Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mid Atlantic Drought Update



Images (click to enlarge): Maryland and Virginia drought monitor data through July 21 from NOAA/USDA; Regional radar showing scattered thundershowers in central Maryland from The Weather Channel

See here for previous drought reports.


July 26 Update: Rainfall of 0.07" from thunderstorms last evening brings the official monthly total to 0.89", pushing 2009 into second place among dry Julys. With several more opportunities for thundershowers through the coming week, however, that record is unlikely to hold. Precipitation amounts were somewhat heavier in other parts of the region. Yesterday's/month-to-date/season-to-date (since June 1) totals:
Washington National: 0.07"/0.89"/6.75" 
Washington Dulles: 0.23"/1.80"/8.49"
Baltimore (BWI) 0.47"/1.32"/6.84"
July 24 Update: Rainfall totals for yesterday/month-to-date/season-to-date (since June 1):
Washington National: 0.56"/0.82"/6.68" 
Washington Dulles: 1.48"/1.57"/8.26"
Baltimore (BWI) 0.43"/0.85"/6.37"
Yesterday's amount at Dulles was just a few hundredths less than the record for the date.

Midnight Update: An additional amount of 0.56" at Washington National puts the month-to-date total at 0.82". This ties the record July low in 1872 with a week still to go in the month. Dulles picked up an additional 0.67", and BWI had 0.20".

6 PM Update: Updated daily totals, added month-to-date data.

Original post:
Scattered thundershowers are helping the situation in some parts of the region this afternoon, but a very dry July has put the majority of Maryland and portions of northern and eastern Virginia in the minimal drought category of D0 (Abnormally Dry). The weekly drought monitor, based on data through July 21, shows 72% of Maryland, 81% of Delaware, and 18% of Virginia are rated D0. Washington, DC, Baltimore, and their immediate suburbs are all included in that category.

Rainfall so far today and month-to-date totals:
Washington National: Trace/0.26" 
Washington Dulles: 0.81"/0.90"
Baltimore (BWI) 0.14"/0.56"

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