Even with the incredible rainfall totals, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor still classifies much of the area in severe drought.
) - What a difference a month can make across the Gulf Coast. After starting May in a severe drought with a rainfall deficit approaching 12 inches, Mobile has now officially set a new record for May rainfall with 15.83 inches and counting.
That breaks the previous record of 15.08 inches set back in 1980. Weeks of frequent downpours, thunderstorms, and tropical moisture have completely changed the look and feel of the region, turning dusty lawns and stressed vegetation into saturated ground almost overnight. Even with the incredible rainfall totals, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor still classifies much of the area in severe drought. That may seem surprising, but drought classifications are based on much more than just a single wet month.
Experts evaluate long-term rainfall deficits, stream and river levels, groundwater conditions, soil moisture, reservoir levels, and impacts to agriculture and vegetation. In many cases, it takes weeks or even months for deeper soil layers, creeks, and groundwater supplies to fully recover after a prolonged dry stretch. The good news is that significant improvement is likely in the coming updates if this wetter pattern continues.
The recent rainfall has already dramatically reduced the yearly rainfall deficit and improved surface soil moisture across much of southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. If above-normal rainfall continues into June, drought categories will likely be lowered further or potentially removed altogether in some areas.
However, it often takes sustained wet weather over an extended period to completely erase the impacts left behind by a long-term drought. Baldwin County woman accused of beating child, forcing another into sexual servitudeADOC officials make multiple arrests statewide on contraband, drug chargesEl Niño pattern expected to suppress storm activity, though Gulf Coast residents shouldn’t let their guard down
Record Rain May Rainfall Drought Matt Barrentine
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