Midwest/Plains/Southeast Drought

Losses, 2024 dollars

$9.5 billion

Losses at the time

$6.0 billion

Deaths

0

The losses and deaths are NCEI’s, counting everything the disaster did. The episodes below are only what the Weather Service filed in its Storm Events record, which counts damage differently and often not at all, so the two never add up and are shown apart.

• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 2006$200 million · 46 eventsThe month of March had some much needed rainfall, falling mostly on only two days, the 18th and 19th. This put Dallas/Fort Worth 1.34 inches above normal for the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 2006$5.5 million · 48 eventsDrought conditions were alleviated somewhat due to several rain events and some snowfall during the month. However, conditions still continued in the severe (D2) category across the majority of the area.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 200625 eventsSeveral widespread rain events during the month of March resulted in long-term drought conditions improving from the exceptional (D4) category across most of eastern Oklahoma early in the month to severe (D2) over most of the region by the end of the month with the exception of…
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 200624 eventsThe drought that commenced over the south-central U.S. in the autumn of 2005 persisted over west Texas in March. During the first week of the month, D3 (extreme) drought conditions, per the U.S.
• Drought in Missouri, March 1 to 31, 200619 eventsAll time record dry conditions for the month of February were experienced at both Springfield and Joplin as less than one tenth of an inch of precipitation fell at both ASOS locations. Springfield recorded a total of 0.09 inches while Joplin only recorded 0.01 inches.
• Drought in Iowa, March 1 to 31, 200616 eventsThe drought that began back in July 2005 continued through March 2006 but shrunk considerably in size and scope by the start of April 2006. This shrinkage was due to a persistent wet pattern that had set up during March 2006 and continued into April 2006.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 200615 eventsAlthough some locations did receive beneficial rain in the last half of the month, heavy rainfall which did occur was too isolated to make any significant impact on drought conditions across South Texas.
• Drought in Illinois, March 1 to 31, 200613 eventsThe drought that began back in June 2005 continued through March 2006 but shrunk considerably in size and scope by the start of April 2006. This shrinkage was due to a persistent wet pattern that had set up during March 2006 and continued into April 2006.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 20068 eventsDrought conditions persisted across western north Texas throughout the month of March despite some rain. The entire area was in a severe (D2) drought at the end of the month.
• Drought in Arkansas, March 1 to 31, 20067 eventsSeveral widespread rain events during the month of March resulted in long-term drought conditions improving from extreme (D3) in northwestern Arkansas and exceptional (D4) in far west central Arkansas at the beginning of the month to severe (D2) by the end of the month.
• Drought in Kansas, March 1 to 31, 20063 eventsAll time record dry conditions for the month of February were experienced across extreme southeast Kansas as many locations received less than one tenth of rain for the entire month.
• Drought in Missouri, March 1 to 31, 20062 eventsThe drought that began back in July 2005 and re-emerged in February 2006 continued through March 2006 but shrunk considerably in size and scope by the start of April 2006.
• Drought in Colorado, March 1 to 31, 200621 eventsAlthough mountain snowpack was near or above normal for much of the central and northern mountains of western Colorado, abnormally dry conditions continued to plague much of the western part of the state.
• Drought in Utah, March 1 to 31, 20067 eventsAlthough mountain snowpack was very close to 100 percent of normal for the mountains of northeast Utah, abnormally dry conditions continued to plague the remainder of far eastern Utah.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 1, 20061 death · 7 injured · $15 million · 2 eventsHigh winds and record temperatures in the 90s combined with the already dry conditions across the area to increase the wildfire potential across parts of Oklahoma. Several wildfires occurred across the area on the first day of March.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 1, 2006$250,000 · 1 eventA wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land and consumed four homes southwest of Mannford.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 1, 2006$50,000 · 1 eventA wildfire burned several hundred acres and consumed an unoccupied home and several outbuildings.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 1, 20061 eventA wildfire burned nearly 500 acres of land around Broken Arrow.
• Wildfire in Colorado, March 1, 20061 eventA grass wildfire consumed around 900 acres just east of Walsh and south of US Highway 160. No structures were damaged.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 1, 20061 eventA wildfire eight miles north of Amarillo burned eight hundred and five acres. No structures were reported damaged and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Virginia, March 2, 20062 injured · 1 eventA presribed burn developed into a wildland fire during the afternoon of March 2nd as west winds gusted as high as 30 mph, near Dugspur, Virginia. The fire burned approximately 40 acres of forest and fields. 2 direct injuries occurred, and one indirect injury.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 6, 20061 eventA wildfire eight miles north northeast of Fritch burned five hundred acres. No structures were reported damaged and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 7, 20062 eventsA wildfire burned about 4000 acres of land around the Haskell area.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 7, 20061 eventA wildfire burned nearly 200 acres of land around Nowata.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 7, 20061 eventA wildfire five miles southeast of Follett burned six hundred acres. No structures were reported damaged and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, March 8, 2006$5,000 · 1 eventA wildfire scorched 17 acres of woodland in Plumstead Township. It started from a pile of burning trash that accidently spread to three to five properties about half a mile east of Wismer Road. No homes were damaged. A homeowner's barn and a fence were damaged by the fire.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 8, 20061 eventA wildfire burned nearly 1000 acres of land around Burbank.
• Wildfire in Kansas, March 8 to 9, 20061 eventA large fire started in the early afternoon hours of March 8th, just east of Towanda. The fire spread quickly, fed by drought conditions and very strong southwesterly winds. The fire started as an accident involving a trailer on K-254.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 8, 20061 eventA wildfire nine miles east of Pampa burned one thousand acres. No structures were reported damaged and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Colorado, March 8, 20061 eventA grass wildfire consumed around 350 acres about 5 miles southeast of Springfield. No structures were damaged.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, March 9, 2006$65,000 · 1 eventAn open-pit fire being prepared for use in a sweat lodge ceremony on the Wind River Indian Reservation engulfed three buildings, charred several cars, and burned tons of hay.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, March 10, 20061 eventA wildfire scorched 15 acres of woodland on a hilltop in Solebury Township. A fire was started to burn logs, but then went out of control. About 10 fire companies responded. No property damage or injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 10, 2006$150,000 · 1 eventA wildfire destroyed two mobile homes, a tractor trailer, fire trucks, and storage buildings.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 10, 2006$8,000 · 1 eventA wildfire one mile north of Boys Ranch burned thirteen thousand acres to within seven miles of Dumas. Flame lengths were reported to be 11 feet. Residents southwest of Dumas were under a voluntary evacuation. The wildfire was started when a vehicle caught fire along U.S.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 10, 20061 eventA large wildfire eighteen miles east of Guymon burned about seven thousand acres. No structures were reported damaged and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 2006$5,000 · 1 eventA wildfire fourteen miles south southwest of Canyon burned two thousand acres and two outbuildings were lost. There were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 20061 eventA wildfire six miles southeast of Canyon burned one thousand and six hundred acres. There were no reports of structure damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12 to 18, 200612 deaths · 8 injured · $95 million · 2 eventsThe wildfire known as the Borger wildfire started four miles southeast of Borger on the Burnett (6666) Ranch property. This wildfire was caused by downed power lines due to the strong gradient southwesterly winds.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, March 12 to 17, 2006$380,000 · 54 kt wind · 12 eventsThe Texas Tech West Texas Mesonet recorded a total of seven severe wind gusts across the South Plains region during the daytime hours on the 12th. The high westerly winds, with gusts up to 62 MPH, blew dust and smoke from ongoing wildfires over much of the region.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 20061 eventA wildfire six miles west southwest of Cactus burned five hundred acres. There were no reports of structure damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 20061 eventA wildfire seven miles southwest of Canyon burned one thousand acres. There were no reports of structure damage or injuries.
• Wildfire and High Wind in New Mexico, March 12 to 13, 20061 injured · $310,000 · 73 kt wind · 4 eventsAn emergency flare at a gas plant near McDonald, New Mexico started a wildfire that grew to nearly 100,000 acres. Sustained wind speeds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 84 mph and very low relative humidity values contributed to the rapid growth and spread of this fire.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 20061 eventA wildfire nine miles west southwest of Channing burned eight hundred acres. No structure damage or injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 20061 eventA wildfire seven miles southeast of Amarillo...just south of the Route 66 Motor Speedway near the interesection of Loop 335 and 58th Street...burned four hundred and fifty acres. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 12, 2006$16,000 · 1 eventA wildfire four miles southeast of Lelia Lake burned one thousand eight hundred acres. Eight outbuildings were destroyed but there were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, March 14 to 20, 20061 eventDrought conditions increased the wildfire danger in March. It is believed that a lightning strike triggered a wildfire near the Black Springs community of Montgomery County. The fire burned at least 8600 acres before it was contained.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, March 14, 2006$50,000 · 1 eventA wildfire totally engulfed a barn in East Amwell Township. An estimated three to seven horses died in the Black River Farm. Two fire fighters were injured fighting the blaze. One suffered a head injury, another had breathing difficulties.
