SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook

2 years 6 months ago
SPC Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0954 AM CST Wed Feb 15 2023 Valid 151700Z - 161200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR THE TX BIG BEND... The overall pattern continues to evolve as expected. The nose of an emerging mid-level jet was well sampled by the 12z EPZ sounding with 100+ kt flow around 500 mb. This will contribute to strengthening west-southwesterly downslope flow throughout the day and deep boundary-layer mixing across Far West TX. The Critical area has been extended slightly north toward the I-10 corridor and a bit eastward to account for a longer expected duration of 20+ mph surface winds in these areas. Extremely critical conditions are possible in the southernmost portions of the Big Bend where relative humidities could drop to around 5%; given the relative brevity of these conditions -- maximizing between 2000-2200 UTC -- a Critical area is maintained in this outlook. ..Flournoy/Bentley.. 02/15/2023 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1254 AM CST Wed Feb 15 2023/ ...Synopsis... A strong upper-level low currently located across the Great Basin will eject across the Plains on Wednesday featuring a strong southwesterly jet spreading into Texas and Oklahoma. As a result, a strong surface cyclone will develop across Colorado and Oklahoma before advancing eastward with an attending surface cold front. Strong westerly flow will develop across much of the Central and Southern Plains by the afternoon. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will be possible, mainly across portions of far west Texas. Behind the dryline in central Texas, deep vertical mixing of strong flow and dry air will allow relative humidity reductions to 10-15 percent amid sustained winds of 20-30 mph. Much of the Texas Panhandle and northwestern Texas saw rainfall with the previous system where fuels remain largely above seasonal normals. Portions of far west Texas from Trans Pecos to the Edwards Plateau and southward have seen multiple rounds of dry and windy conditions with no recent rainfall. ERCs within this region are approaching the 60-80th percentile for dryness. The best overlap of dry fuels and Critical wind/relative humidity will be across Big Bend, where HREF probabilities show a high likelihood of sustained Critical fire weather conditions through the afternoon. A few isolated areas may briefly approach Extremely Critical, with winds sustained up to 30 mph and relative humidity at or below 10 percent. Given the more isolated/brief risk of Extremely Critical conditions, a Critical delineation has been maintained. Further northward into Trans Pecos and the Edwards Plateau, less receptive fuels preclude the need for a Critical delineation, but Elevated fire weather conditions will be possible. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

Wichita, Kansas in Stage 1 of its drought response plan

2 years 6 months ago
Wichita entered Stage 1 of its drought response plan on Jan. 10. During Stage 1, the city manager urges residents to voluntarily conserve water; the city offers incentives or rebates that encourage water conservation; and the city tries to conserve water in its operations. Cheney Reservoir’s conservation pool was 80% full. Wichita’s drought response actions are based on the 12-month moving average of the conservation pool, which was 89%. KSN-TV News 3 (Wichita, Kan.), Jan 11, 2022

Stage One Water Shortage Declaration for Upcountry, West Maui, Hawaii

2 years 6 months ago
Recent rainfall has nudged Maui County out of drought since the start of the year. The Stage 1 water shortage for West Maui remained in effect, but was no longer due to drought. The Stage 1 water shortage for Upcountry Maui ended on Dec. 27. Maui News (Wailuku, Hawaii), Feb 15, 2023 A Stage 1 water shortage for Upcountry and West Maui remained in effect since June 24. Residents are asked not to use water for nonessential activities, such as lawn or vehicle washing. The Maui News (Wailuku, Hawaii), Jan 17, 2023 Maui has received very little rain this summer, causing the island’s aquifers to recharge more slowly. Maui remains in a Stage 1 water shortage since June 30, affecting the Upcountry and West Maui areas. Drought has also dried the vegetation, increasing the fire danger. USA Today (McLean, Va.), Aug 30, 2022 A Stage One Water Shortage Declaration took effect for Upcountry and West Maui on June 30. Dry conditions and record heat have contributed to depleted reservoirs. The Department of Water Supply anticipates water demand to exceed available water supply by 1% to 15%. KITV-TV ABC 4 Honolulu (Hawaii), July 1, 2022

