Recap: 8/11/20 Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar

Southeast Climate Webinar Recap

Summary of the August 11 Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar

The Southeast Climate monthly webinar series is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am ET. This series is hosted by the Southeast Regional Climate Center, in partnership with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and the NOAA National Weather Service. These webinars provide the region's stakeholders and interested parties with timely information on current and developing climate conditions such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as wildfires, agriculture production, disruption to water supply, and ecosystems.

Register here to register for future webinars. Next month’s webinar is on Tuesday, September 8, 10:00am ET. Sign up here to receive monthly reminders of the Southeast Climate Webinar series.

July Climate Conditions and Outlooks

Webinar recording is found here

Temperature: July temperatures were generally above average.
Precipitation: July precipitation was variable across the region. Below average precipitation for eastern Carolinas, eastern Virginia, and northern Georgia. Above average precipitation for Florida Panhandle, eastern Florida.
U.S. Caribbean: Above average temperatures and above average precipitation.
Storm events: July storm events included Hurricane Isaias and an EF-3 tornado in North Carolina.
Drought: Puerto Rico saw drought relief from Isaias rainfall. Some abnormally dry conditions in the Southeast with small pockets of moderate drought, mostly in Georgia.
ENSO: ENSO neutral conditions are favored for the rest of summer, with a La Nina watch for autumn.
Tropical Storms: This has been an active Tropical Storm season with nine named storms so far. Five of these storms took place in July including Hurricane Isaias. Each of these July storms have been the earliest named storm of any season.
Looking ahead: August will have average temperatures, except above average in Florida, and above average precipitation. Most of the region will remain drought free, depending on the tropical activity. We have not yet seen the peak of the tropical storm season, and an updated 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook highlights the continuation of a very active season.

Water Resources

Streamflow: River conditions remain above normal across some of North Carolina and normal elsewhere.
Looking ahead: Streamflow Forecast is near to above normal for North Carolina rivers and normal elsewhere. Drought potential remains well below normal.

Spotlight: Research on Heat Illness in North Carolina

On an annual basis, heat contributes to more deaths than other weather extremes.
In North Carolina, rates of heat illness are much greater in rural areas, where occupational settings often lead to greater heat exposure.
Rates of heat illnesses are the greatest in areas where there is much labor-intensive agriculture.
These areas are especially vulnerable because of high-rates of poverty, poor health, and energy costs.

Spotlight: Urban Heat Campaigns

Temperatures vary by upwards of 150F in one urban area, and that is largely attributable to the differences in the built environment.
Describing those differences by engaging community members in collecting measurements of temperature and humidity offers a direct means for more effectively reducing heat-related health impacts.
In the Southeast region, community-based heat campaigns have successfully been conducted in South Florida and Virginia. Other communities/organizations in the Southeast are encouraged to reach out if they are interested in holding a community-based heat campaign in the summer 2021 (contact [email protected]).

What happened over July: Southeast Temperature

Temperatures across the region were above average for July. Monthly mean temperatures were at least 2 degrees above average for many long-term stations. Miami, Florida and Norfolk, Virginia both observed their warmest July on record. The entire state of Virginia observed their warmest July on record. Many heat records were also broken across the region, including the longest streak of 90 degree days.

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

What happened over July: Southeast Precipitation

Precipitation varied across the region, which is normal for summertime months.

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

Current Conditions: Drought

There are abnormally dry conditions in certain parts of the Southeast with small pockets of moderate drought, mostly in Georgia. Agriculture impacts are being felt because recent dryness is occurring at peak water needs for many crops.

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

Updated (August) Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

August 6 Updated NOAA 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/extremely-active-hurricane-season-possible-for-atlantic-basin