• Wildfire in Virginia, March 14 to 16, 2006$50,000 · 1 eventDry conditions and strong winds started fires which occurred for a couple of days in the Jenkins Neck area of Gloucester county. The fires charred over 200 acres with two abandoned garage-type buildings destroyed and four sheds damaged.
• Wildfire in Delaware, March 14, 2006$5,000 · 1 eventA wildfire consumed about 1,280 acres of fields and woods, seven structures and injured four firefighters in Cedar Creek Hundred. The fire began when sparks from a torch being used to dismantle vacant house trailers ignited nearby combustibles.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 15 to 16, 2006$30,000 · 1 eventA wildfire burned nearly 500 acres of land and consumed several oubuildings.
• Wildfire in Missouri, March 15 to 16, 20062 eventsA couple of wildfires broke out in far northwestern Ripley County between the Oregon County line and Bennett. The two fires, which started on the 15th, consumed a total of 688 acres in the Mark Twain National Forest.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 15 to 16, 20061 eventA wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land in the eastern portion of the county.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 15 to 16, 20061 eventA wildfire burned a couple hundred acres of land near Peggs.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 15 to 16, 20061 eventA wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land near Verdigris.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 15 to 16, 20061 eventA wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land in the western portion of the county.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 15 to 16, 20061 eventA wildfire seventeen miles south southwest of Perryton burned ten thousand acres. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, March 16 to 17, 20061 eventDrought conditions increased the wildfire danger in March. A wildfire was started in western Stone County, and burned at least 500 to 600 acres before it was contained. The fire affected 8 structures just northwest of Timbo, but none of the structures were lost.
• Wildfire in Maryland, March 16, 20061 eventA wildfire consumed about 10 acres of woodlands in Elkton near the Delaware state line. The fire occurred east of the power lines off of Chesapeake Boulevard across from an industrial park.
• Wildfire in Maryland, March 17, 20062 injured · 1 event100 Acres were burned due to a wildfire in the Severn Run Natural Environment Area located near Millersville. Newspaper reports indicated that two firefighters were injured during the fire.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, March 22 to 23, 20061 eventA wildfire started in Medford Township in the Sunrise Lake area. The unseasonably dry weather helped the fire spread quickly through upland pine forests and lowlands along headwater tributaries of Tauton Lakes.
• Wildfire in Delaware, March 22, 20061 eventA wildfire consumed more than 70 acres of woodland and brush near Millsboro. Gusty northwest winds up to 35 mph and unseasonably dry weather helped spread the fire quickly.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 24, 20061 eventA wildfire five miles south southwest of Umbarger burned five hundred acres on the west side of Buffalo Lake. There were no reports of structure damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 26, 2006$25,000 · 6 eventsDespite the recent rains, vegetation remained dormant and dry, which helped promote the spread of wildfire on the 26th when warm and windy conditions developed across the area. A number of fires were started and quickly grew out of control during the afternoon.
• Wildfire in Maryland, March 30, 20061 eventA wildfire consumed more than two acres of woodland near Elk Neck State Forest. In the month of March 35 fires consumed 35 acres of woodland in Cecil County.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, March 30, 2006$100,000 · 1 eventA brush fire up the side of a hill in Kintnersville (Nockamixon Township) damaged two acres, the side of one house and a garage. The wildfire started near the intersection of Pennsylvania State Routes 611 and 32. Nearby Durham Township issued an outside burning ban.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 30, 2006$590,000 · 1 eventA wildfire three and a half miles northeast of Amarillo destroyed fourteen homes...numerous vehicles...and four outbuildings. The wildfire burned seven hundred acres and there were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Kansas, March 30, 2006$1.1 million · 1 eventA wildfire burned 5,400 acres east of the Hutchinson Airport, near the intersection of 17th Avenue and Obee Road. It was likely started by a lightning strike from thunderstorms early that afternoon. 300-400 people were evacuated from a 21 square-mile area between 3-10 pm.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 31, 20061 eventA wildfire nine miles northeast of Amarillo burned three hundred acres...however there were no reports of structure damage or injuries.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 2006$100 million · 33 eventsDrought conditions have improved somewhat over North Texas, with the area considered to be in severe drought (D2) having shrunk considerably, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 2006$2.3 million · 48 eventsDespite some rainfall across portions of Oklahoma, the drought across the area persisted and actually worsened from a severe (D2) drought to an extreme (D3) drought across most of the area by the end of the month.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 2006$250,000 · 8 eventsDrought conditions persisted across western north Texas into April. The drought remained at the severe (D2) level for the entire month. The dry conditions continued to cause an increase in wildfire potential, with several wildfires occurring across the area.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 200625 eventsExtreme (D3) drought conditions across northeastern Oklahoma at the beginning of April had improved into the severe (D2) category by the end of the month as a result of several widespread rain events that occurred during the month.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 200624 eventsThe drought that commenced over the south-central U.S. during the autumn of 2005 persisted over much of west Texas in April, but many locations across the west Texas South Plains region did experience some relief.
• Drought in Missouri, April 1 to 30, 200621 eventsThe first three weeks of April were unusually dry which worsened the ongoing drought across west central and southwest Missouri. However, during the final week of April, a few episodes of beneficial rains fell across the region with average total amounts of around two inches.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 200615 eventsDespite beneficial rainfall that fell in the last half of the month, the rainfall was not widespread enough or heavy enough to alleviate drought conditions across South Texas. Exceptional drought conditions (per the U.S.
• Drought in Arkansas, April 1 to 30, 20067 eventsDespite several widespread rain events during the month of April, long-term drought conditions remained in the severe (D2) category across northwestern and west central Arkansas through the month.
• Drought in Kansas, April 1 to 30, 20063 eventsThe first three weeks of April were unusually dry which worsened the ongoing drought across extreme southeast Kansas. However, during the final week of April, a few episodes of beneficial rains fell across the region with average total amounts of around two inches. The U.S.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 200622 eventsDrought conditions were aggravated by the continuing absence of winter and early spring moisture across much of the state. Overall, the 5 month period December through April has been the driest such five month period since record-keeping began.
• Drought in Colorado, April 1 to 30, 200621 eventsWater supply concerns continued across western Colorado even though snowpack was near normal across most of the central and northern mountains.
• Drought in Utah, April 1 to 30, 20067 eventsWater supply concerns continued across eastern Utah due to previous years of prolonged drought. as well as below normal snowpack across the La Sal and Abajo Mountains of southeast Utah.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, April 2, 2006$18,000 · 1 eventA wildfire six miles east of Hardesty burned six hundred acres and destroyed fences. Also...power poles were singed. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 3, 20061 eventDuring the afternoon of the 3rd, a resident in Douglass Township on Hill Road was burning brush when the fire spread to nearby brush. The ensuing fire scorched 3 acres before it was brought under control in 2 hours.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 4 to 5, 20061 eventA wildfire four miles southeast of Allison burned three thousand six hundred acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, April 6, 2006$200,000 · 57 kt wind · 15 eventsApril 6 High Wind and Wilfire Event Summary: A vigorous storm system ejected eastward from the Rocky Mountains and resulted in widespread strong to severe winds and blowing dust over much of west Texas.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 20061 injured · $6,000 · 1 eventA wildfire fifteen miles northeast of Wheeler burned one thousand five hundred acres. One outbuilding was destroyed and there was one report of an injury.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 20061 eventA wildfire nine miles west-northwest of Wildorado burned six hundred and fifty acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 2006$480,000 · 1 eventA wildfire three and a half miles north-northeast of Amarillo burned four hundred acres. Although there were no reports of injuries...eight homes were destroyed.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6, 2006$80,000 · 1 eventHot temperatures, relative humidity values below 15 percent, and high winds supported rapid wildfire spread across the Midland county warning area. Fires occurred in Lea County in southeastern New Mexico and in Gaines, Crane, and Howard counties in west Texas.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 20061 injured · 1 eventA wildfire four miles west of Lefors burned eight thousand acres and injured at least one firefighter. There were no reports of any structures being damaged.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 9, 20061 eventA wildfire twenty-five miles north-northwest of Amarillo burned a total of twenty-two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven acres. There were no reports of injuries or structural damage.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 2006$900,000 · 1 eventA wildfire five miles northeast of Amarillo burned one thousand eight hundred acres. The wildfire destroyed fourteen homes along with four outbuildings. There were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 2006$14,000 · 1 eventA wildfire eight miles north of Clarendon burned five thousand acres and destroyed two outbuildings. There were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 6 to 7, 20061 eventA wildfire thirty-three miles northwest of Hereford burned three thousand acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 7 to 9, 20061 eventA wildfire seventeen miles northwest of Panhandle burned ten thousand acres. There were no reports of damage to structures or injuries.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, April 10 to 14, 2006$1.0 million · 1 eventA prescribed fire originally lit on April 9th burned out of control on April 10th, destroying four summer cabins/homes and a pick-up camper in the Homestead Park #2 subdivision located eight miles southwest of Lander.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 10 to 11, 2006$5,000 · 1 eventA wildfire five miles northeast of Wheeler burned two thousand acres. There was one outbuilding destroyed...however there were no reports of any injuries.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, April 11, 20061 eventA fire during the afternoon hours of the 11th burned 75 acres in the area of Mantua and Dupont Avenues in the Paulsboro region. The fire was located on marshland comprised of dried reeds.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 11 to 13, 20062 injured · $90 million · 1 eventA wildfire ten miles north of Canadian burned eighteen thousand acres and destroyed crops. There were several homes threatened by the wildfire...however no homes were lost. There were two injuries reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 11 to 13, 2006$300,000 · 1 eventA wildfire three miles northwest of Mobeetie burned six hundred acres and destroyed crops. There were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 11 to 13, 2006$2.0 million · 1 eventA wildfire eighteen miles south of Mobeetie burned four thousand acres and destroyed crops. There were no reports of any injuries.