Some Florida horse owners struggling to afford hay

2 years 6 months ago
Drought and sharply higher prices for fertilizer in the U.S. resulted in a smaller hay harvest in 2022. A not-for-profit horse rescue group in Greenville, Florida noted that with the cost of a 900-pound roll of hay rising from $60 to $70 previously, all the way up to $110 to $120, that they were helping some horse owners with hay. WTXL (Tallahassee, Fla.), Feb 13, 2023

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook

2 years 6 months ago
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0153 PM CST Tue Feb 14 2023 Valid 151200Z - 161200Z ...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER AREA FOR PORTIONS OF FAR WEST TX... ...Synopsis... An active weather pattern continues across the western and central CONUS. A shortwave mid-level trough -- currently centered over KS/OK -- is quickly propagating northeastward along with a 986 mb surface low in south-central KS. Widespread precipitation associated with this system has contributed to wetting rain (0.1-0.25") across portions of south-central TX and regions northeastward. A second, broader mid-level trough currently residing over western MT and ID is expected to propagate southeastward toward the Four Corners region by late afternoon/evening on Wednesday. Associated surface cyclogenesis and attendant dry, windy conditions will contribute to Critical fire weather conditions across the TX Big Bend on Wednesday. ...TX Big Bend... In association with the advancing mid-level trough, windy surface conditions are expected across much of West and northwest TX throughout the day on Wednesday. Broad areas of 20-30+ mph winds are anticipated, and localized areas of 30-40 mph are possible. The greatest overlap between strong surface flow and dry conditions is expected in portions of Far West TX -- particularly in the Big Bend region -- in association with downsloping flow. This region has experienced multiple days of dry and windy conditions along with a dearth of recent rainfall. This will lead to forecast ERCs near the 80th percentile that, along with the expected meteorological conditions, supports a broad Elevated area across Far West TX. In the TX Big Bend, a longer-duration period of 20+ mph flow amidst relative humidities in the teens is anticipated, warranting the maintenance of a Critical area there. ..Flournoy/Bentley.. 02/14/2023 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 0148 AM CST Tue Feb 14 2023/ ...Synopsis... On Wednesday, a strong upper-level wave will eject out of the southwest with mid-level flow around 100 kts overspreading the Southern Plains. A surface low will deepen and move eastward with attendant surface cold front. Behind the dryline across central Texas, deep vertical mixing will allow for relative humidity reductions into the teens with sustained surface winds around 25-30 mph (gusting up to 40-50 mph). Given multiple days of dry and windy conditions and a lack of recent rainfall, Elevated to Critical fire weather will be possible across portions of western Texas. ERCs forecast to be near the 80th percentile and potential for relative humidity to drop to around 10 percent have warranted the inclusion of a Critical delineation for Big Bend. Further north within the Elevated delineation, fuels remain less receptive to fire spread with ERCs above seasonal normals. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Feb 14, 2023 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

2 years 6 months ago
SPC 2000Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0142 PM CST Tue Feb 14 2023 Valid 142000Z - 151200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM EASTERN KANSAS INTO WESTERN MISSOURI... ...SUMMARY... A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, mainly from eastern Kansas into western Missouri this afternoon and early evening. Little change was done to the previous outlook. Scattered low-topped thunderstorms, a few strong to severe, are expected to increase over eastern Kansas this afternoon, and move into western Missouri by early evening. For more information see mesoscale discussion 147. ..Jewell.. 02/14/2023 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1016 AM CST Tue Feb 14 2023/ ...Eastern KS this afternoon to northern IL tonight... In response to upstream amplification of a midlevel trough over the Great Basin, a downstream shortwave trough over western KS/OK this morning will eject northeastward over MO/IA/IL by early tonight. In the wake of morning rain/clouds, surface heating will contribute to steepening of low-level lapse rates across central/eastern KS this afternoon. Residual boundary-layer dewpoints in the mid-upper 40s and surface temperatures in the mid 50s, beneath 500 mb temperatures close to -25 C, will result in MLCAPE of 250-500 J/kg by mid afternoon across eastern KS. The environment will support low-topped thunderstorm development by mid afternoon in a loose arc or small clusters from south central into eastern KS, immediately in advance of the primary midlevel vorticity center, and on the nose of the steeper low-level lapse rates and drying from the southwest. Forecast soundings show sufficient buoyancy and hodograph length/curvature for some threat of low-topped supercells, with attendant threats for a tornado or two, isolated large hail, and damaging outflow gusts through late afternoon/early evening into west central/northwest MO. This scenario will be quite sensitive to the degree of vertical mixing, with small changes in moisture potentially driving outcome possibilities ranging from no severe to SLGT risk. Some form of the afternoon storm cluster may persist into tonight while spreading northeastward from MO into northern IL. Gusty winds will be possible early tonight with lingering, low-topped convection, but very marginal thermodynamic profiles suggest that severe gusts are unlikely. Read more

