Drought returning and the possible return of smoke

The Drought Monitor came out yesterday, but it was too crazy around here with the smoke so I did not mention it. The story is not good. The drought in western NC is getting much worse and central NC is not getting back to moderately dry category.



We have not seen measurable rain now in almost 2 weeks. Our chances are there Sunday and possibly again on Monday but its not the type of set up that I like to see in the summer time to spark thunderstorms. There is just a 10-20% chance Saturday evening as well. Looking out in the future, the weather pattern appears to be changing to a more normal temperature pattern with temperatures in the 80s for a while but significant rain appear unlikely. We really need a weak tropical system to move into the southeast and just sit on top of us for days to really make up the deficit we started last year and the one beginning to add up this year.


Smoke may also return to the skies later this afternoon. We still have easterly wind flow and looking at observations to our east, visibilities are coming down once again. So just dont let your guard down if your sensitive to smoke as it is possible it returns later today and tonight.