Stormy Stretch of Days Looming for the Gulf Coast and the South

The same weather maker that is blanketing the higher terrains of Colorado with snow this week is going to bring drenching rainfall to the South before setting its sights on the East Coast by the weekend. Read on for the details of this dynamic storm system and what it means for millions of Americans in the days ahead.

Rain and Stormy Conditions on the Way for the South and the Gulf Coast

A far-reaching storm will deliver much-needed rainfall in a zone from Texas to Florida through the weekend. This storm will then track to the north with chilly rain and potential coastal impacts up and down the Atlantic seaboard. The arrival of the moisture will be especially welcome in the southern Plains, the Southeast, and Florida, areas of the country dealing with increasing drought conditions and wildfire threats.

Much of the Southeast has been rendered a tinderbox in recent weeks as rain has been hard to come by. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, a large swath of this corner of the country has been classified as being under abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions. Thousands of brush fires have ignited across Georgia and Florida, forcing evacuations and destroying several homes.

How dry has it been? Total rainfall deficits since the beginning of the year are trending about 6 to 12 inches below the historical average for the Southeast and beyond. As the sun becomes more intense heading into the summer months, the flow of moisture becomes more important. This is particularly true for agricultural interests that depend on the rainfall for the growing season.