• Wildfire in Kentucky, April 13 to 15, 20061 eventA large wildfire on the Land-Between-The-Lakes National Recreation Area burned 1871 acres. The fire started near the Tennessee state line, about ten miles south of Golden Pond, which is along U.S. Highway 68. No injuries or structural damage were reported.
• Wildfire in Virginia, April 14 to 20, 2006$3.9 million · 1 eventDuring the early afternoon of April 14th, 2006 a dissipating complex of thunderstorms moved into southwest Virginia from West Virginia. Lightning from one of the associated thunderstorms started a wildfire on Bull Mountain in central Patrick Co. Virginia.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 14 to 15, 20061 eventA wildfire eight miles west-northwest of Pampa burned one thousand five hundred acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, April 15, 20063 injured · $250,000 · 52 kt wind · 4 eventsApril 15 High Wind and Wildfire Event Summary: Another potent spring-time storm system moved over the Southern Plains of the U.S. on the 15th and resulted in strong to occasionally severe westerly winds over much of the region.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 15 to 16, 2006$180,000 · 1 eventA wildfire nine miles southwest of Amarillo burned seventy-five acres. The wildfire destroyed one mobile home...five outbuildings...and three vehicles. There were no reports of injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 15 to 17, 2006$10,000 · 1 eventA wildfire six miles south-southeast of Clarendon burned two thousand two hundred and sixty acres. Fences were destroyed...however there were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 15 to 17, 20061 eventA wildfire one mile northwest of Clarendon burned eighteen thousand acres...however there were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 19, 20061 eventDuring the early afternoon of the 19th, a brush fire in Aquashicola briefly threatened a home. However, the quick response by firefighters from the Aquashicola and Palmerton fire companies kept the blaze contained to underbrush along a steep hill. No injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 24, 20061 eventA wildfire six miles south-southwest of Umbarger on the southwest side of Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge burned three hundred acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 25, 20061 eventA wildfire consumed around 300 acres about 10 miles north northeast of Stonewall in western Las Animas County. No structures were damaged.
• Wildfire in Delaware, April 27, 20061 injured · 1 eventThe owner of the Shaffer Service Tire Store on Route 1 in Lewes, Delaware was badly injured during the afternoon of the 27th from a brush fire. The owner started a contained fire, however the fire got away from the planned burn circle near a creek.
• Wildfire in Michigan, April 30, 2006$350,000 · 1 eventThe Hughes Lake Fire started early in the afternoon of April 30th, near the Ogemaw/Oscoda County line, southeast of Hughes Lake. Southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph pushed the fire quickly to the northwest.
• Wildfire in Michigan, May 1, 2006$250,000 · 1 eventConditions were very dry across Northern Michigan, with most of the region seeing less than an inch of rain since the first week of April. Vegetation was vulnerable to wildfires given the dry weather and that most trees had not greened up yet.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 1 to 31, 2006$500,000 · 48 eventsDespite some much needed rain, drought conditions remained severe to extreme (D2-D3) across the western half of Oklahoma for the month of May. The worse conditions shifted into western Oklahoma.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 1 to 10, 200625 eventsLong term drought conditions in eastern Oklahoma were in the severe drought (D2) category at the beginning of May 2006 but had improved into the moderate drought (D1) category by the 10th of the month as a result of several widespread, heavy rain events that occurred early in…
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 200615 eventsScattered beneficial rainfall fell during the week of May 10th through May 14th across much of South Texas, as well as isolated heavy rainfall from May 28th through June 2nd across the Coastal Plains.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 200612 eventsThe long-term drought that began over much of the Southern Plains of the U.S. during the winter of 2005 and 2006 persisted through May.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 20068 eventsDrought conditions persisted across western north Texas throughout the month of May. The drought began as a severe (D2) drought across the area but then improved during the month to a moderate (D1) drought when some much needed rain fell.
• Drought in Arkansas, May 1 to 10, 20067 eventsLong term drought conditions in northwestern and west central Arkansas were in the severe drought (D2) category at the beginning of May 2006 but had improved into the moderate drought (D1) category by the 10th of the month as a result of several widespread, heavy rain events…
• Drought in Colorado, May 1 to 31, 200621 eventsShort-term dryness due to below normal May precipitation and above normal temperatures began to affect both water and agricultural interests in western Colorado.
• Drought in Utah, May 1 to 31, 20067 eventsShort-term dryness due to below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures plagued eastern Utah through the month of May.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 8, 20061 eventInterstate 75 was closed for six hours between Gibsonton Drive and Big Bend Road as 130 emergency workers fought the blaze with plows, helicopters, brush trucks and water tankers.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, May 10, 20061 eventA forest fire ripped through the Broad Mountain area in Packer Township in Carbon County. The fire was ignited by an electrical wire which snapped and fell onto the ground and set brush on fire.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 11 to 15, 20061 eventA wildfire eighteen miles southwest of Lipscomb burned eighteen thousand acres. There were no reports on injuries or structural damage.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 12 to 13, 20061 eventA wildfire seven miles south of Dumas just east of U.S. Highway 87 was caused by welding equipment and burned two thousand four hundred and thirty acres. There were no reports of injuries or structural damage.
• Wildfire in California, May 14 to 15, 20061 eventThe Torch Fire located 5 miles west of Coalinga in Fresno County was man-caused and burned 4500 acres before containment. No structures were lost nor was anyone injured in suppressing the fire. There was no cost given for fighting the fire.
• Heat in California, May 15 to 18, 20064 eventsDespite the overall coolness and excessive rainfall in Interior Central California in the Spring of 2006, the middle part of May saw a period where maximum temperatures reached 20 degrees above normal and close to records.
• Wildfire in Oregon, May 18, 2006$10,000 · 1 eventGusty winds picked up embers from a controlled burn and started a workshop on fire just east of Hermiston.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 20 to 22, 20064 injured · $100,000 · 1 eventA wildfire sixteen miles north-northwest of Bootleg burned four thousand eight hundred and eighty acres. Four people were injured along with two homes saved but one home destroyed. Also...five outbuildings were saved but one outbuilding was destroyed.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 20 to 21, 20061 eventA wildfire six miles south of Romero burned two thousand and five hundred acres. The wildfire was caused by lightning and there were no reports of injuries or structural damage.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 21, 20061 eventA wildfire started by lightning eighteen miles north-northwest of Dalhart burned four thousand and five hundred acres. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 22 to 23, 20061 eventA wildfire eighteen miles north-northwest of Dalhart burned four hundred acres and was a rekindle from an earlier wildfire. There were no reports of injuries or structural damage.
• Drought in South Dakota, May 23 to 31, 20068 eventsSevere drought D2 conditions began across north central South Dakota and into parts of central South Dakota during late May. Extensive losses to spring and winter wheat crops were being reported. The drought continued into June.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 23 to 26, 20061 eventA wildfire seven miles northeast of Wayside burned one thousand acres. There were no reports of injuries or structural damage. The wildfire was caused by lightning.
• Wildfire in Colorado, May 24 to 29, 20061 eventThis fire was named the Black Ridge Wildfire and occurred about 12 miles south of Durango. The fire burned across 530 acres which primarily consisted of pinyon pine and juniper. Several residences were threatened by the blaze.
• Wildfire in Utah, May 26 to 28, 20061 eventThis fire was named the Willow Creek Wildfire and occurred in a remote area on the Tavaputs Plateau approximately 20 miles north of Thompson Springs. The fire burned over 200 acres which consisted of chapparral, juniper, and timber.
• Wildfire in California, May 26 to 28, 20061 eventThe Energy Fire was of unknown origin and burned 850 acres 8.7 miles southeast of Tehachapi in the Kern County Mountains. No structures were lost, cost to fight the fire was unknown, and no injuries occurred to fight the fire.
