More Drought Relief Expected Through August

Dalhart Weather Review 

By Aaron Graves

Although we haven’t had near enough rain to break the drought, the 2.15” of precipitation we received in July was refreshing and most welcome! In fact, it came close to our 30 year normal of 2.74” for July. At the end of month, we had 7.76” for the year, still behind the 10.50” we normal have by July 31. 

However, more rain is expected. The Climate Prediction Center’s August forecast is looking good. We have a 40% chance of seeing above average rainfall this month. In case your wondering, the 30 year average rainfall for Dalhart in August is 2.85”. Over the next three months, we have a 33% chance of above average rainfall. 

Likewise, the CPC is calling for drought conditions to improve for all of the Texas Panhandle through the end of August. However, the three month outlook shows drought conditions intensifying for the western Panhandle by the end of October 

Of course, the CPC forecasts for large areas of the country, not for local events. Thus, saying that August looks wet for the Texas Panhandle does not necessarily mean August will be wet for Dallam and Hartley counties. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released July 29 shows the worst of the drought extending from Dalhart to Stratford to Dumas. The western parts of Dallam and Hartley Counties are considered in severe drought. 

NOAA forecasters are still expecting an El Niño weather pattern to develop, although the El Niño webpage now says: “NOAA's National Weather Service indicates El Niño is likely to emerge in next few months. Forecasters favor a weak-to-moderate event.” This is not bad news, although a strong El Niño would give us a better chance at drought relief ~ as I have come to understand it. 

July 2014 ended with an average high of 90.2 degrees and an average low of 63.6 degrees - not bad for the middle of summer. For the XIT weekend, look for high temperatures in the mid 90s with a 20% chances of thunderstorms continuing through Monday. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. 

CLOSE CALL: As previously reported, a supercell thunderstorm produced three weak, short-lived tornadoes near Stratford and Cactus back on July 16. Since then, the National Weather Service in Amarillo has released more details. The first tornado was reported 0.2 miles northeast of Stratford, the second was 0.2 miles south of Stratford, and the third was 0.5 miles southwest of Cactus. That’s pretty close. Just a reminder of the need to stay aware and informed about severe weather even during a drought.  

High and low temps the past week:

Jul 29: 82, 65

Jul 30: 77, 63

Jul 31: 80, 57

Aug 1: 84, 65

Aug 2: 87, 63

Aug 3: 88, 59

Aug 4: 92, 59