Drought Alert: Is There Hope for Beneficial Rain in Alabama?

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that 30.68% of the 50 states and Puerto Rico are experiencing moderate drought or worse, which is a slight decrease from 33.43% recorded last week, said the National Drought Mitigation Center.

In Alabama, it’s a different story.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that the latest release of the drought monitor yesterday revealed further deterioration of conditions.

Currently, the state of Alabama is experiencing a drought, with 99.57 percent of its area affected, said Spann. “An "extreme drought" is defined for the Tennessee Valley, and also the southwest counties of the state.”

Alabama Drought Monitor

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has provided more insight on the drought monitor including the factors of drought intensity and extent.

D4 Exceptional Drought: None currently.

D3 Extreme Drought: Now covers the extreme northwestern counties and the northern tip of Cherokee County.

D2 Severe Drought: Extends across much of the I-59 corridor and points northward. This includes Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Gadsden.

D1 Moderate Drought: Covers most points south of I-59.

D0 Abnormally Dry: This area is now only limited to areas near and along I-85 with a very small area of no drought in eastern Lee County.

Is There Hope for Beneficial Rain in Alabama?

More dry weather is forecasted for November. However, the National Weather Service in Birmingham provides a glimmer of hope that there is a possibility of heavier rainfall occurring towards the end of the second week of November.

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Fire Hazard Impacts

The Fire Alert has been issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission for all 67 counties in the state in light of the ongoing drought conditions.

In the 32 northern counties, no burn permits will be issued.

In the 35 southern counties (south of Interstate 20), certified prescribed burn managers will have the option to obtain a one-day burn permit.