Latest Seasonal Assessment - The Drought Outlook for May 2 - July 31, 2013 is based primarily on short-, medium-, and long-range forecasts, initial conditions, and climatology. Several inches of rain fell in the past two weeks across portions of the Carolinas, Georgia, and parts of Florida eliminating some of the remaining areas of drought. Improvement is indicated for the continuing drought area in north-central Florida due to short-term rainfall and the approaching onset of the rainy season. Improvement is forecast across the upper Mississippi Valley and the lower Plains, due to frontal activity and/or the seasonal upswing in nocturnal thunderstorm activity. Limited drought improvement is anticipated over much of the High Plains. Drought is forecast to either develop or persist across the western contiguous U.S. as this region enters its dry season. Some improvement is expected for the drought area across northern Alaska, while areas of persistence and development of drought are anticipated for the Hawaiian Islands.

Forecaster: A. Artusa

Next Outlook issued: May 16, 2013 at 8:30 AM EDT

Seasonal Drought Outlook Discussion