Alabama is currently experiencing hotter temperatures and drier conditions, which are leading some areas towards drought according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report. Released weekly, this report provides a comprehensive view of drought conditions across the country.
As of last Thursday, there has been a significant increase in areas experiencing abnormally dry conditions, rising from 25.95% on June 18 to 68.25% on June 25. Parts of central and southeast Alabama have even been classified as experiencing moderate drought (Level D1).
While some areas in southwest, east-central, and north-central Alabama are receiving near-average rainfall, much of the state has seen drier weather recently. Although typical summertime showers and storms have occurred, the upcoming week is expected to be relatively dry in many regions, potentially exacerbating drought conditions further.
June overall has been drier than usual in many parts of Alabama. An informal survey indicates that as of June 29, Anniston was the only city reporting above-average rainfall for the month.
Here are rainfall totals for several cities as of June 29 (note that these totals may change with additional rain)
- Anniston: 4.81 inches (normal is 4.22)
- Birmingham: 1.91 inches (normal is 4.61)
- Cullman: 1.30 inches (normal is 1.87)
- Gadsden: 2.31 inches (normal is 4.39)
- Huntsville: 2.65 inches (normal is 3.90)
- Mobile: 4.16 inches (average is 6.32)
- Montgomery: 2.41 inches (normal is 3.92)
- Muscle Shoals: 2.27 inches (average is 4.87)
- Selma: 1.89 inches (normal is 4.32)
- Troy: 1.77 inches (normal is 4.74)
- Tuscaloosa: 4.11 inches (normal is 4.50)