• Wildfire in Colorado, May 27, 20062 eventsA grass fire erupted in extreme eastern Las Animas County and western Baca County in the Comanche National Grasslands and on private land south and east of Kim, consuming 1500 acres.
• Heat in Michigan, May 29, 200675 injured · 17 eventsAn early season heat wave, leading to an unusually hot Memorial Day, resulted in dozens of people suffering from heat related illnesses. Near record to record setting high temperatures, in the low to mid 90's, sent some people to the hospital.
• Heat in Illinois, May 30, 20061 death · 1 eventA 35 year old man died from heat stress in Chicago. High temperatures reached the lower 90s on May 28th and 29th and near 90 on May 30th.
• Wildfire in California, May 30 to 31, 20061 eventThe Mocal Fire burned 905 acres 9 miles west of Taft in Kern County. No structures were lost, no injuries occurred, and the cost to combat the fire was unreported.
• Drought in Oklahoma, June 1 to 30, 2006$151 million · 48 eventsThe drought continued to affect the region during June. The drought remained at severe to extreme (D2-D3) levels throughout the area during the month with the worst conditions occurring in western Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 2006$60 million · 6 eventsThe long-term drought that began in late 2005 over much of the Southern Plains of the U.S. persisted over the extreme southern Texas Panhandle through the month of June, where severe (D2) drought conditions were observed.
• Drought in South Dakota, June 1 to 30, 200616 eventsDrought conditions expanded in coverage and increased in intensity across central and north central South Dakota through June. Severe drought (D2) conditions expanded across the region with extreme drought (D3) conditions developing across north central South Dakota by mid June.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 200615 eventsScattered and very beneficial rainfall fell across portions of the Coastal Bend and Victoria Crossroads during the month of June, providing some relief to long-term drought conditions, yet producing flash flooding in some areas.
• Drought in Colorado, June 1 to 30, 200621 eventsBelow normal precipitation for the month of June following an early departure of the winter snowpack resulted in increased dryness and worsening drought conditions, particularly across southwest Colorado.
• Drought in Utah, June 1, 20067 eventsAn early departure of the winter mountain snowpack and little precipitation during the month resulted in continued water supply and agricultural concerns across eastern Utah.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 1 to 6, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Willow Creek Fire and occurred about 55 miles north of Moab, Utah. About 1,278 acres of brush, juniper, and timber were consumed by the blaze with an estimated cost of 1.43 million dollars to fight the fire.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 1 to 7, 20061 eventThe La Barranca Fire started Thursday, June 1, 2006 at around 1:50 PM about 3 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek. The fire was human caused by a fence company that was grinding on a metal fence post on private property.
• Wildfire in California, June 4 to 5, 20061 eventThe Auberry Fire 9 miles north of Clovis in the Fresno County portion of the Southern Sierra Foothills was of unknown origin and burned approximately 400 acres before being contained. There were no injuries nor were there any structures lost.
• Drought in Texas, June 6 to 30, 2006$100 million · 38 eventsAfter a few weeks of respite, north Texas was once again placed into the category of severe drought (D2) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Wildfire in Alaska, June 8 to 22, 2006$325,000 · 1 eventA wildfire began from an out-of-control burn pile on June 7. The Parks Highway was totally closed on a few occasions and otherwise had reduced speed through the fire area. The Alaska Railroad was closed at times between the 8th and 11th.
• Wildfire in California, June 9 to 12, 20061 eventThe Arrastre Fire burned 361 acres of sage brush, pinyon pine, and juniper trees six miles east of Big Bear City. The fire was started by lightning. No structures were burned and no injuries were reported with this fire.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 10 to 30, 20061 eventThis lightning caused incident was named the Navajo Mountain Fire and occurred about 55 miles west of Mexican Hat in San Juan County, Utah. The fire consumed about 4,265 acres of mixed conifer forest containing lots of bug and drought killed trees by the end of June.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, June 12, 2006$50,000 · 1 eventSmoldering forest dry matter that was sparked by a lightning strike a week earlier flared into a major fire on the east bay of Big Spider Lake. The fire destroyed a boathouse, two sailboats and two trolling motors. An uninhabited cabin was heavily damaged.
• Heat in Louisiana, June 12, 20061 death · 1 eventA Bossier Parish man was doing yard work outdoors when he began to suffer headache, nausea and fatigue. He was found passed out in his bathtub that night. He was taken to a local hospital where it was later confirmed that he died of a heat stroke.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 13 to 26, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Thomas Fire and occurred about 36 miles west of Maybell. About 3,347 acres of mainly pinyon pine and juniper were consumed by the blaze with an estimated cost of 622,000 dollars to fight the fire. Numerous residences were threatened by the fire.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 14 to 16, 20061 eventThe Tyndall Gulch Fire erupted midday on the 14th when strong winds downed a power pole, which started the fire. The wildfire started around 8 miles east of Westcliffe, in Custer County, and raced eastward, eventually consuming around 500 acres.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 14 to 16, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Westwater 2 Fire and occurred about 7 miles northeast of Cisco. About 2,800 acres of pinyon pine, juniper, and grass were consumed by the blaze, and protection was needed for several structures.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 15 to 16, 2006$15,000 · 1 eventStrong winds caused 19 fires to consume 15,000 acres of grassland across northeastern Prowers County near Holly. At times, flames reached 40 feet in length. Fortunately only two structures were destroyed, an abandoned house and a garage.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 15, 20061 eventThe Woody Fire was caused by a moving car trailer with a flat tire at about 4 PM. The fire started along I-40 about 3/4 of a mile west of Woody Mountain Road on the western edge of Flagstaff. There was a Red Flag Warning in effect at the time.
• Wildfire in Texas, June 15 to 17, 2006$275,000 · 1 eventA wildfire one and a half miles northeast of Romero burned five hundred and fifty acres was started by lightning. Firefighters reported four to eight foot flame lengths and caused damage to openland. No structural damage and no injuries were reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, June 15 to 22, 2006$13 million · 1 eventA wildfire twenty-two miles west northwest of Adrian burned twenty-five thousand acres and was started by lightning. The wildfire caused damage to rangeland...however no structural damage and no injuries were reported. Firefighters reported four to eight foot flame lengths.
• Wildfire in Texas, June 15 to 20, 2006$2.5 million · 1 eventA wildfire two and a half miles northeast of Romero off U.S. Highway 54...which was started by lightning...burned five thousand acres and caused damage to rangeland.
• Heat in Florida, June 16, 20061 eventA 20-year-old male died of apparent heat exposure after he wandered in the Everglades in search of help to repair his broken-down airboat.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 16 to 17, 20061 eventLightning sparked a 500 acre brush fire on the cliffs above the town of Palisades along Highway 28 near Crescent Bar.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 18 to 30, 20061 eventA huge wildfire erupted Sunday afternoon. Lightning started a small ground fire which was fanned by strong southwest winds. The blaze quickly grew and eventually blackened nearly 14,000 acres.
• Heat and Hail in Oklahoma, June 18, 2006$3,000 · 3 in hail · 8 eventsA 21-month old boy succumbed (indirect) to the heat when left in a car for an hour in Stillwater, Oklahoma. High temperatures across the area were in the mid 90s on June 18th.
• Heat in Oklahoma, June 19, 20061 death · 1 eventAn elderly woman was found dead sitting in a patio chair on her back porch at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma Monday morning at 0600 CST. However, the exact time of her death was not reported. The woman was found to have died due to the heat.
• Wildfire in California, June 19 to 25, 20061 eventThe Perkins Fire burned 15,043 acres in the mountains of Santa Barbara County. The fire was started when a metal shingle blew off a storage shed and hit a power line. The collision made a spark, starting the fire.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 19 to 20, 20063 injured · $500,000 · 1 eventOn the east side of Arlington, a person operating a weed trimmer fell and the hot exhaust from the weed trimmer touched and ignited dry vegetation. West winds gusting 25 to 30 mph helped spread the resulting wildfire across 1500 acres.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 20 to 27, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Lion Creek Fire and was started due to a roll-over vehicle accident about five miles northwest of Paradox. This blaze consumed about 1,499 acres of ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, brush and grass.
• Heat in Oklahoma, June 20, 20061 death · 1 eventA man collapsed at a house in Yukon,Oklahoma on Tuesday June 20 due to the heat. He died from the effects of heat stress the following day in the hospital.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, June 22, 20061 death · 1 eventA hot day in Philadelphia caused the first heat related death of 2006. A 67-year-old woman died on South 20th Street. The high temperature at Philadelphia International Airport was 91 degrees.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 22 to 26, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Jolly Mesa Fire and occurred about 3 miles west of New Castle near Interstate 70. The fire consumed about 581 acres of pinyon pine, juniper, and grass. Numerous structures, gas lines, power lines, and a wildlife area were threatened by the blaze.