SPC MD 147

2 years 6 months ago
MD 0147 CONCERNING SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH UNLIKELY FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN KANSAS INTO PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA...NORTHWEST MISSOURI AND FAR SOUTHWESTERN IOWA
Mesoscale Discussion 0147 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0140 PM CST Tue Feb 14 2023 Areas affected...Central and eastern Kansas into portions of southeastern Nebraska...northwest Missouri and far southwestern Iowa Concerning...Severe potential...Watch unlikely Valid 141940Z - 142145Z Probability of Watch Issuance...20 percent SUMMARY...Isolated low-topped thunderstorm development is expected in the next 1 to 2 hours across portions of central Kansas. Damaging wind gusts, a brief tornado or two and small hail will be possible with any sustained supercells. Conditions will be monitored but a weather watch is unlikely. DISCUSSION...As of 1930 UTC, afternoon moisture-channel imagery showed a mature upper low centered over southwestern KS. At the surface, strong southerly flow was noted east of a subtle dryline/surface trough southeast of sub 990 mb surface low. Over the last several hours, a mid-level dry slot has allowed for robust diurnal heating of a partially modified Gulf airmass characterized by surface dewpoints in the mid to upper 40s F. While not especially moist, mid-level temperatures of -25 C and steep 0-3 km lapse rates were supporting low-level MLCAPE on the order of 500 J/kg. Gradual deepening of a cumulus field has been noted suggesting residual inhibition is quickly diminishing. Continued heating, low-level convergence and dynamic ascent from the passing upper-level low should allow for isolated storm development beneath the cold core in the next couple of hours. Area RAP soundings show elongated low-level hodographs and adequate buoyancy (500-600 J/kg MLCAPE) to potentially support an isolated low-topped supercell from central KS northeastward toward southeastern NE, northwestern MO, and far southwestern IA. Steep lapse rates below 3 km, along with strong gradient winds and the modest surface moisture may support a risk for a few damaging gusts. A brief tornado or two along with isolated small hail may also be possible given 0-1 km shear in excess of 20 kt. Hi-res guidance suggests the localized severe threat may continue northeastward as the airmass rapidly modifies over the next few hours. Conditions will be monitored, but uncertainty on storm coverage and severity suggests the potential for a weather watch is low. ..Lyons/Thompson.. 02/14/2023 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...DMX...EAX...OAX...TOP...ICT... LAT...LON 39719453 38779506 38379523 37909548 37639564 37389593 37259636 37249670 37409690 37679712 37979735 38519763 38909769 40059723 40589643 40929558 40789466 40369428 39719453 Read more

Record year of dredging on the Mississippi River to keep waterway navigable

2 years 6 months ago
Dredging operations on the Mississippi River set records during the 2022-23 season, maintaining the congressionally mandated nine-foot-deep, 300-foot-wide navigation channel and coping with the challenges of widespread drought and prolonged extreme low water in the Mississippi River basin. Dredging operations moved nine million cubic yards of material, at 70 different locations along 300 miles of the St. Louis District. In total, seven dredging units worked throughout the St. Louis District area of responsibility. Two other units, for a total of nine, supported Mississippi Valley Division efforts on the Mississippi River. Normally, an average year results in three to four million cubic yards of material being moved in the St. Louis District by two dredges. US Army Corps of Engineers (Baltimore, Md.), Feb. 13, 2023

