Recap: 4/14/20 Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar

Southeast Climate Webinar Recap

April 16, 2020

A Summary of the

Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar

The Southeast Climate monthly webinar series is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 am ET. This series is hosted by the Southeast Regional Climate Center, in partnership with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).

Access the April 14 webinar recording here .

Next webinar: Tuesday, May 12, 10 am ET. Register now!

March Climate Conditions and Outlooks

Temperature: The Southeast experienced a warm March, with above average temperatures across the region. Over 19 stations reported the warmest March on record, which included Pensacola, FL and Montgomery, AL.
Precipitation: Precipitation varied across the Southeast with below average precipitation for Florida and North Carolina, and above average for Northern Alabama and Northern Georgia. Several long-term stations in Florida ranked among the five lowest March values on record.
U.S. Caribbean: The U.S. Caribbean experienced mostly average temperatures and above average precipitation.
Storm events: Severe weather on March 31st resulted in an EF-2 tornado in Alabama, strong winds events, and teacup-sized (3 inch) hail in Alabama.
Drought: Moderate drought exists in Florida with a pocket of severe drought in the Panhandle. Southern GA and southern AL are abnormally dry.
Streamflow: Lowest streamflows in Florida, while recent precipitation increased flows near Appalachian mountains.
Agriculture: Agriculture impacts include delays in watermelon planting, herbicide and fertilizer applications due to wet soils. Pollen count is high across the region.
ENSO: ENSO neutral conditions are favored for summer and autumn
Looking ahead: Spring into summer looks to be warm, wet, and mostly drought free (except for Florida).

Focus: Drought in Florida

Statewide, Florida had its hottest March on record, and the 2nd driest on record.
Moderate drought (D1) has spread across the vast majority of the State.
The primary impacts of the current drought are increasing wildfire threat and impacts to range/pasture.
Recent light rainfall and favorable forecast could provide modest relief.
Looking ahead: Continuation of the dry season (until late May) and above normal temperatures are likely to cause continuation or even worsening of the short-term drought. Commencement of the summer convective rainy season should ease drought conditions in June.

State Spotlight: North Carolina Climate Science Report

The NC Climate Science Report support’s Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 80, “North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy,” by providing an independent peer-reviewed scientific contribution to the EO80. Report: https://ncics.org/nccsr
Topics covered included temperature and precipitation changes, storms (hurricanes, thunderstorms, winter storms), sea level rise, and other physical aspects (Air quality, Wildfire, Urban heat island, Flooding). Separate sections exist for three geographical regions: Western Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain
Key Finding: Large changes in North Carolina’s climate—much larger than at any time in the state’s history—are very likely by the end of this century under both the lower and higher scenarios.
Other Findings: Temperatures outside of historical envelope; disruptive sea level rise; increases in intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall; more intense hurricanes; higher absolute humidity levels

What happened over the Winter: Southeast Temperature

The Southeast has experienced a warm March, with above average temperatures across the region.

A look at temperature departures from normal across the Southeast in March. High Plains RCC.

What happened over the Winter: Southeast Precipitation

Precipitation varied across the Southeast with below average precipitation for Florida and North Carolina, and above average for Northern Alabama and Northern Georgia.

A look at precipitation departures from normal across the Southeast in March. High Plains RCC.

Current Conditions: Drought

Moderate to severe drought exists in Florida along with moderate drought in southern Alabama.

Current U.S. Drought Monitor map for the Southeast. Maps are updated weekly. National Drought Mitigation Center.

Looking Ahead: Spring/Summer Drought, Precipitation, and Temperature Outlook

Warm, wet and drought-free conditions are expected for most of the region into the spring, with the exception of Florida (although conditions should improve there).