• Heat in California, June 22 to 30, 20061 death · 6 eventsAn extended warm spell developed over Interior Central California for the period from 22nd through the end of the month. The 24th and 25th were especially warm with maximum temperatures in the Central and South San Joaquin Valley at or above 105F for much of the area.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 23 to 27, 20061 eventThis incident was named the Pot Hole Fire and occurred about 25 miles northeast of Vernal. About 1,398 acres of sagebrush, grass, and timber were consumed by the blaze. Several residences were threatened by the fire.
• Heat in Oregon, June 24 to 26, 20066 eventsA broad upper ridge of unusually high height coupled with a thermally-induced surface trough of low pressure lingered over the Pacific Northwest for several days. This pattern resulted in persistent offshore flow, and therefore many days of record-smashing high temperatures.
• Wildfire and Damaging Wind in Texas, June 25, 2006$39,000 · 61 kt wind · 2 eventsA cigarette thrown from a car ignited a field, a barn, and twelve bales of hay about 3 miles east-southeast of McKinney. The hay was valued around $2,400.
• Wildfire and Lightning Strike in California, June 27 to 30, 20063 eventsThe Round Mountain Blaze approximately 14 miles southwest of Ridgecrest was a lightning initiated fire in the afternoon on the 28th and burned 30 acres before containment.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 2006$100 million · 46 eventsDrought conditions across north Texas worsened this month as rainfall continued to be scarce. Measurable rainfall was recorded on only four days at Dallas/Fort Worth.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 2006$135 million · 18 eventsEconomical impacts from the long-term drought which began in late 2005 over the Southern Plains of the U.S. worsened over the extreme southern Texas Panhandle and the west Texas South Plains through the month of July.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 1 to 31, 2006$800,000 · 48 eventsThe drought continued through the month of July across the area despite rainfall in some places. The drought conditions actually worsened across the area by the end of the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 1 to 31, 200616 eventsWith continued little or no rainfall along with much above normal temperatures, the drought expanded and intensified through July across central and north central South Dakota.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 20067 eventsJuly 2006 saw several episodes of widespread heavy rainfall events across the Coastal Bend of South Texas. The drought conditions across Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio, Aransas, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria and Goliad counties essentially ended because of these events.
• Drought in New Mexico, July 1 to 31, 200622 eventsDrought conditions which peaked in late June (D0) across the western and south central counties made a substantial reversal as widespread and heavy rains increased during early July and continued into the late month.
• Drought in Colorado, July 1 to 31, 200621 eventsMonsoon rains brought short-term relief and alleviated drought conditions to parts of western Colorado. Extreme southwest Colorado improved from severe to moderate drought conditions.
• Drought in Utah, July 1 to 31, 20067 eventsMonsoon rains brought some short-term relief and alleviated drought conditions to far eastern Utah. Small portions of southeast Utah improved by one Drought Monitor category.
• Wildfire in California, July 7 to 8, 20061 eventThe Doctor Fire was a human caused fire located 14 miles southeast of Porterville in the Tule Indian Reservation. It burned 258 acres before containment but no injuries occurred nor were structures lost. The cost to fight the blaze was unknown.
• Heat in California, July 8 to 9, 20061 eventA period of seasonally hot weather affected the Northern San Joaquin Valley and several records were tied or set. At Stockton Airport, a daily maximum temperature record was tied.- On July 8th, the temperature reached 103 degrees.
• Heat in California, July 8 to 10, 20063 eventsAn early July spell of high maximum temperatures occurred from the 8th through the 10th of the month when the warmest parts of the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley had temperatures spike above 105 degrees F. in the warmest areas.
• Wildfire in California, July 9 to 31, 20061 death · 18 injured · $12 million · 2 eventsLightning sparked two large wildfires in the rugged terrain between San Gorgonio and Yucca Valley. The Sawtooth Fire burned 61,700 acres and caused considerable damage in the historic movie town of Pioneertown.
• Wildfire in California, July 9 to 29, 20061 eventThe Maggie Fire 8 miles north of Camp Nelson in the Tulare County Mountains was lightning initiated on the 9th. The fire burned 1,233 acres by the 29th when it was managed for resource objectives. The cost to fight the fire was $307,000 by the 29th.
• Wildfire in California, July 9 to 31, 20061 eventThe Tamarack Fire in Sequoia National Forest 14 miles north of Camp Nelson was lightning initiated in the afternoon of the 9th. See the August Stormdata Report for further information.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 11 to 31, 200612 eventsAlthough much of northeastern Oklahoma received above normal precipitation during the month of July, southeastern Oklahoma received well below normal precipitation for the month. In fact, some locations in southeastern Oklahoma received less than one tenth of an inch of rain.
• Drought in Wisconsin, July 11 to 31, 20065 eventsParts of northwestern Wisconsin were in a severe drought (D2) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather. By mid July the drought area had expanded to cover all of northwestern Wisconsin.
• Drought in Wisconsin, July 11 to 31, 20063 eventsBelow normal rainfall in most areas, along with temperatures that averaged more than 3 degrees above normal, resulted in the formation of severe drought conditions in parts of north central Wisconsin.
• Drought in Alabama, July 11 to 31, 200610 eventsAn extended period of low rainfall lead to the development of severe drought (D2) conditions across the southern portion of Central Alabama through much of the month of July.
• Heat in Texas, July 11 to 31, 20068 eventsTemperatures rose to triple digits with higher heat indices and remained there for most of the month. Lows also only fell to 75 degrees or higher. The heat caused several calls for paramedics due to heat-related illnesses.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, July 12 to 13, 200613 eventsDry thunderstorms developed in southwest North Dakota in the mid afternoon of July 12th, spreading into the south central part of the state by evening.
• Heat in Missouri, July 13 to 21, 20064 deaths · 437 injured · 1 eventA major heat wave hit the St. Louis area in mid-July. Temperatures ranged from the middle 90s to the around 100 with the Heat Index ranging from around 100 to 115. On July 17, 101 people were treated at Busch Stadium during the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 13, 20061 death · 1 eventA construction worker, a male in his early to middle 40s, died due to excessive heat while working at a church on West Jackson Street in Tupelo. Heat indices at the time were close to 105 degrees.
• Wildfire in Minnesota, July 13 to 31, 20062 injured · 1 eventLightning caused a wildfire to breakout two miles south of Seagull Lake on the Gunflint Trail in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The fire was eventually called the "Cavity Lake Fire" and has been the largest fire in the area in one hundred years.
• Heat in Texas, July 14 to 21, 20061 death · 2 eventsAn upper level ridge settled over the southern plains...resulting in hot temperatures and little to no rainfall for over a week.
• Heat in Missouri, July 14 to 21, 20063 deaths · 306 injured · 4 eventsA major heat wave hit the St. Louis area in mid-July. Temperatures ranged from the middle 90s to a high of 100 on July 19. To make matters worse, severe thunderstorms roared across the region on the 19th and 21st causing a historic power outage.
• Heat in Illinois, July 14 to 21, 20064 injured · 3 eventsRight on schedule, a major heat wave hit southwest Illinois in mid-July. Temperatures ranged from the middle 90s to around 100. The heat index ranged from 100 to close to 115. To make matters worse, severe thunderstorms roared through he St.
• Heat in South Dakota, July 15 to 16, 20061 death · 21 eventsHigh pressure brought record heat to western South Dakota, with many locations setting all-time record high temperatures.
• Heat in Illinois, July 15 to 17, 20069 deaths · 1 eventThe first heat wave of the summer developed in the middle of July. High temperatures at Northerly Island in downtown Chicago reached 92 on July 15th, 94 on July 16th and 95 on July 17th. The peak heat index reached 99 on July 15th, 104 on July 16th and 113 on July 17th.
• Heat in South Dakota, July 15, 200621 eventsRecord heat occurred across central and north central South Dakota and into parts of northeast South Dakota. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 105 to as high as 120 degrees. Record highs were set at Pierre, Mobridge, Kennebec, and Timber Lake.
• Heat in California, July 15, 20065 eventsThe combination of strong high pressure aloft and high relative humidity produced excessive heat conditions across the mountains and valleys of Los Angeles county and the mountains of Ventura county.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 15 to 19, 2006$77,000 · 47 eventsA small "heat wave" gripped the region during the middle of July with high temperature ranging from the upper 90s to around 100 degrees for five days with overnight lows only reaching the middle 70s.
• Heat in Louisiana, July 15 to 19, 20069 eventsSee narrative for Central Mississippi.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 15 to 19, 20062 eventsSee narrative for Central Mississippi.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 15 to 24, 2006$100,000 · 4 eventsDry thunderstorms moved through Petroleum, Garfield, Southern Phillips and Southern Valley counties during the evening of July 15th. The storms ignited several wildfires.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 16 to 18, 20063 deaths · 5 eventsA heat wave that brought high temperatures well into the 90s and record utility usage claimed the lives of three people in Philadelphia. The high temperature at the Philadelphia International Airport on the 17th and 18th was 98 degrees.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 16 to 31, 200610 deaths · 100 injured · 48 eventsTemperatures reached triple digits across the area starting in mid-July and continued through the end of the month. Many locations at times reached 105 degrees of greater with higher heat index values.