SPC Feb 14, 2023 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

2 years 6 months ago
SPC 1730Z Day 2 Outlook
Day 2 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1128 AM CST Tue Feb 14 2023 Valid 151200Z - 161200Z ...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER MUCH OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY...AND INTO PARTS NORTHEAST TEXAS AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA... ...SUMMARY... Widely scattered severe thunderstorms are possible over parts of Texas and Oklahoma beginning late in the day and into the evening on Wednesday. A severe threat will also develop overnight over the lower Mississippi Valley, with tornado risk. ...Synopsis... An upper trough will become positively tilted as it moves east from the Four Corners to the Plains through Thursday morning, with an elongated speed max extending from the base of the trough from the southern Plains across the lower MO Valley and toward Lake Michigan late. Ahead of the trough, an upper high will remain over the Bahamas, with rising heights through 00Z across much of the Southeast. At the surface, low pressure will translate east from NM into OK through 00Z, ahead of a cold front which will surge south into the OK/TX Panhandles. This low is not forecast to deepen, but will continue northeastward ahead of the cold front to the Ozarks by 06Z and lower OH Valley by 12Z Thursday. Southerly surface winds will aid low-level moisture return during the day, with mid 60s F dewpoints common by 00Z over eastern TX and the lower MS Valley. Low 60s F dewpoints are eventually expected to reach the lower OH River/western KY by 12z Thursday, with the more substantial moisture from about Memphis south. Strengthening 850 mb winds over 40 kt will aid moisture transport, with modest instability and strong shear aiding severe potential from TX to the lower MS Valley, primarily after 00Z. ...Northeast TX...southeast OK into western AR... Heating will occur over OK and TX ahead of the cold front and south of the low, steepening lapse rates. Eventually, persistent southerly winds will bring low 60s F dewpoints to the Red River, most likely near or after 00Z. Modestly cool midlevel temperatures and convergence along the front may then be enough to break the cap, resulting in a few severe storms. Supercell wind profiles will exist, favoring large hail. Should the boundary layer moisten sufficiently, a tornado risk could develop. Much of this area appears conditional given mixed CAM signals, late moisture return, relatively late time of day (evening) and potential for capping. In addition, various forecast soundings indicate subsidence in the midlevels. However, stronger heating near the boundary coupled with late moisture return should result in at least isolated storms with hail. ...LA...MS...eastern AR...western TN... Rapid moistening of the boundary layer during the day is expected to lead to clouds and keep temperatures relatively cool. This should minimize the potential for convection through 00Z as a capping inversion will exist at or below 700 mb. Rain and thunderstorms are likely to develop after 03Z over much of AR, northern MS, and western TN, as dewpoints rise into the mid 60s F beneath a 50 kt low-level jet core. After about 06Z, a plume of > 1000 J/kg SBCAPE is forecast to extend from LA into eastern AR, gradually shifting into northwest MS and perhaps western TN. As such, it is possible that initially elevated convection transitions to surface based, which would increase the risk of isolated tornadoes. Better lift along the cold front could become a more favorable focus for supercells with tornado threat into Thursday morning. In general, the lack of a substantial baroclinic zone may mitigate the overall severe risk for much of the period, given cool boundary-layer temperatures. However, effective SRH near 300 m2/s2 will conditionally favor tornadoes with any established supercells that develop late near the MS River. ..Jewell.. 02/14/2023 Read more

