Drought conditions worsen in Alabama after dry September

September was a dry month in Alabama, and while the fall is typically dry in the Southeastern U.S., this past month saw significant rainfall deficits across the state.

In fact, most of the state right now is under some sort of drought condition.

Drought conditions affect most of the state

Laura Cooley, an aquatic resources expert with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, said conditions have been rough the last two months, especially in the western part of the state. As of the end of September, almost 95% of Alabama was experiencing some level of dryness or drought.

Here are the rainfall totals for September in various cities in Alabama, compared to the September average:

• Anniston: 0.56″ (average 3.2″)
• Birmingham: 1.9″ (average 4.0″)
• Huntsville: 2.7″ (average 3.5″)
• Mobile: 1.33″ (average 5.0″)
• Montgomery: 0.2″ (average 4.2″)
• Tuscaloosa: 0.84″ (average 1.86″)

Alabama under Fire Danger Advisory

The Alabama Forestry Commission issued a Fire Danger Advisory across all of Alabama this week.

“As this advisory continues and potentially escalates, it is essential to maintain situational awareness. Burning debris piles can continue to smolder for multiple days, eventually spreading out of a previously contained area. Under these critically dry conditions, chances of embers igniting outside of the main burn area are increased.”

Alabama Forestry Commission

The AFC says until the state receives sufficient rainfall to alleviate the severe dry situation, especially in central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future.

The AFC also said to consider:

• Mitigation measures should be considered to protect lives and property from wildfire damage.
• If possible, refrain from burning until fire danger has diminished.
• Always obtain a permit for prescribed burns, and ensure adequate equipment and personnel are present.
• Never leave a fire until it is safely extinguished.
• In residential areas, be sure to have a water hose prepared and adjacent to the burning area.
• After burning debris piles, it is necessary to thoroughly soak the area until cold.

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