• Heat in Kansas, July 16 to 20, 20065 deaths · 26 eventsFrom July 16-20, a deadly heat wave gripped much of central, south-central and southeast Kansas. Broad high pressure in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere caused temperatures to soar into the 105-110 degree range, with afternoon heat indices about the same.
• Heat in Missouri, July 16 to 20, 20064 deaths · 37 eventsOppressive heat and humidity combined to produce afternoon and early evening heat indices from 105 to 115 degrees, from July 16th through July 20th. The highest computed heat index reached 121 degrees at Amity Missouri.
• Heat in Kansas, July 16 to 20, 20063 injured · 23 eventsAfternoon high temperatures across the area rose above 100 degrees at many locations during the 5 day span. Heat Index readings climbed to 105 to 115 degrees at some locations. Topeka reached 100 degrees on the 16th for the first time in three years.
• Heat in Kansas, July 16 to 20, 20067 eventsOppressive heat and humidity drove afternoon and early evening heat indices into the 105 to 115 degree range, from July 16th through July 20th.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, July 16 to 18, 2006$1.5 million · 1 event
• Heat in California, July 16 to 27, 200646 deaths · 18 injured · $493 million · 8 eventsArguably one of the hottest spells widespread across California, including Interior Central California, in the last 75 years occurred during a warm period that spanned from the 16th through the 27th of the month.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 16 to 17, 20065 eventsA 3-day period of hot and humid conditions affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin, with a heat event developing over the southeastern counties. On July 17th, In Milwaukee County, a 45-year-old male died from the effects of heat in his residence.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 17, 200623 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather settled over Pennsylvania during the middle of July. On July 17th, air temperatures reached the middle 90s and combined with dewpoints in the lower 70s, produced heat index values of 96 to 101.
• Heat in Maryland, July 17, 200613 eventsA hot and very humid airmass seeped into the Mid Atlantic on July 17 and July 18. The heat index value climbed to around 105 degrees both afternoons.
• Heat in Virginia, July 17, 200610 eventsA hot and very humid airmass seeped into the Mid Atlantic on July 17 and July 18. The heat index value climbed to around 105 degrees both afternoons.
• Heat in District of Columbia, July 17 to 18, 20062 eventsA hot and very humid airmass seeped into the Mid Atlantic on July 17 and July 18. The heat index value climbed to around 105 degrees both afternoons.
• Heat in Missouri, July 17 to 20, 200612 injured · 24 eventsRight on schedule, a mid-July heat wave hit Missouri as temperatures soared into the middle 90s to around 100. Columbia hit 101 on the 19th and 103 on the 20th. The Heat Index ranged from 105 to close to 110.
• Heat in Illinois, July 17 to 21, 200614 eventsRight on schedule, a heat wave hit southern Illinois in mid-July. Temperatures ranged from the middle 90s to around 100. The heat index ranged from 100 to close to 110.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 17 to 21, 20063 deaths · 25 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure that was anchored over the Southern Plains and a humid air mass over the region combined to produce excessive heat conditions over much of eastern Oklahoma with daytime heat indices as high as 115 degrees and morning low temperatures…
• Heat in Arkansas, July 17 to 21, 20067 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure that was anchored over the Southern Plains and a humid air mass over the region combined to produce excessive heat conditions over much of northwestern Arkansas with daytime heat indices as high as 110 degrees and morning low…
• Drought in South Dakota, July 18 to 31, 200618 eventsA widespread and long term shortage of rainfall resulted in a moisture deficiency which put significant stress on crops. The drought was classified as D2, or severe, in the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Minnesota, July 18 to 31, 20069 eventsParts of northeastern Minnesota were in a severe drought (D2) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 18 to 31, 20065 eventsWith the continued lack of rainfall and much above normal temperatures in July, severe (D2) drought conditions spread into northeast South Dakota by the middle of July with exceptional (D3) drought conditions developing into western Brown and Spink counties.
• Drought in Wisconsin, July 18 to 31, 20063 eventsParts of northwestern Wisconsin were in a severe drought (D2) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather. By mid July the drought area had expanded to cover all of northwestern Wisconsin.
• Drought in Alabama, July 18 to 31, 200624 eventsAn extended period of low rainfall caused severe drought (D2) conditions to spread northward into most of Central Alabama, including all but the northeastern counties. Hydrologic and agricultural impacts lasted through the remainder of the month.
• Drought in Minnesota, July 18 to 31, 200618 eventsWarmer than normal temperatures and a lack of rain both contributed to a D2 drought designation (per the U.S. Drought Monitor) across portions of northwest and west central Minnesota on July 18th.
• Heat in Maryland, July 18, 20063 deaths · 12 eventsA hot and very humid airmass seeped into the Mid Atlantic on July 17 and July 18. The heat index value climbed to around 105 degrees both afternoons.
• Heat in Virginia, July 18, 200614 eventsA hot and very humid airmass seeped into the Mid Atlantic on July 17 and July 18. The heat index value climbed to around 105 degrees both afternoons.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 18, 20066 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather settled over Pennsylvania during the middle of July. On July 18th, air temperatures reached the middle 90s and combined with dewpoints in the lower 70s, produced heat index values of 96 to 101.
• Heat in Missouri, July 19 to 21, 20061 death · 11 eventsAcross southeast Missouri, the heat index reached or exceeded 105 degrees on three consecutive afternoons. In Poplar Bluff, an elderly man 78 years of age died in his apartment. The apartment was not air conditioned, and all windows were closed.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 19 to 21, 20064 injured · 22 eventsAfternoon heat indices rose to 105 degrees or more across western Kentucky for up to three consecutive afternoons. At Paducah, the heat index peaked at 105 degrees on all three afternoons from the 19th to the 21st.
• Heat in Illinois, July 19 to 21, 200616 eventsThe heat index peaked between 105 and 110 across southern Illinois for up to three consecutive afternoons. At Carbondale, the heat index rose to 105 degrees on the 19th and 20th, and fell just shy of 105 on the 21st.
• Heat in Oregon, July 20 to 24, 200613 eventsAn unusually strong ridge of high pressure brought several days of record breaking hot and humid weather to NW Oregon. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued the afternoon of July 20th, and persisted through July 24th.
• Heat in Washington, July 20 to 24, 20067 eventsAn unusually strong high pressure ridge brought several days of extremely hot and humid days with some record high temperatures. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued the afternoon of July 20th, and persisted through July 24th.
• Heat in California, July 20 to 25, 20061 death · 1 eventVery hot weather settled upon the Santa Clara Valley - yielding an extended period of high temperatures over 100 degrees and lows in the 70s. Some areas in the Southern Santa Clara Valley reached 115 degrees during the day and fell only to around 80 at night.
• Wildfire in California, July 20 to 23, 20061 eventThe Coyote Fire 9 miles east of Porterville in the Tulare County Foothills was lightning initiated. While the fire burned 2000 acres there were no structures lost nor were there any injuries. The cost to fight the fire was unknown.
• Heat in California, July 21 to 27, 200616 deaths · 27 injured · 11 eventsStrong high pressure centered over the southwest United States and monsoon moisture during the last half of July led to numerous daily high minimum and high maximum temperature records, some of which were all time records.
• Heat in Florida, July 21, 20061 death · 1 eventAn 11-year-old boy died of heat stroke during football practice. A 12-year-old boy died a few days earlier during football practice but the cause was undetermined.
• Heat in California, July 21 to 25, 20061 death · 1 eventHeat advisory conditions settled over the North Bay Valleys on July 21st and persisted for 5 days. High temperatures ranged from 108 to 113 and elevated humidity levels at night kept low temperatures in the 70s. One fatality was reported in Napa County.
• Heat in Oregon, July 21 to 24, 200612 eventsDaily maximum temperatures between 100 and 113 degrees were observed at lower elevations, with temperatures 90 to 100 degrees at elevations up to 4000 feet. Several people were treated for heat related illness.
• Heat in Washington, July 21 to 24, 20068 eventsDaily maximum temperatures between 100 and 113 degrees were observed at lower elevations and 90 to 100 degrees at elevations up to 3500 feet. Several people were treated for heat illness.
• Wildfire in California, July 21 to 29, 20061 eventThe Frog Complex Fire in Yosemite National Park located 1 mile west of Laurel Lake was a lightning caused fire that burned 112 acres by the 29th of the month.
• Heat in California, July 22 to 26, 200613 eventsThe combination of high pressure aloft and above-normal relative humidity resulted in an extended period of excessive heat across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. At times, heat index values ranged from 100 to 119.
