The latest National Drought Monitor map is out and shows only a very slight increase in dry conditions across the Southeast. Abnormally dry conditions expanded from 17.7 to 19.0 percent of the Southeast, while moderate D1 drought in the southern tip of Florida also expanded slightly. The dry conditions were reduced in Alabama but expanded in Georgia and Florida, while a new area of abnormally dry conditions was introduced in central North Carolina.
This small increase occurred due to very dry conditions and warmer than average temperatures so far in May. Impacts have been minimized by the very wet April we had, which has kept soil moisture more available than expected. However, if the dry and warm conditions continue the areas of dryness are expected to expand in the coming weeks. You can see the latest Drought Monitor (updated each Thursday morning) at https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/.
