Don’t be fooled, 96 percent of Alabama remains in drought
Don’t let the fact that the Yellowhammer State has seen some much-needed rain in recent weeks fool you — the state is very much still in a drought. New statistics released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center confirm 96 percent of the state remains in a drought and according to a federal assessment 4.6 million Alabamians are still affected by dry conditions. While the recent rains have largely reduced the risk of wildfires across the state, state climatologist John Christy has said 1 inch of rain is needed every week in order to improve the state’s arid conditions.
Rain brings short-term relief, didn’t end Alabama drought
Meteorologists say storms that dumped as much as 5 inches of rain on Alabama didn’t end the drought. The heaviest rains fell near the middle of the state, accumulating about 5 inches. Precipitation totals of more than 2 inches were common throughout central Alabama late Monday and early Tuesday. Although rainfall amounts varied across the counties of the state, it is expected to give only short-term relief to the wildfires burning recently in Alabama. “The precipitation we received should temporarily help us with the wildfire situation and hopefully more rain is on the way,” stated Interim State Forester Gary Cole of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). “This reprieve will allow firefighters some much needed rest, as well as an opportunity to perform equipment repairs and maintenance.” Monday was a historic day in the number of active wildfires burning in Alabama for one day: 108 fires destroyed 2,742 acres across the state. Cole continued, “Most of us veteran firefighters here don’t remember that many fires in one day. Not only was the number of wildfires higher, but they were also larger in size.” “I cannot thank the men and women with the Alabama Forestry Commission enough for their dedication, tireless efforts and countless hours spent battling fires across the state,” said Bentley. “Because of their efforts, wildfires in Alabama have been prevented from doing extensive damage. Their commitment to protecting life, property and wildlife does not go unnoticed.” Many areas are more than a foot below normal rainfall, and as such Governor Robert Bentley‘s statewide ‘No Burn’ Order —prohibiting all outdoor or open burning, making it illegal for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; building a campfire or bonfire; or burn trash or debris — remains in effect. Additional rain this week may allow the situation to be re-assessed later this week.
Severe drought continues across Alabama, no end in sight
While some areas of Alabama saw a sprinkling of rain this past week, severe drought continues to torment the vast majority of the state. With well over a month without rain, coupled with record-breaking heat, federal statistics released this week show nearly 90 percent of the state is now in a severe drought, and 65 percent of the state is in an extreme or exceptional drought. Even as seasonal cold fronts begin to arrive, there appears to be no relief in sight. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has predicted warm and near-record dry conditions to continue in Alabama, and across the Southeast, throughout the fall and winter lasting through February. Experts say at least a solid week of rain is needed for the state to “break even” and move past the drought.
