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Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar: April 12, 2022

Event Date
April 12, 2022
Event Time
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Timezone
EDT
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The Southeast region experienced near-average temperatures the last 30 days with recent spring temperature swings. Although precipitation has been hit or miss due to the springtime thunderstorms, streamflows are mostly near-to-above normal across the region. Drought conditions persist in the eastern Carolinas and southern Georgia. Anticipated rain over the next week will help improve this precipitation deficit, but this still needs to be monitored carefully as the region continues through the spring and water demand increases. Looking farther ahead, the three-month Southeast outlooks depict a higher probability of above-normal temperatures, streamflows to continue in the near-normal range, and some additional drought development across the region.

Timestamp
0:00

Introduction and Welcome

Speaker: Sandra Rayne, Southeast Regional Climate Center

  • Webinar focus: Climate and special topics pertaining to the Southeast region.
  • Our special topic today is CoCoRaHS: The Value of Citizen Science Observers.

 

Timestamp
1:12

Climate Conditions 

Speaker: Sandra Rayne, Southeast Regional Climate Center

  • Climate Overview: Overall, temperatures were near average and precipitation was variable for the past 30 days. Severe weather chances are increasing as we go through the spring season.  Key severe weather events observed last month included an EF-3 tornado in Florida and a record-breaking number of tornadoes in March for the U.S. as a whole.
  • La Niña Advisory: La Niña conditions are expected to continue with a 53% chance through June–August 2022 and a 40%–50% chance of La Niña or ENSO-neutral conditions afterward.  The next update is this Thursday, April 14, 2022.  
  • Drought: Drought conditions are slowly expanding in the Southeast region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a pocket of severe drought (D2) is in eastern North Carolina with moderate drought (D1) present in the eastern Carolinas, as well as parts of Georgia and Florida. Drought also remains in the U.S. Caribbean. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's (CPC's) Monthly Drought Outlook depicts that drought is expected to persist and expand in coverage in the Southeast U.S. This needs to be monitored carefully as the region continues into the spring season and water demand increases.
  • Looking Ahead, Next Week: The CPC April 16–20 outlook shows a higher probability of cooler temperatures and wetter conditions across most of the region.
  • Looking Ahead, Seasonal: The current CPC three-month outlook shows a higher probability of above-normal temperatures. There are equal chances of wetter or drier conditions across the region. The next CPC seasonal outlook will be released on April 21.

 

Timestamp
6:30

Water Resources: Spring Flood Outlook 

Speaker: Todd Hamill, Southeast River Forecast Center, National Weather Service

  • Recent precipitation events have resulted in flooding conditions and back to normal with some above-normal streamflow levels across the Southeast. Typically, this time of year streamflow is coming out of its peak re-charge for much of the Southeast (except the Florida Peninsula).
  • Looking Ahead: Expect streamflow levels to continue in the near-normal range for much of the Southeast region, except for North Carolina and Virginia.
  • View additional information.

 

Timestamp
17:53

Agriculture Impact and Outlook

Speaker: Pam Knox, University of Georgia 

  • Warmer weather has helped with strawberry growth. The March and April frosts caused some damage, but producers are still assessing. Fungal and disease issues were present in areas that have had wetter conditions.
  • Looking Ahead: Temperatures through mid-April will be cooler than normal. There is still a chance of frost in the northern areas of the Southeast region.
  • Additional Information:

 

Timestamp
29:30

Acidification in the U.S. Southeast: Causes, Potential Consequences, and the Role of the Southeast Ocean and Coastal Acidification Network

Speaker: Emily Hall, Mote Marine Laboratory

  • The Southeast is diverse and has many drivers of acidification.
  • The Southeast also has potential for buffering against acidification.
  • There is still a lot we don’t know about the region, including socioeconomic impacts.
  • SOCAN is here to work with you: stakeholders, scientists, and any interested people! Visit www.socan.secoora.org.

 

Timestamp
51:00

Closing

Speaker: Sandra Rayne, Southeast Regional Climate Center

  • Register for the next webinars:
    • May 10, 2022, Sea Level Projections
    • June 28, 2022, 2022 Hurricane Outlook
  • New webinar time starting in June! We are moving these webinars to the 4th Tuesday of the month.

 

About This Webinar

The Southeast Climate monthly webinar series is hosted by the Southeast Regional Climate Center, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), and the NOAA National Weather Service. These webinars provide the region with timely information on current and developing climate conditions such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as agriculture production, water resources, wildfires, and ecosystems.

 

Key Partners

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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NWS River Forecast Centers

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Southeast Regional Climate Center

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University of Georgia

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