SPC Feb 14, 2023 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

2 years 6 months ago
SPC 1630Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1016 AM CST Tue Feb 14 2023 Valid 141630Z - 151200Z ...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON/EVENING FOR EASTERN KS INTO WEST CENTRAL/NORTHWEST MO... ...SUMMARY... A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, mainly from eastern Kansas into western Missouri this afternoon and early evening. ...Eastern KS this afternoon to northern IL tonight... In response to upstream amplification of a midlevel trough over the Great Basin, a downstream shortwave trough over western KS/OK this morning will eject northeastward over MO/IA/IL by early tonight. In the wake of morning rain/clouds, surface heating will contribute to steepening of low-level lapse rates across central/eastern KS this afternoon. Residual boundary-layer dewpoints in the mid-upper 40s and surface temperatures in the mid 50s, beneath 500 mb temperatures close to -25 C, will result in MLCAPE of 250-500 J/kg by mid afternoon across eastern KS. The environment will support low-topped thunderstorm development by mid afternoon in a loose arc or small clusters from south central into eastern KS, immediately in advance of the primary midlevel vorticity center, and on the nose of the steeper low-level lapse rates and drying from the southwest. Forecast soundings show sufficient buoyancy and hodograph length/curvature for some threat of low-topped supercells, with attendant threats for a tornado or two, isolated large hail, and damaging outflow gusts through late afternoon/early evening into west central/northwest MO. This scenario will be quite sensitive to the degree of vertical mixing, with small changes in moisture potentially driving outcome possibilities ranging from no severe to SLGT risk. Some form of the afternoon storm cluster may persist into tonight while spreading northeastward from MO into northern IL. Gusty winds will be possible early tonight with lingering, low-topped convection, but very marginal thermodynamic profiles suggest that severe gusts are unlikely. ..Thompson/Lyons.. 02/14/2023 Read more

New program to increase water conservation in Suffolk County, New York

2 years 7 months ago
The Suffolk County Water Authority is offering an account credit of up to $250 over three years for customers who purchase basic water conservation devices, such as rain sensors, pool covers or smart irrigation devices. Effective Feb. 1, a new directive prohibiting lawn irrigation and other water use activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. took effect, including an odd/even day irrigation schedule for all SCWA customers. The Suffolk Times (Mattituck, N.Y.), Feb 14, 2023

Aurora, Colorado prepared to enact water restrictions in May if warranted

2 years 7 months ago
The Aurora City Council considered expected drought conditions and agreed to implement water restrictions this spring if conditions do not change. The council approved a resolution that will enact Stage I water restrictions in May. The city’s reservoirs were at 54% capacity and will likely be at 48% capacity in mid-April. Denver Gazette (Colo.), Feb 13, 2023

Drought in 2022 stressed Arkansas crops and livestock

2 years 7 months ago
Flash drought in June and July 2022 stressed Arkansas farmers and livestock producers. Row crops needed to be irrigated earlier in the season. Grass and hay did not grow well, leading producers to purchase expensive feed or sell cattle. Some livestock owners went out of business. Rice, corn, wheat and soybean yields were down. Drought in Texas and the Southwest led to higher cotton prices in 2022, which prompted more farmers to grow cotton in Arkansas, but the average yield was down 6.6%. Dry conditions allowed 90% of the peanut crop to be harvested by Oct. 31. Talk Business & Politics (Lowell, Ark.), Jan 17, 2023

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook

2 years 7 months ago
SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0149 PM CST Mon Feb 13 2023 Valid 141200Z - 151200Z There is still some uncertainty regarding precipitation amounts tonight across the Trans Pecos which could impact the fire weather threat on Tuesday. Slight modifications may be necessary once this becomes more clear, but no changes are needed at this time. ..Bentley/Flournoy.. 02/13/2023 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1242 AM CST Mon Feb 13 2023/ ...Synopsis... As an upper-level low continues its northeastward progression into the Plains, a deepening surface cyclone across southeastern Colorado and the Oklahoma Panhandle will bring an increase in winds across much of the Central and Southern Plains. In addition, this low will bring precipitation chances to the Plains late Monday into Tuesday. Areas of western Texas may remain mostly dry, with little to no precipitation. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will be possible by the afternoon as minimum relative humidity around 15-20 percent overlaps with sustained winds at 20-25 mph (locally higher). Within this region, cured grasses will support potential for fire spread. For now, an Elevated delineation has been put into place given uncertainty in Monday night rainfall. A Critical region may need to be added in further updates. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more