Drought Spreads across Arkansas, No Significant Rain in the Forecast
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 31, 2012
Dry weather continues to take a toll across Arkansas.
More of the state, 71-percent to be exact, is now classified as under "moderate drought," as compared to last week's 11.63-percent. [See Drought Monitor attached below].
Without widespread rain, those numbers will likely go higher, especially considering the above-normal temperatures we've been having and that are expected to continue.
On the bright side, KARK 4 Today Meteorologist Greg Dee says current weather patterns don't suggest we'll have a hotter-than-normal summer.
Arkansas has not had any significant rainfall since March and tropical weather patterns that usually bring a lot of rain won't arrive until August.
The dry conditions mean forestry officials are keeping a close eye on the wildfire danger across the state. Right now, seven counties in central Arkansas have a high fire danger. They are: Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren and White.
Click here to see the fire danger map.
Click here for the latest map showing the counties that have issued burn bans.
If you're wondering how to keep your garden alive when there's no rain, experts advise filling it with plants that are native to Arkansas since they are accustomed to our weather patterns.
The latest round of drought conditions developed over Arkansas in 2010, mainly across the state's southeast half. In 2011, the drought continued through much of the year and spread across the south and west.
Click here to see the Drought Monitor for the entire country.
More of the state, 71-percent to be exact, is now classified as under "moderate drought," as compared to last week's 11.63-percent. [See Drought Monitor attached below].
Without widespread rain, those numbers will likely go higher, especially considering the above-normal temperatures we've been having and that are expected to continue.
On the bright side, KARK 4 Today Meteorologist Greg Dee says current weather patterns don't suggest we'll have a hotter-than-normal summer.
Arkansas has not had any significant rainfall since March and tropical weather patterns that usually bring a lot of rain won't arrive until August.
The dry conditions mean forestry officials are keeping a close eye on the wildfire danger across the state. Right now, seven counties in central Arkansas have a high fire danger. They are: Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren and White.
Click here to see the fire danger map.
Click here for the latest map showing the counties that have issued burn bans.
If you're wondering how to keep your garden alive when there's no rain, experts advise filling it with plants that are native to Arkansas since they are accustomed to our weather patterns.
The latest round of drought conditions developed over Arkansas in 2010, mainly across the state's southeast half. In 2011, the drought continued through much of the year and spread across the south and west.
Click here to see the Drought Monitor for the entire country.
