Nearly one-fifth of Franklin County is now in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, Oct. 29.
The report, based on conditions through Tuesday, Oct. 27, places 19.70% of the county in the D3, or extreme-drought, category. None of Franklin County was in that category on the previous week’s map.
Another 57.52% of the county is in severe drought, while 22.78% is in moderate drought. The entire county remains in drought, but part of the area previously classified as severe has worsened.
The change comes as residents prepare for Halloween weekend and another opportunity for rain. In its 10:07 a.m. Thursday forecast discussion, the National Weather Service in Huntsville said dry weather would continue Thursday and Friday before showers and a few thunderstorms return late Saturday night into Sunday, Nov. 1.
For trick-or-treaters, forecasters expect most of the heavier rain to hold off until late Saturday night. A sprinkle or light shower remains possible during the evening, so outdoor plans should still account for changing conditions.
Temperatures across the Tennessee Valley are expected to stay in the 60s to lower 70s during the main Halloween evening hours, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The Drought Monitor describes broad conditions across an area; it does not establish the condition of every individual property or water source. Thursday’s classification should not be read as a new local water-use restriction.
The Huntsville weather office also expects another chance of showers during the middle of next week. Residents planning outdoor activities should check updated forecasts as the weekend approaches.
Image: The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.
Sources: U.S. Drought Monitor: Franklin County; National Weather Service Huntsville forecast discussion
