According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which I now check weekly, the Mid-South drought has expanded and strengthened. In the regional map (shown above – click for larger image), the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, most of Arkansas, and west Tennessee are experiencing drought conditions. In fact, the metro area is now under D1-D2 (moderate to severe drought) conditions (severe drought in Shelby County). A close-up of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, seen below, show the drought conditions by county. These maps were released prior to Tuesday’s rain, but there certainly was not enough, especially across Arkansas and Tennessee, to significantly reduce the impact. Memphis International Airport has recorded only 0.22″ of rain (less than 1/4″) in the past 53 days, since August 22.
November 2024 Climate Report for Memphis, TN
Warmer than average temperatures and near normal precipitation led to a pleasant November overall….