms. Hail, strong wind gusts and a marginal tornado threat will be possible during the late afternoon as instability peaks. The threat could spread northeastward into the Chicago vicinity before dissipating over southern Lake Michigan during the early evening. ..Broyles/Squitieri.. 02/08/2024 Read more

SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1147 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND SOUTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon across parts of far eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. ...Upper Mississippi Valley/Southwestern Great Lakes... A shortwave trough will move northeastward into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, as a surface low moves through northwestern Minnesota. Ahead of a cold front, low-level moisture advection will occur to the southeast of the surface low across the mid to upper Mississippi Valley, with surface dewpoints reaching the mid to upper 40s F. As surface temperatures warm ahead of the front, weak destabilization will take place along and near the moist axis from southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. During the mid to late afternoon, convection is forecast to develop near this axis and move northeastward across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Although MLCAPE is forecast to remain below 500 J/kg in most areas, a pocket of steep mid-level lapse rates near 8 C/km is forecast to spread over the moist sector during the afternoon. This combined with large-scale ascent associated with the shortwave trough, and strong deep-layer along the northwestern edge of an 80 to 100 knot mid-level jet, will likely support a potential for rotating storms. Hail, strong wind gusts and a marginal tornado threat will be possible during the late afternoon as instability peaks. The threat could spread northeastward into the Chicago vicinity before dissipating over southern Lake Michigan during the early evening. ..Broyles/Squitieri.. 02/08/2024 Read more

SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1147 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND SOUTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon across parts of far eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. ...Upper Mississippi Valley/Southwestern Great Lakes... A shortwave trough will move northeastward into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, as a surface low moves through northwestern Minnesota. Ahead of a cold front, low-level moisture advection will occur to the southeast of the surface low across the mid to upper Mississippi Valley, with surface dewpoints reaching the mid to upper 40s F. As surface temperatures warm ahead of the front, weak destabilization will take place along and near the moist axis from southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. During the mid to late afternoon, convection is forecast to develop near this axis and move northeastward across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Although MLCAPE is forecast to remain below 500 J/kg in most areas, a pocket of steep mid-level lapse rates near 8 C/km is forecast to spread over the moist sector during the afternoon. This combined with large-scale ascent associated with the shortwave trough, and strong deep-layer along the northwestern edge of an 80 to 100 knot mid-level jet, will likely support a potential for rotating storms. Hail, strong wind gusts and a marginal tornado threat will be possible during the late afternoon as instability peaks. The threat could spread northeastward into the Chicago vicinity before dissipating over southern Lake Michigan during the early evening. ..Broyles/Squitieri.. 02/08/2024 Read more

SPC 1200Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1147 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND SOUTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES... ...SUMMARY... Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon across parts of far eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. ...Upper Mississippi Valley/Southwestern Great Lakes... A shortwave trough will move northeastward into the Upper Mississippi Valley today, as a surface low moves through northwestern Minnesota. Ahead of a cold front, low-level moisture advection will occur to the southeast of the surface low across the mid to upper Mississippi Valley, with surface dewpoints reaching the mid to upper 40s F. As surface temperatures warm ahead of the front, weak destabilization will take place along and near the moist axis from southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. During the mid to late afternoon, convection is forecast to develop near this axis and move northeastward across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Although MLCAPE is forecast to remain below 500 J/kg in most areas, a pocket of steep mid-level lapse rates near 8 C/km is forecast to spread over the moist sector during the afternoon. This combined with large-scale ascent associated with the shortwave trough, and strong deep-layer along the northwestern edge of an 80 to 100 knot mid-level jet, will likely support a potential for rotating storms. Hail, strong wind gusts and a marginal tornado threat will be possible during the late afternoon as instability peaks. The threat could spread northeastward into the Chicago vicinity before dissipating over southern Lake Michigan during the early evening. ..Broyles/Squitieri.. 02/08/2024 Read more

A crawfish business in Lewisville was struggling, given the scarcity of crawfish after heat and drought in 2023 wiped out the mudbugs. The owner said that he would have to pay nearly double the usual cost per pound, but he still cannot find as much as he would typically purchase. He has opted to close his business for the month, which includes Super Bowl Sunday and Fat Tuesday. WFAA (Dallas, Texas), Feb 7, 2024

More than 100 denizens of Bethany attended a public hearing as town leaders voted unanimously to create a public water district that will get its water from the town of Batavia. Wells in Bethany have been dry for months due to drought. Construction for the new water district is expected to be completed in May 2026. WHAM Online (Rochester, N.Y.), Feb 7, 2024

SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0655 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 080100Z - 081200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Organized severe thunderstorms are unlikely across the continental United States through tonight. ...DISCUSSION... At mid-levels this evening, anticyclonic flow is pronounced across the eastern half of the nation, with an upper-level trough located in the Desert Southwest. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible early this evening ahead of this trough from eastern Arizona and western New Mexico northeastward into the central High Plains. An upper-level low was also located near the coast of California. This feature will progress southeastward and move slowly inland across central California this evening. A band of rainfall is located ahead of the upper-level low. This southern end of this feature will move southeastward along the southern coast of California this evening. Some convective elements within the band near the coast may be associated with strong gusty winds. Elsewhere across the continental United States, thunderstorms are not expected through daybreak Thursday. ..Broyles.. 02/08/2024 Read more

SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0655 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 080100Z - 081200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Organized severe thunderstorms are unlikely across the continental United States through tonight. ...DISCUSSION... At mid-levels this evening, anticyclonic flow is pronounced across the eastern half of the nation, with an upper-level trough located in the Desert Southwest. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible early this evening ahead of this trough from eastern Arizona and western New Mexico northeastward into the central High Plains. An upper-level low was also located near the coast of California. This feature will progress southeastward and move slowly inland across central California this evening. A band of rainfall is located ahead of the upper-level low. This southern end of this feature will move southeastward along the southern coast of California this evening. Some convective elements within the band near the coast may be associated with strong gusty winds. Elsewhere across the continental United States, thunderstorms are not expected through daybreak Thursday. ..Broyles.. 02/08/2024 Read more

Hot, dry weather has increased the risk of hay fires on Midwest farms. There has been an increase in hay fires in barns and elsewhere when bales were tightly stacked. Brownfield Ag News (Jefferson City, Mo.), July 27, 2023

The Washington State Department of Ecology announced curtailment notices earlier this month to rights holders on 10 bodies of water in Washington: Asotin Creek, Cow Creek, Entiat River, Little Spokane River, Marshall Creek, Methow River, Okanogan-Similkameen River, Walla Walla River mainstem, Wenatchee River and Yakima River. Columbia Basin Herald (Moses Lake, Wash.), July 28, 2023

No watches are valid as of Wed Feb 7 22:32:02 UTC 2024.

No Mesoscale Discussions are in effect as of Wed Feb 7 22:32:02 UTC 2024.

