Moderate Drought Conditions Across 90% of State
By: Amanda Ashley
Updated: June 7, 2012
Dry weather continues to take a toll across Arkansas but so far, Northwest Arkansas is doing a bit better than most of the state.
91-percent of the Natural State is now classified as under "moderate drought," as compared to last week's 71-percent. [See latest Drought Monitor]
Without widespread rain, those numbers will likely go higher, especially considering the above-normal temperatures we've been having and that are expected to continue.
On the bright side, KARK 4 Today Meteorologist Greg Dee says current weather patterns don't suggest we'll have a hotter-than-normal summer.
While Arkansas had some rainfall earlier this week, the state has not had any significant rainfall since March and tropical weather patterns that usually bring a lot of rain won't arrive until August.
The dry conditions mean forestry officials are keeping a close eye on the wildfire danger across the state. Right now, seven counties in central Arkansas have a high fire danger. They are: Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren and White. Click here to see the latest fire danger map.
More than 20 counties have issued burn bans amid the persistent dry weather. Click here for the latest map showing the counties that have issued burn bans.
If you're wondering how to keep your garden alive when there's no rain, experts advise filling it with plants that are native to Arkansas since they are accustomed to our weather patterns.
The latest round of drought conditions developed over Arkansas in 2010, mainly across the state's southeast half. In 2011, the drought continued through much of the year and spread across the south and west.
Click here to see the Drought Monitor for the entire country.
91-percent of the Natural State is now classified as under "moderate drought," as compared to last week's 71-percent. [See latest Drought Monitor]
Without widespread rain, those numbers will likely go higher, especially considering the above-normal temperatures we've been having and that are expected to continue.
On the bright side, KARK 4 Today Meteorologist Greg Dee says current weather patterns don't suggest we'll have a hotter-than-normal summer.
While Arkansas had some rainfall earlier this week, the state has not had any significant rainfall since March and tropical weather patterns that usually bring a lot of rain won't arrive until August.
The dry conditions mean forestry officials are keeping a close eye on the wildfire danger across the state. Right now, seven counties in central Arkansas have a high fire danger. They are: Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren and White. Click here to see the latest fire danger map.
More than 20 counties have issued burn bans amid the persistent dry weather. Click here for the latest map showing the counties that have issued burn bans.
If you're wondering how to keep your garden alive when there's no rain, experts advise filling it with plants that are native to Arkansas since they are accustomed to our weather patterns.
The latest round of drought conditions developed over Arkansas in 2010, mainly across the state's southeast half. In 2011, the drought continued through much of the year and spread across the south and west.
Click here to see the Drought Monitor for the entire country.
