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The heat wave is drying us out after a wet winter and spring

Weather map of drought
U.S. National Weather Service in Paducah, KY
/
weather.gov

With the cool and relatively moist Winter and Spring, it may be hard to
believe the Quad State region is gradually drying out.

The recent heat wave we have experienced this week, influenced by a broad area of
High Pressure over the region, has reduced rain chances significantly and has increased the rate at which water evaporates across the area and in the soil.

Next week, the Quad State region is expected to rise again into the 90s and lower 100 degree temperature readings. However, the air will be much drier next week as compared to what we have experienced this week.

Prolonged heat waves can have a significant impact on soil moisture, as well other water resources such as rivers and lakes.

The two graphics shown in this slide depict current drought conditions (shown in yellow) on the left side of the image.

The highlighted areas depict the very first stage (abnormally dry) of drought conditions. Ironically, these highlighted areas did not even exist a month ago in the Quad State area.

The image on the right is a Seasonal Drought Forecast generated by the NWS Climate Prediction Center, which covers the period from June 16th through September 30th, 2022.

The highlighted area (in orange) that covers all of the Quad State region suggests drought conditions could be likely. The overall trend is toward seeing drier conditions over the region through the Summer.

It should be remembered this is a forecast. Land falling tropical systems and repeat weather systems moving over the local area could lessen the impact of drought conditions over the Quad State.

For those dealing with agricultural and water resource interests, this is just something to be aware of for planning purposes.

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