The preliminary maps for December and for the year of 2016 are now available from the High Plains Regional Climate Center.  They show that December continued the string of above-normal temperatures that started in February 2016, especially in Florida.  Most of Florida and northern GA and AL were dry, which continued to keep drought in place.  For the year, nearly everywhere in the Southeast was above normal with the exception of a small patch in southwest Georgia.  The rainfall deficit that led to the exceptional drought is clearly seen in the precipitation departure map for the year.

  

  

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