Record Breaking Heat in Georgia and Alabama June 29 thru July 1 2012

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
0432 PM EDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT COLUMBUS...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 105 DEGREES WAS SET AT COLUMBUS SO FAR TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 99 SET IN 2007.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
0432 PM EDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT ATLANTA...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 105 DEGREES WAS SET AT ATLANTA SO FAR TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 99 SET IN 1954.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
0432 PM EDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT MACON...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 108 DEGREES WAS SET AT MACON SO FAR TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 103 SET IN 1954.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
0432 PM EDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT ATHENS...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 108 DEGREES WAS SET AT ATHENS SO FAR TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 103 SET IN 1927.


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RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM, AL
0425 PM CDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT TUSCALOOSA...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 104 DEGREES WAS SET AT TUSCALOOSA TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 103 SET IN 1954.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM, AL
0425 PM CDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT BIRMINGHAM...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 104 DEGREES WAS SET AT BIRMINGHAM TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 103 SET IN 1954.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM, AL
0425 PM CDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT MONTGOMERY...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 101 DEGREES WAS SET AT MONTGOMERY TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 100 SET IN 2007.


RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM, AL
0425 PM CDT SUN JUL 01 2012

...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE SET AT ANNISTON...

A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 104 DEGREES WAS SET AT ANNISTON TODAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 102 SET IN 1954.

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06-30-2012 Atlanta Hartsfield AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 106 °F 105 °F (07-17-1980)

06-30-2012 Columbus Metro AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 106 °F 105 °F (06-29-2012)

06-30-2012 Macon Middle Ga AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 108 °F 108 °F (07-13-1980)

06-30-2012 Helen, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 102 °F 100 °F (07-20-1986)

06-30-2012 Rome WSO AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 107 °F 106 °F (07-17-1980)

06-30-2012 Dallas 7 NE, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 104 °F 104 °F (08-23-2007)

06-30-2012 Sandersville, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 107 °F 107 °F (07-22-1986)

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06-29-2012 Columbus Metro AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 105 °F 104 °F (08-10-2007)

06-29-2012 Athens Ben Epps AP, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 109 °F 107 °F (08-21-1983)

06-29-2012 Dekalb Peachtree, GA High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 103 °F 102 °F (08-22-2007)


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06-30-2012 Russellville #2, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 106 °F 106 °F (08-16-2007)

06-30-2012 Muscle Shoals AP, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 107 °F 107 °F (06-29-2012)

06-29-2012 Gadsden, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 105 °F 105 °F (08-16-1954)

06-29-2012 Huntsville Intl AP, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 106 °F 105 °F (08-16-2007)

06-29-2012 Muscle Shoals AP, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 107 °F 107 °F (08-15-2007)

06-29-2012 Bankhead L&d, AL High Maximum Temp All-Time Record 107 °F 107 °F (07-08-1977)


More record breaking heat across the U.S. here

Georgia Drought Update - May 3 2012

As anticipated, the small area of drought improvement in Northeast Georgia last week, is all but gone this week.

Since my last drought update on April 23 2012, it has been quite dry across much of Georgia. Abnormally Dry conditions continue to cover much of North Georgia, with Moderate drought conditions beginning to creep back in.
Severe Drought conditions continue to hold in areas of Southeast and North central Georgia, ever so slowly creeping towards North Georgia.
Extreme Drought conditions now cover a large area of Georgia from North Central to the state line with Florida.
Exceptional Drought conditions, the highest level of drought, has expanded in Central Georgia while other areas experiencing Exceptional Drought in south Georgia remaining unchanged since my last report.

The overall breakdown on drought conditions in Georgia as of May 1 2012 are as follows:

The entire state of Georgia is experiencing Abnormally Dry conditions, 96.50 %, except for a small area mentioned in North GA.
Moderate Drought covers 88.56 % of the state.
Severe Drought covers 84.28 % of the state.
Extreme Drought covers 70.94 % of the state.
Exceptional Drought covers 25.85 % of the state.

Here's a graphic showing Drought conditions from April 17 thru May 1 2012

To show how dry it has been in Georgia and much of the southeast, here's a graphic showing how much rain these areas have seen since the beginning of 2012. Notice the areas of Red in Georgia and Florida; these areas have only received 50 to 25 percent of normal rainfall since the start of the year.

To put the above in perspective, here's a graphic showing departure from normal rainfall from May of 2011 thru April 2012. Much of Georgia is showing a deficit of 8 inches with areas in southwest Georgia pushing the 20 inch below normal mark.

Here's a look at precipitation or lack of for select areas around the state of Georgia through May 2 2012.

