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.
Could Francine bring drought-busting rain (and strong wind) to the
All eyes are on the southwest Gulf of Mexico as a developing tropical system may have its sights set on…