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0343 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 091200Z - 151200Z Mid-level troughing is expected to continue over the western and central US through the extended forecast period. Accompanying the persistent troughing, strong mid-level flow will linger over parts of the southern Plains and South TX supporting occasional gusty winds. The most significant period of troughing will likely develop this weekend through early next week, as a deeper shortwave emerges over the Southwest. A passing surface low could support localized fire-weather concerns through the weekend over parts of south TX. Otherwise, poorly receptive fuels, wet and cool conditions should keep fire-weather concerns low for much of the CONUS. ...Southern Plains and south TX D3-D6... As the second trough begins to deepen over the Southwest and southern Rockies this weekend, a developing surface low should continue to deepen across parts of west TX and the Red River. By D5/Sun the low should begin to move eastward reaching the mid to lower MS Valley. Strong surface winds behind the low are possible through the weekend and into early next week. Forecast guidance varies considerably on the timing and strength of the upper-level/surface system. However, favorable downslope trajectories would support drier and windier conditions across parts of the southern Plains, along the Rio Grande Valley and into parts of Deep South TX. Some risk for critical fire-weather conditions may develop, but there remains significant uncertainty on the availability of dry fuels in addition to the meteorological forecast discrepancies. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0343 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 091200Z - 151200Z Mid-level troughing is expected to continue over the western and central US through the extended forecast period. Accompanying the persistent troughing, strong mid-level flow will linger over parts of the southern Plains and South TX supporting occasional gusty winds. The most significant period of troughing will likely develop this weekend through early next week, as a deeper shortwave emerges over the Southwest. A passing surface low could support localized fire-weather concerns through the weekend over parts of south TX. Otherwise, poorly receptive fuels, wet and cool conditions should keep fire-weather concerns low for much of the CONUS. ...Southern Plains and south TX D3-D6... As the second trough begins to deepen over the Southwest and southern Rockies this weekend, a developing surface low should continue to deepen across parts of west TX and the Red River. By D5/Sun the low should begin to move eastward reaching the mid to lower MS Valley. Strong surface winds behind the low are possible through the weekend and into early next week. Forecast guidance varies considerably on the timing and strength of the upper-level/surface system. However, favorable downslope trajectories would support drier and windier conditions across parts of the southern Plains, along the Rio Grande Valley and into parts of Deep South TX. Some risk for critical fire-weather conditions may develop, but there remains significant uncertainty on the availability of dry fuels in addition to the meteorological forecast discrepancies. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0343 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 091200Z - 151200Z Mid-level troughing is expected to continue over the western and central US through the extended forecast period. Accompanying the persistent troughing, strong mid-level flow will linger over parts of the southern Plains and South TX supporting occasional gusty winds. The most significant period of troughing will likely develop this weekend through early next week, as a deeper shortwave emerges over the Southwest. A passing surface low could support localized fire-weather concerns through the weekend over parts of south TX. Otherwise, poorly receptive fuels, wet and cool conditions should keep fire-weather concerns low for much of the CONUS. ...Southern Plains and south TX D3-D6... As the second trough begins to deepen over the Southwest and southern Rockies this weekend, a developing surface low should continue to deepen across parts of west TX and the Red River. By D5/Sun the low should begin to move eastward reaching the mid to lower MS Valley. Strong surface winds behind the low are possible through the weekend and into early next week. Forecast guidance varies considerably on the timing and strength of the upper-level/surface system. However, favorable downslope trajectories would support drier and windier conditions across parts of the southern Plains, along the Rio Grande Valley and into parts of Deep South TX. Some risk for critical fire-weather conditions may develop, but there remains significant uncertainty on the availability of dry fuels in addition to the meteorological forecast discrepancies. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 3-8 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0343 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 091200Z - 151200Z Mid-level troughing is expected to continue over the western and central US through the extended forecast period. Accompanying the persistent troughing, strong mid-level flow will linger over parts of the southern Plains and South TX supporting occasional gusty winds. The most significant period of troughing will likely develop this weekend through early next week, as a deeper shortwave emerges over the Southwest. A passing surface low could support localized fire-weather concerns through the weekend over parts of south TX. Otherwise, poorly receptive fuels, wet and cool conditions should keep fire-weather concerns low for much of the CONUS. ...Southern Plains and south TX D3-D6... As the second trough begins to deepen over the Southwest and southern Rockies this weekend, a developing surface low should continue to deepen across parts of west TX and the Red River. By D5/Sun the low should begin to move eastward reaching the mid to lower MS Valley. Strong surface winds behind the low are possible through the weekend and into early next week. Forecast guidance varies considerably on the timing and strength of the upper-level/surface system. However, favorable downslope trajectories would support drier and windier conditions across parts of the southern Plains, along the Rio Grande Valley and into parts of Deep South TX. Some risk for critical fire-weather conditions may develop, but there remains significant uncertainty on the availability of dry fuels in addition to the meteorological forecast discrepancies. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0156 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 072000Z - 081200Z ...NO SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AREAS FORECAST... ...SUMMARY... Organized severe thunderstorms remain unlikely through tonight. ...20Z Update... Minor changes have been made to the prior outlook based on observational trends. Meager moisture/buoyancy present across northeastern CO into western NE should limit the threat for severe thunderstorms, though occasional strong/gusty winds appear possible. ..Gleason.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1023 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Discussion... A progressive upper flow pattern across the U.S. is forecast to amplify with time, as a short-wave trough shifts east-northeastward across Texas and New Mexico and into the Plains through tonight, while a second trough/low just off the Pacific Northwest Coast digs south-southeastward across California. The overall effect of this evolution will be a broadening of the overall cyclonic flow field, expanding to encompass essentially the entire western and central U.S. by tomorrow morning. Upstream from this feature, stout ridging will gradually shift across the eastern half of the country. At the surface, lee cyclogenesis is expected across the eastern Wyoming/western South Dakota/Nebraska Panhandle region today, as the initial cyclonic perturbation aloft shifts northeastward. Within the evolving warm sector, showers and a few low-topped thunderstorms are expected to develop by late this afternoon. With that said, meager instability is anticipated, with surface dewpoints across the central and southern Plains only in the upper 30s to low 40s, and little impetus for any appreciable low-level theta-e increase. While the background flow field would otherwise support organized storms -- and indeed a stronger wind gust or small hail may occur with one or two of the more robust updrafts -- the lack of a more favorable thermodynamic environment argues against introduction of even low-probabilities/MRGL risk at this time. Elsewhere, severe storms are not expected through the period. Read more