This first table shows total rainfall for the last 365 days:

LOCATION   TOTAL RAINFALL    NORMAL    DEPARTURE     PERCENT
            LAST 365 DAYS    VALUE     FROM NORMAL   OF NORMAL

ATLANTA         32.33        49.74       -17.41        65%
ATHENS          29.11        46.39       -17.28        63%
COLUMBUS        38.40        46.81        -8.41        82%
MACON           28.91        45.75       -16.84        63%

This table shows total rainfall fro the last 90 days:

LOCATION   TOTAL RAINFALL    NORMAL    DEPARTURE     PERCENT
           (LAST 90 DAYS)    VALUE     FROM NORMAL   OF NORMAL

ATLANTA         7.53         12.91        -5.38        58%
ATHENS          5.89         12.12        -6.23        49%
COLUMBUS        7.88         13.52        -5.64        58%
MACON           5.30         11.87        -6.57        45%

At this time it's looking like drought conditions will continue to expand and intensify for Georgia. I expect the same can be said for much of the southeast as I see no reason at this time not to think this. It appears a summer type pattern has set up early this year with scattered hit and miss showers and storms, and as earlier this week in Georgia, above average and record breaking high temperatures. Showers and storms of this type offer little relief for drought stricken areas, and what little rain may fall is quickly absorbed in the dry earth and back into the atmosphere.

Here's a look at Drought conditions across the rest of the U.S.:

And the latest Drought Outlook released May 3 2012:

For past Drought reports see the Drought Files. From 2007 to current date.

Georgia Drought Update August 6 2011

The past couple of weeks have been dry in the area once again. The exception has been the northern and southern parts of the state. Central Georgia has seen a little activity in the form of pop-up scattered to isolated showers, offering little relief from drought conditions.

Although little rain has fallen in the local area and other areas throughout central Georgia, the drought monitor has removed our local area from 'Exceptional drought' and back in to 'Extreme drought'.

Here is the current graphic showing our current drought conditions.

Here is a graphic showing the change from July 26 on the left to August 2 on the right.

Here at the homestead I ended the month of July with 3.79 inches of rain, and so far in August have seen none. Here is a map showing the amount of rain the state has seen in the last 14 days. The local are which is within the RED circle has seen less as mentioned than north or south of our location. According to the map legend we have seen anywhere from to 2 inches in part of Muscogge county, and a half to inch and a half in Harris county. Sounds about right according to my records of daily rainfall amounts.

We are still way below normal and I expect these dry days will once again catch up with us in the coming weeks. According to this map, we still need anywhere from 9 to 12 inches in the local area.

On a side note - We are still waiting on a tropical system to bring us relief.

Hot and Dry : Georgia June 2011 Climate Summary

If you happen to live in Georgia, you know it was Hot and Dry in June. If you've followed along here at Cataula GA WX you've read about some of the Record Breaking Heat, and Drought Conditions in Georgia. Here is the summary for June 2011......

Georgia Climate Summary for June 2011

Prepared by Pam Knox, Assistant State Climatologist
Georgia State Climatology Office

Very hot daytime temperatures and lack of rainfall led to strengthened drought across Georgia in June. Average temperatures were at or near record levels for the month across the state.

Temperatures across the state were above normal everywhere in Georgia for a fifth straight month. In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 81.2 degrees F (4.4 degrees above normal), in Athens 81.0 degrees (4.7 degrees above normal), Columbus 84.4 (5.2 degrees above normal), Macon 82.9 (4.9 above normal), Savannah 83.0 (4.2 above normal), Brunswick 82.4 (3.0 above normal), Alma 83.5 (4.2 above normal), Valdosta 83.3 (4.9 above normal) and Augusta 82.1 (4.6 above normal).

This was the warmest June ever in Columbus in 64 years of record. It was the second warmest in Macon in 119 years of record, only surpassed by 84.3 degrees F in June 1952. It was the third warmest June in 133 years of Atlanta records, surpassed by 82.3 degrees F in 1952 and 81.4 degrees F set last year in June 2010. Temperature records in Athens, Alma, Savannah, Valdosta and Augusta were also in the top ten Junes in their histories.

Numerous daily record high temperatures were broken this month. Columbus broke four daily records and tied three more, including 101 degrees F on June 1 and 3, breaking old records of 98 F and 99 F, set respectively in 1998 and 1985. Macon set their a daily record maximum temperature of 103 F on the third, breaking the old record of 102 F set in 1985. Alma set new daily temperature records on six different days, including a reading of 103 F on the 15th which broke the old record of 100 F set in 1981.

The NWS office in Savannah noted that their new daily maximum temperature record of 102 F on the 13th (breaking the old record of 100 F set in 1880) was the warmest it has been in Savannah since July 20, 2000.