• Wildfire in California, July 22 to 23, 2006$100,000 · 1 eventThe Ramp Fire started around 11:30 am at the junction of Interstate 15 and Hwy 18 in the San Bernardino Mountains. Gusty winds from afternoon thunderstorms aided in the spread of the fire. The Ramp Fire burned 450 acres and destroyed 8 structures.
• Wildfire in California, July 22 to 24, 20061 eventThe Three Rocks Fire 20 miles north of Coalinga was lightning started and burned 6200 acres. No injuries occurred nor were there any structures lost. The cost to fight the fire was unreported.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 26, 20063 injured · 1 eventThe Coyote Fire burned 460 acres in the remote mountains between Anza and Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and another firefighter suffered minor to moderate burns. The cause of the Coyote Fire was lightning.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 30, 20065 injured · 1 eventThe Horse Fire burned 16,681 acres in the mountains southeast of Alpine and cost $6.8 million to extinguish. The Horse Fire was possibly ignited by a campfire abandoned by illegal immigrants. Five firefighters suffered heat related injuries.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 31, 2006$4.9 million · 1 eventLightning sparked several wildfires in southwest Sisikiyou County on 07/23/06. Some of these fires became known collectively as the Uncles Complex. As of 08/08/06, the blaze burned 10,250 acres and 4.9 million dollars were spent on the fire fighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 31, 2006$4.5 million · 1 eventLightning sparked several wildfires in southwest Sisikiyou County on 07/23/06. Some of these fires became known collectively as the Happy Camp Complex. As of 08/08/06, the blaze burned 3757 acres and 4.5 million dollars were spent on the fire fighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 28, 20061 eventThe Scott Fire approximately 2 miles northwest of Frazier Park in the Kern County Mountains was lightning initiated and burned approximately 736 acres. This fire became part of the Mt.Pinos Lightning Complex on the 24th. There were no injuries nor structures lost.
• Wildfire in California, July 23 to 25, 20061 eventThe Auberry Complex Fire was a human caused fire that burned 300 acres near Auberry in the S.Sierra Foothills of Fresno County. The cost to fight the fire was unknown but no injuries occurred nor were any structures lost.
• Wildfire in California, July 24 to 29, 20061 eventThe Mt. Pinos Lightning Complex Fire in the Los Padres National Forest 2 miles north of Frazier Park burned 3194 acres and was lightning initiated. The Complex was made up of the Scott, Ridge, Wood, and Boy fires along with about 20 smaller, lightning caused fires on the 24th.
• Drought in North Dakota, July 25 to 31, 200611 eventsWarmer than normal temperatures and a lack of rain both contributed to a D2 drought designation (per the U.S. Drought Monitor) across portions of northeast and east central North Dakota on July 25th. The dry trend started in May, but became much worse by June and July.
• Drought in Minnesota, July 25 to 31, 20063 eventsWarmer than normal temperatures and a lack of rain both caused the westward expansion of the D2 drought designation (first issued on July 18th) into the Red River Valley. The dry trend started in May, but became much worse by June and July.
• Wildfire in California, July 26 to 31, 2006$6.0 million · 1 eventLightning sparked several wildfires in southwest Sisikiyou County on 07/26/06. These fires became known collectively as the Bar Complex. As of 08/08/06, the blaze burned 10,650 acres and 6.0 million dollars were spent on the fire fighting efforts.
• Heat in Texas, July 27, 20061 death · 1 eventA four-year-old boy died of heat exposure after he was left unattended at a playground in Balch Springs. The boy did not have any water. High temperatures on this day were in the lower 100s with low temperatures in the mid 70s.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 28, 20061 death · 1 eventA hot and humid day claimed the life of an 85-year-old woman in Philadelphia. The high temperature at Philadelphia International Airport was 94 degrees.
• Heat in Illinois, July 28 to 31, 20064 deaths · 1 eventThe second heat wave of the summer developed during the end of July and continued into early August. High temperatures at Northerly Island in downtown Chicago reached 88 on July 28th, 93 on July 29th, 90 on July 30th and 98 on July 31st.
• Heat in South Dakota, July 28 to 30, 200626 eventsRecord heat and high humidity affected central, north central, and northeast South Dakota for the end of July. Heat indices rose to 105 to 115 degrees across the area. Record high temperatures were set at Pierre, Mobridge, Kennebec, Timber Lake, and Aberdeen.
• Heat in Minnesota, July 28 to 30, 20062 eventsMuch above normal temperatures and high humidity combined to bring heat indices of 105 to 115 degrees to parts of west central Minnesota. High temperatures were in the upper 90s to around 105 for the three day period.
• Heat in Michigan, July 29 to 31, 200625 injured · 17 eventsThis 2006 heat wave delivered the hottest weather the region had experienced in at least 4 years. A 5 day stretch of maximum temperatures at or above 90 degrees began on Saturday, July 29th.
• Heat in Missouri, July 29 to 31, 20061 death · 14 injured · 1 eventExcessive heat returned to St. Louis in late July and continued into early August. Fourteen injuries were reported in the City of St. Louis with one death.
• Heat in Missouri, July 29 to 31, 200621 injured · 4 eventsExcessive heat returned to the St. Louis area in late July and continued into early August. The temperature at Lambert International Airport hit 101 on both the 30th and 31st with the Heat Index around 110.
• Heat in Illinois, July 29 to 31, 20061 death · 3 eventsExcessive heat returned to southwest Illinois in late July and continue into early August. High temperatures were around 100 degrees with the heat index from 105 to 110.
• Heat in Missouri, July 29 to 31, 200637 eventsOppressive heat and humidity combined to produce heat indices from 105 to 115 degrees, from July 29th throught July 31st.
• Heat in Missouri, July 29 to 31, 200617 eventsExcessive heat returned to Missouri in late July and continued into early August. High temperatures across most of the area on the 30th and 31st were right around 100 degrees. The heat index ranged from 105 to near 110.
• Heat in Kansas, July 29 to 31, 20067 eventsOppressive heat and humidity drove heat indices into the 105 to 115 degree range, from July 29th through July 31st.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 29 to 31, 200625 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped and persisted over the Southern Plains late in the month.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 29 to 31, 20063 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped and persisted over the Southern Plains late in the month.
• Heat in Kansas, July 29 to 31, 200623 eventsHeat Index readings climbed to 105 to 110 degrees in some locations. This was the second extended heat episode of the month and it continued into early August. Topeka recorded a record high minimum temperature of 81 degrees on the 31st.
• Heat in Minnesota, July 30 to 31, 200642 eventsTemperatures topped out near 100 degrees across much of central and southern Minnesota during the afternoon hours of the 30th and 31st, with maximum heat indices ranging from 105 on the 30th, to 110 on the 31st.
• Heat in Illinois, July 30 to 31, 20061 death · 35 eventsAn extended period of heat and humidity occurred across central and southeast Illinois from July 30th to August 2nd. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 94 to 100 degrees most afternoons, with afternoon heat indices ranging from 105 to 110.
• Heat in Maryland, July 30, 200650 injured · 1 eventAbout 50 people were treated for heat illnesses at a Boy Scouts event at Camp Spencer, neat the town of Darlington. The heat index was estimated between 100 to 103 degrees with data from surrounding weather observation stations.
• Heat in Missouri, July 30 to 31, 20067 injured · 7 eventsExcessive heat returned to Missouri in late July and continued into early August. Temperatures were in the upper 90s to around 100 with the heat index ranging from 105 to near 110.
• Heat in Illinois, July 30 to 31, 200614 eventsExcessive heat returned to southern Illinois in late July and continued into early August. High temperatures were in the upper 90s to around 100 with the heat index ranging from 105 to 110.
• Wildfire in Kansas, July 30 to 31, 2006$10,000 · 2 eventsTwo large wildfires burned out of control for several hours across portions of Ellsworth and Lincoln Counties on Sunday, July 30th. The first blaze started late Sunday afternoon in Ellsworth County, just north I-70 between mile markers 207 and 208.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 30 to 31, 200640 injured · 18 eventsA period of very hot and humid weather began on the evening of July 30th and continued into August 2nd. Overnight temperatures only fell to 70 to 75 on the 30th, and soared into the 95 to 100 degree range during the afternoon of July 31st.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 31, 20069 eventsTemperatures topped out near 100 degrees across much of west central Wisconsin during the afternoon hours of the 31st, with maximum heat indices ranging from 102 to 107 degrees. No reports of fatalities or injuries were received, but heat advisory criteria were met.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 31, 20063 injured · 6 eventsTemperatures in the 90's to around 100 degrees combined with dew points in the 60's and lower 70's to produce heat index values approaching 110 during the afternoon hours. Several people in Green Bay (Brown co.) were treated for heat exhaustion at local hospitals.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 31, 20068 eventsStrong high pressure both at the surface and aloft allowed unseasonably hot and humid weather to develop over Pennsylvania during the end of July into the first week of August.
