IEM Daily Feature
Thursday, 05 September 2013

Complex Drought

Posted: 05 Sep 2013 05:38 AM

The current drought situation in the state is very complex as shown by the featured chart displaying trailing departures for IEM computed statewide areal averaged precipitation. While the 365 day window is slightly above long term average, the 30 day and 90 day are well below. The wettest spring season on record for the state is what is currently allowing most crops in the state to hold on. The chart shows an interesting combination of the 365 day departures becoming less negative while the 30 and 90 day go the opposite direction. The reason being the wet spring replacing a much drier period during the previous year and that same period falling out of the 30 and 90 day windows. So while the dramatic drop in 90 day departure screams a flash drought, the long term departure is being bolstered by the wet spring.

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Tags:   2013