Precipitation in June was scattered due to pup-up thunderstorms on many days during the month. The wettest areas were in northern Georgia and in the southeastern part of the state, where showers helped firefighters control the large fires near the Okefenokee Swamp that have been burning since late April.

source: www.weather.gov

The highest monthly total precipitation from National Weather Service reporting stations was 7.09 inches in Savannah (1.60 inches above normal) and the lowest was in Augusta at 1.98 inches (2.07 below normal). Valdosta received 3.50 inches (1.86 below normal), Athens 2.44 inches (1.50 inches above normal), Alma 3.11 (2.38 below normal), Columbus 2.64 (0.87 below normal), Macon 2.76 (0.78 below normal), Brunswick 3.86 (1.19 below normal) and Atlanta 2.20 (1.43 inches below normal).

source: www.weather.gov

The highest single-day rainfall from CoCoRaHS stations was 5.63 inches in Chatham County on Tybee Island on June 30. Another nearby observer on Wilmington Island reported 4.26 inches on the same day. The same Tybee Island observer had the highest monthly rainfall amount of 10.08 inches, followed by 8.65 inches in Rabun Gap (Rabun County) and 8.44 inches on Wilmington Island.

Severe weather was reported somewhere in the state on 25 days in June. There were no tornadoes reported in the month, but scattered hail and wind damage and power outages were observed at locations around the state. Lightning struck a building during AthFest in Athens on the 24th during an outdoor concert. Fortunately, no one was injured, although brick on the facade rained down into the street. The widest outbreaks of wind and hail were reported on June 15 and 26.

Drought covered over 85 percent of the state by the end of June, up from 81 percent at the start of the month. The drought increased in strength significantly in spite of scattered showers, so that when June ended the percent of the state in exceptional drought went from zero to over 40 percent, all in the southern half of the state. Rural cities like Doerun and Dawson in southwestern Georgia were running out of drinking water due to the low groundwater levels.

Soil moisture conditions across Georgia declined slightly during the month, as the lack of rainfall and high daytime temperatures accelerated evapotranspiration and stressed plants in spite of scattered showers. Farmers switched from peanuts to cotton or soybeans due to the dry soils and late planting conditions. Herds were being culled due to lack of forage and expensive feed.

Tied, not Broken : Record High Temprature : 25 consecutive above 90

Columbus tied a high temperature on June 21 2011 the first official day of Summer. Of course if you live around Columbus or in the south you may be saying like most, summer started a month ago. On May 22 2011, Columbus set a record high of 96 degrees breaking the old record of 95 set in 1996.

Yesterday June 21 2011 Columbus reached 100 degrees tying the previous record set in 2006. So far for the month of June 2011 everyday has been above 90 degrees, with the hottest so far being 102 degrees on June 1. Going back to May 2011 Columbus has seen 25 consecutive days above 90 degrees.

Maybe this will help cool you down. From March 1 2009 -

 

Little relief from heat, still bone dry

June 4, 2011, Columbus reached a high temperature of 98 degrees. Aren't you disappointed we didn't break another record ? The record for June 4 was set in 1985 and was 100 degrees.

Scattered showers in Georgia were to the south of the local area yesterday. Was hoping some would pop-up around here. Mainly here, as I cut the grass Friday. I waited as long as I could, but it really started to look shabby. It looks terrible now. As I was cutting it, I swear it was turning brown behind me. You can see where the septic tank is which is about 12 inches below the surface. It is a dirt spot now.

For Columbus according to the NWS, we are down 7.48 inches from normal rainfall for this time of year. Since January 1 Columbus has had 15.43 inches, normal being 22.91 inches. Last year at this time Columbus was about normal with 21.12 inches in the bucket. A little drier out here in Cataula.

More hot temperatures in store for the next couple of days. We will likely see 100 degrees again, if not real close. Scattered showers and possible thunderstorms should increase over the next couple of days, this however will not be enough to dent current drought conditions. Depending on timing of the rain showers / storms, some may find relief from the heat.

More Record Breaking Heat in Georgia

Yet another Record High in Columbus was set on June 3, 2011. The temperature was another scorcher of 101 degrees. The previous record high was 99 degrees in 1985.

It could be worse. Macon Georgia saw a record high as well, 103 breaking their old record or 102 also in 1985.

Other areas around Georgia also saw their share of hot temperatures. Albany saw 102 and Valdosta saw 101. However, those were not record breaking temperatures.

