This last month has seen above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation across much of the Southeast. The ongoing dryness led to rapidly intensifying and expanding drought across many parts of the region, in particular Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and the interior Carolinas. The lack of precipitation and drought conditions led to below-average streamflows and impacted agriculture, wildfire activity, and water supply. A strong El Niño is already in place and is currently strengthening. 

Drought continues to expand and intensify in both the ACF and ACT basins, with strong impacts to the agriculture sector, increased fire risk, and a reduction in many streamflow and lake levels. Drought relief is expected as we approach winter and as the typical excess rainfall and storminess associated with the current El Niño begins to take form. While this upcoming winter recharge/flood season is expected to improve drought conditions, flooding will become an increasing concern.

Monitor Drought Conditions in the ACF and ACT River Basin

Temperatures were cooler than normal for most of the region over the past month, but above average across parts of Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida, and much above average across the Caribbean. Precipitation was below average across most of the region; many places recorded less than half of their expected amounts. These dry conditions led to drought expansion across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas; drought persisted in parts of the U.S. Caribbean and the Florida West Coast.