Alabama Faces Severe Drought: Alabama’s 2023 drought tightens its grip, affecting a staggering 95% of the state. A harsh reality unfolds as 58.4% of Alabama faces severe and extreme drought conditions, as reported by Alabama Drought Reach.
How long will Alabama drought continue?
The National Weather Service Birmingham Office delivers a sobering forecast: no respite from the ongoing drought is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Looking at our short-range forecast, were not expecting any significant rainfall. The drought is likely going to persist through the next week to two weeks.
~ Nathan Owen, Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, Birmingham Office
Impacts from Alabamas drought
Curious about the repercussions of the drought in Alabama? Owen outlined the following:
- Streamflows in creeks and rivers are below average, with a bleak outlook for agricultural interests.
- Soil moisture has steadily declined over the last 14 days.
- Crop moistures, on the whole, have stayed notably dry.
- The entire state of Alabama is on high alert for fires.
READ MORE: Alabama Weather Update: Bracing for Coldest Air, Dry Week Ahead
Drought causing wildfires statewide
On October 25, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) sounded the alarm, reissuing a Fire Alert encompassing all 67 counties in the state.
In the 32 northern counties (approximately north of Interstate 20), the issuance of burn permits has been put on hold.
For the 35 southern counties (south of Interstate 20), certified prescribed burn managers retain the choice to secure a one-day burn permit.
This alert came into effect following the collaborative efforts of the Commission and volunteer fire departments in battling 111 wildfires during the week of October 25th, scorching a total of 1881 acres statewide.
Will Alabama get rain soon?
Owen, speaking to , hinted that rain might grace us in the coming weeks.
Toward late November and December, the Climate Prediction Center is indicating there may be some increased rainfall incidences, and our rainfall could be a little above normal for that time of year.
~ Nathan Owen, National Weather Service, Birmingham Office
Fingers crossed that this prediction turns out to be accurate.
Our Reader’s Queries
When was worst drought in Alabama?
Central Alabama was hit hard by a historic drought, making it the biggest weather story of the year. The drought shattered records for the driest years ever recorded at multiple reporting stations in the region. A winter and spring that were drier than usual only made matters worse, setting the stage for the prolonged drought.
Is Alabama going through a drought?
Alabama continues to be gripped by a widespread drought, with no relief in sight. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, released last Thursday, indicates that almost the entire state is experiencing some level of drought or is on the brink of it.
Where is the drought the worst in the US?
The western and southwestern areas of the United States have been grappling with extensive drought since around 2000.
Which state has most drought?
Rajasthan stands as one of India’s most drought-affected states, known for its scorching, arid climate and minimal rainfall, averaging a mere 150-750 mm annually. The western regions, such as Jodhpur and Bikaner, face recurrent droughts due to these harsh conditions.