Record Breaking Temperatures continue, Drought Worsens in Georgia

June 2, 2011 Columbus had another record high temperature of 101 degrees, breaking the old record of 98 set back in 1998. Most of the state had high temperatures well into the mid and upper 90's. Temperatures into the weekend will still be running above normal and we can expect to see records broken or tied once again across the state and local area.

If you were one of the lucky ones yesterday, you saw some scattered showers and thunderstorms some which were severe and warranted warnings being issued. Lucky in that it cooled your area down slightly and briefly. Most of the state remained dry.

How dry is it ?

As you can see in this image from the Drought Monitor Archives, as in my last drought update, 2 weeks makes a big difference in drought severity and coverage.

May 17 thru May 31 2011

Compare the above to this image showing 2 weeks, May 3 thru May 17. On the left May 3 there is little RED indicating 'extreme drought conditions'.

Were do we currently stand ?

The local area is split much like the state of Georgia concerning drought. Some of us are suffering 'Extreme Drought' conditions, while others remain in 'Severe Drought'.

As you can see from this image of drought conditions in the southeast, some of our neighbors in Alabama and Florida are experiencing 'extreme drought' as well. Farther to the north, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even Virginia are also experiencing drought conditions.

As mentioned in other posts, I expect conditions for the short term to remain dry. I also expect conditions to worsen further unless we have a tropical system move through. Even showers and thunderstorms at this point will not overcome current conditions.


How much rain will it take ?

In my last post May 21, according to the Climate Prediction Center we needed 6 to 9 inches of rain to return to normal conditions. At this time the good news, 3 to 5 inches would help relieve the worst conditions for much of the state. The bad news, according to the Climate Prediction Center Drought Monitoring section, the local area now needs 9 to 12 inches for conditions to return to normal. Thats an increase of 3 inches since the last post about 2 weeks ago.

Well, that about covers it until next week for drought conditions. I hope we get much needed rain soon. Check back for updates.

On a side note: During these hot and dry conditions watch out for older folks and your neighbors. Don't forget your pets that are outside as well. Give them fresh water daily and often. You don't drink warm water do you ? Also, if you feed them dry food, don't give them more than they will eat. If there is left over food from the day before, throw it out for the birds. Many people don't know that dry food also spoils. It contains meat by products.
And hey, while were at it, if you have any weather related pictures consider sending them in and I'll put them on the blog. Give some detail about them and who you are as well. Email address is at the top left of the page.

Thanks for reading and until next time, Take Care ! ED

Georgia Drought November 2010 - Pics

When is drought non existent ? When it doesn't impact a major metropolitan area like Atlanta Georgia.

My area has been hard hit this year. The summer was extremely hot and dry. With fall now here the temps are cooling down, but rain continues to be absent in my area. I guess you could call what is happening a localized drought impact.

Here is a current picture taken November 14, 2010. You can see the overflow / spill over pipe. The lake is now down about 3 feet. Compare this picture with others posted below and you can see the drought is much worse in my area now, than it was when the southeast was in the news daily during the drought of 07/09.

Click image to enlarge

In this picture [below] taken on August 17 2010, you can see the overflow / spill over pipe. You can also see that the lake level is at about the same level, if not a little lower than it was during the drought of 2007/2009. About 2 feet down.

In this picture [below] taken on June 22 2007 you can see the level of the lake gauged by the overflow / spill over. The lake was down over a foot.

Here is an image provided by U.S. Drought Monitor, showing Georgia and areas affected by the current drought. I live in one of the areas currently classified as borderline Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought. From my observations I would classify my localized drought as Extreme to Exceptional.

If you're a long time reader here at Cataula GA WX, you might recall my coverage during the drought that began to impact Georgia in 2007 and continued until 2009. You can read everything, and view some images here.

I made a comment back on March 31 2009, at which time the area I live was officially out of the drought. I said, "The drought situation is improving in the southeast but were not out of the woods yet. We all know what one dry hot summer can do."

The summer of 2010 is a perfect example of 'what one dry hot summer can do'. The drought has returned to some areas of Georgia. Even worse, La Niña is expected to last at least into the Northern Hemisphere spring 2011 bringing dryer warmer weather to the southeast.

Sure is hot ...

How hot is it ?

Well .. yesterday the thermometer in the front yard hit 106°F, and I didn't get a pic. Today it hit 103°F - 104°F, and I did get a pic. As you can see, it is located in an area that is partly sunny, which means it more likely reached 101°F - 102°F.

click to enlarge

One good or nice thing during our current heatwave in central Georgia [USA], the humidity has been relatively low, so heat indices have not been as high as they could have. So as some would say in areas that experience low humidity in the summer months, it's a dry heat.

I need to get my weather station up and running again for better accuracy. A nearby lightning strike in June took it out.