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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

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

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

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

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

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0141 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No major changes. Locally elevated fire-weather conditions are possible over parts of the southern Plains with periodic strong gusts and 25-35% RH. However, area fuels remain abnormally wet and the risk for sustained fire-weather conditions appears low due to fuel considerations. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1256 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level trough will de-amplify while traversing the Ohio Valley as a second upper trough ejects into the southern Plains tomorrow/Thursday. A surface low will develop along the Colorado and Kansas borders, allowing for continued moisture return across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The combination of cool or moist low-level conditions should be common across much of the CONUS tomorrow. The one exception will be the central and southern High Plains, which should experience dry westerly downslope flow and associated Elevated equivalent surface conditions by Thursday afternoon. However, fuels in this region are poorly receptive to wildfire spread, precluding the addition of any fire weather highlights this outlook. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0141 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No major changes. Locally elevated fire-weather conditions are possible over parts of the southern Plains with periodic strong gusts and 25-35% RH. However, area fuels remain abnormally wet and the risk for sustained fire-weather conditions appears low due to fuel considerations. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1256 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level trough will de-amplify while traversing the Ohio Valley as a second upper trough ejects into the southern Plains tomorrow/Thursday. A surface low will develop along the Colorado and Kansas borders, allowing for continued moisture return across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The combination of cool or moist low-level conditions should be common across much of the CONUS tomorrow. The one exception will be the central and southern High Plains, which should experience dry westerly downslope flow and associated Elevated equivalent surface conditions by Thursday afternoon. However, fuels in this region are poorly receptive to wildfire spread, precluding the addition of any fire weather highlights this outlook. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0141 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No major changes. Locally elevated fire-weather conditions are possible over parts of the southern Plains with periodic strong gusts and 25-35% RH. However, area fuels remain abnormally wet and the risk for sustained fire-weather conditions appears low due to fuel considerations. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1256 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level trough will de-amplify while traversing the Ohio Valley as a second upper trough ejects into the southern Plains tomorrow/Thursday. A surface low will develop along the Colorado and Kansas borders, allowing for continued moisture return across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The combination of cool or moist low-level conditions should be common across much of the CONUS tomorrow. The one exception will be the central and southern High Plains, which should experience dry westerly downslope flow and associated Elevated equivalent surface conditions by Thursday afternoon. However, fuels in this region are poorly receptive to wildfire spread, precluding the addition of any fire weather highlights this outlook. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0141 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No major changes. Locally elevated fire-weather conditions are possible over parts of the southern Plains with periodic strong gusts and 25-35% RH. However, area fuels remain abnormally wet and the risk for sustained fire-weather conditions appears low due to fuel considerations. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1256 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level trough will de-amplify while traversing the Ohio Valley as a second upper trough ejects into the southern Plains tomorrow/Thursday. A surface low will develop along the Colorado and Kansas borders, allowing for continued moisture return across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The combination of cool or moist low-level conditions should be common across much of the CONUS tomorrow. The one exception will be the central and southern High Plains, which should experience dry westerly downslope flow and associated Elevated equivalent surface conditions by Thursday afternoon. However, fuels in this region are poorly receptive to wildfire spread, precluding the addition of any fire weather highlights this outlook. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

SPC Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook
Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0141 PM CST Wed Feb 07 2024 Valid 081200Z - 091200Z ...NO CRITICAL AREAS... No major changes. Locally elevated fire-weather conditions are possible over parts of the southern Plains with periodic strong gusts and 25-35% RH. However, area fuels remain abnormally wet and the risk for sustained fire-weather conditions appears low due to fuel considerations. ..Lyons.. 02/07/2024 .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1256 AM CST Wed Feb 07 2024/ ...Synopsis... A mid-level trough will de-amplify while traversing the Ohio Valley as a second upper trough ejects into the southern Plains tomorrow/Thursday. A surface low will develop along the Colorado and Kansas borders, allowing for continued moisture return across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The combination of cool or moist low-level conditions should be common across much of the CONUS tomorrow. The one exception will be the central and southern High Plains, which should experience dry westerly downslope flow and associated Elevated equivalent surface conditions by Thursday afternoon. However, fuels in this region are poorly receptive to wildfire spread, precluding the addition of any fire weather highlights this outlook. ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov/fire for graphic product... Read more

Three public water systems in Whatcom County have run dry, and three additional systems were not far from emergency situations. On July 25, Baker View and Aldergrove were completely out of water or nearly out, and Mountain View had opened an emergency intertie with the City of Ferndale, so the well system could connect to the city’s water supply. Another three wells were running very low, forcing residents to conserve. Cascadia Daily News (Bellingham, Wash.), July 26, 2023

Visitors to city parks in San Marcos were urged to bring their own water as drought leads to cracks in the soil and broken water pipes. The city has to shut off water to the parks until repairs can be made. FOX 7 Austin (Texas), July 28, 2023