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Drought conditions nearing metro region
Latest U.S. Drought monitor regional maps.
All the "snow holes" we've seen this winter may have negative implications for the upcoming growing season. According to the latest U.S. drought monitor, abnormally dry conditions cover much of the metro region, with moderate drought conditions developing not far to the west and southwest.
Since November , Reagan National Airport has observed below average precipitation each month.
Here are the precipitation deficits by month:
November: 0.81"
December: 1.27"
January: 0.96"
And midway through February, we're about 0.53" in the red.
The total precipitation deficit since November is now 3.37" - which is about the equivalent of a full month's average precipitation.
Over the next five days, the prospects of substantial precipitation are slim - with just a small chance of light to moderate precipitation Tuesday.
Given the growing dryness, we will definitely need to cash in on some rain this spring;otherwise, drought conditions could become a significant issue this summer.
By
Jason Samenow
| February 17, 2011; 12:30 PM ET
Categories:
Droughts, Latest
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Posted by: kolya02 | February 17, 2011 12:55 PM | Report abuse
Uh, oh, Drymageddon...
Posted by: jaybird926 | February 17, 2011 1:18 PM | Report abuse
hopefully all the cold rain next week will get us out of this drought!
Posted by: KRUZ | February 17, 2011 2:06 PM | Report abuse
@koyla02
that why you gotta join the cause of
RAIN HOPE /////////////////////// ;)
Sorry, had to do it!
Posted by: KRUZ | February 17, 2011 2:08 PM | Report abuse
We're so due for one of those multi-day soaking rainstorms. We'll get it all at once. *sigh*
Posted by: FIREDRAGON47 | February 17, 2011 2:14 PM | Report abuse
meh... we can make up 3" with a few good march rain (or even better, snow) storms.
Posted by: walter-in-fallschurch | February 17, 2011 2:26 PM | Report abuse
Abnormally dry? My front yard is a muddy swamp right now!
Posted by: ElJocko | February 17, 2011 3:43 PM | Report abuse
FINALLY, CWG recognizes what I have been (anxiously) pointing out for weeks! Much appreciated, Jason.
According to your monthly totals, it's actually a 3.57" deficit at National Airport (it will ALWAYS be National Airport; never that other name!).
Will La Nina break down this spring? If so, could that be expected to change/enhance our precipitation patterns? I certainly hope so.
Posted by: TominMichiganParkDC | February 17, 2011 4:57 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
I guess this means we can lambaste snow haters for their love of weather conditions that bring fires and hurt agriculture and plant life?? [removes tongue from cheek]