• Heat in Illinois, July 31, 200612 eventsThe heat index rose to between 105 and 115 degrees across much of southern Illinois during the afternoon. The highest heat indices were along and north of a Carbondale to Harrisburg line.
• Heat in Michigan, July 31, 200611 eventsTemperatures rising well into the 90s along with dewpoints in the low to mid 70s sent heat indices soaring into the 100 to 105 degree range over much of west and central Upper Michigan on the afternoon of the 31st.
• Heat in Indiana, July 31, 20066 eventsHeat indices rose to around 105 degrees during the afternoon hours. At the Evansville airport, the highest observed hourly heat index was 105 degrees.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 31, 20063 eventsThe heat index rose above 105 degrees across the Henderson and Owensboro areas during the afternoon. The maximum hourly heat index at Henderson was 114 degrees, and at Owensboro it was 113 degrees.
• Heat in Georgia, July 31, 20061 death · 1 eventThe Rockdale Citizen and all of the major broadcast networks in Atlanta reported that a 15-year old high school football player died of heat exhaustion the day after an afternoon workout at the Rockdale County High School in Conyers.
• Heat in Michigan, August 1 to 2, 2006215 injured · 17 eventsThis 2006 heat wave delivered the hottest weather the region had experienced in at least 4 years. A 5 day stretch of maximum temperatures at or above 90 degrees began on Saturday, July 29th.
• Heat in Illinois, August 1 to 2, 200624 deaths · 1 eventThe second heat wave of the summer developed during late July 2006 and continued into early August. See Stormdata, July 2006, Illinois, Northeast. The high temperature at Northerly Island in downtown Chicago reached 99 on August 1st and 96 on August 2nd.
• Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 13, 20068 deaths · $10,000 · 48 eventsThe triple digit heat that began at the end of July continued through at least the first half of August across Oklahoma. Overnight lows also remained high with temperatures only falling into the upper 70s to low 80s most nights.
• Heat in Missouri, August 1 to 2, 200659 injured · 29 eventsThe late July Heat Wave continued into the first 2 days of August before a cold front finally moved through bringing cooler temperatures. In Columbia, August 2nd was the 5th straight day of reaching a high temperature over 100 degrees. In St.
• Heat in Missouri, August 1 to 2, 20062 deaths · 37 eventsOppressive heat and humidity continued from July...with heat indices from 105 to 115 degrees before ending on August 2nd. Two males aged 58 and 62 died due to the heat.
• Heat in Wisconsin, August 1 to 2, 20062 deaths · 18 eventsThis heat event for August 1st-2nd is a continuation of the same heat event that started on the evening of July 30th.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2006$100 million · 46 eventsSignificant, widespread drought conditions persisted across North Texas throughout the month. This drought now ranks as the worst in North Texas since the severe multi-year drought of the 1950s. The U.S.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 20064 injured · $2.1 million · 48 eventsThe drought conditions continued across parts of Oklahoma through the month of August. However, a few areas did show some improvement by the end of the month.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2006$26 million · 19 eventsThe long-term drought conditions that began in late 2005 over much of the Southern Plains of the U.S. were alleviated by late August over the west Texas South Plains region.
• Heat in Illinois, August 1 to 2, 20061 death · 17 eventsThe late July Heat Wave continued into the first 2 days of August. Quincy, IL reached 100 on July 30, 101 on July 31, 99 on August 1, and 101 on August 2. Most other area were also around 100 degrees the first 2 days of August.
• Heat in Illinois, August 1 to 2, 20061 death · 1 eventAn elderly man died at a Rockford hospital from heat related heart problems. Several people were treated and released for heat related problems. The high temperature reached 94 degrees on August 1st and 93 degrees on August 2nd. Heat indices reached 100 to 105 degrees both days.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2006$520,000 · 8 eventsDrought conditions remained in the highest category, exceptional (D4), throughout the month of August across western north Texas. The dry, hot conditions maintained an increased level in wildfire potential across the area.
• Drought in Alabama, August 1 to 31, 200639 eventsSevere (D2) to extreme (D3) drought conditions, that developed in July, continued and spread across all of Central Alabama through the month of August.
• Heat in Illinois, August 1 to 2, 200635 eventsAn extended period of heat and humidity occurred across central and southeast Illinois from July 30th to August 2nd. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 94 to 100 degrees most afternoons, with afternoon heat indices ranging from 105 to 110.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 200626 eventsDrought conditions continued across west Texas during the month of August. Despite record amounts of rainfall throughout the month, drought conditions existed across much of west Texas throughout the end of the month.
• Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 3, 200625 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped and persisted over the Southern Plains in late July and continued into early August.
• Heat in Kansas, August 1, 200623 eventsThe heat seen across northeast Kansas in late July extended into the first part of August. Afternoon temperatures climbed to near 100 degrees, and heat indicies reached 105 to 110 degrees at many locations.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 1 to 31, 200620 eventsThe average monthly temperatures for August at Baudette and Park Rapids turned out about a degree above normal. No daily high temperatures ever rose above 90 degrees, which was a pretty substantial difference from the hot month of July.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 200616 eventsExtreme (D3) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions continued into the first part of August across central and north central South Dakota. There was improvement throughout the month as some beneficial rains came with many locations receiving from 2 to 5 inches of rainfall.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 23, 200612 eventsDrought continued from July, as moisture deficiency resulting from a long term shortage of rainfall continued. The drought was classified as D2, or severe, in the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 200612 eventsRainfall was measured in eastern Oklahoma on an unusually high number of days in August but precipitation events were typical of summer in that scattered to isolated thunderstorms produced much of the rain during the month.
• Drought in North Dakota, August 1 to 29, 20069 eventsThe average monthly temperatures for August at Devils Lake and Grand Forks turned out about a degree above normal. No daily high temperatures ever rose above 90 degrees, which was a pretty substantial difference from the hot month of July.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 1 to 30, 20069 eventsThe drought continued from July. This area was in the D2 to D3 region (severe to extreme drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Rainfall for the summer ranged from 6 to 12 inches below normal. Many rivers were running at 10 percent or less of the normal stream flow.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 20067 eventsDrought conditions across inland portions of South Texas worsened slightly during August of 2006 due to the lack of widespread significant rainfall. By the end of August the U.S.
• Heat in Kansas, August 1 to 2, 20067 eventsOppressive heat and humidity continued from July...with heat indices in the 105 to 115 degree range through August 2nd.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 20066 eventsDrought continued from July, as moisture deficiency resulting from a long term shortage of rainfall continued. The drought was classified as D2, or severe, in the U.S. Drought Monitor, reaching D3, or extreme, for a period in early August.
• Drought in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 20066 eventsSeveral counties in Central Missouri were upgraded to level 2 (severe) drought status.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 29, 20065 eventsSevere (D2) to extreme (D3) drought conditions continued into early August. With beneficial rains of 2 to almost 6 inches in August, the drought conditions improved substantially by the end of the month. The rains came too late for some of the crops in Spink and Brown counties.
• Drought in Wisconsin, August 1 to 29, 20065 eventsThe drought continued from July. This area was in the D2 region (severe drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Rainfall for the summer ranged from 3 to 5 inches below normal. Most major rivers were running between two percent and five percent of normal discharge.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 1 to 3, 20063 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped and persisted over the Southern Plains in late July and continued through the first couple days of August.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 29, 20063 eventsSevere drought (D2) conditions developed into far northeast South Dakota in early August. With beneficial rains of 2 to 6 inches for the month of August, drought conditions quickly improved by the end of the month.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 1 to 29, 20062 eventsSevere (D2) drought conditions spread into west central Minnesota in early August. Beneficial rains of 2 to 6 inches in the month helped to quickly improve the drought conditions by the end of August.
• Drought in Wisconsin, August 1 to 30, 20062 eventsThe drought continued from July. This area was in the D2 region (severe drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Rainfall for the summer ranged from 6 to 12 inches below normal. Most major rivers were running between two percent and five percent of normal discharge.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 31, 200622 eventsSubstantial summer thunderstorms provided some of the most widespread and consistent heavy rains compared to recent years.
• Drought in Colorado, August 1 to 31, 200621 eventsThe monsoon season and resulting rains eased the dryness somewhat but the drought situation remained mostly unchanged.
• Drought in Utah, August 1 to 31, 20067 eventsThe monsoon season and resulting rains eased the dryness somewhat, but the drought situation remained mostly unchanged. Several years of dryness resulting in long-term drought were still being felt across eastern Utah, except for the Eastern Uinta Mountains and adjacent valleys.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 2006$24 million · 1 eventThe Bar Complex Fire burned through the month of August. As of 09/07/06, the amount spent on the wildfire was 23.5 million, and the estimated containment date was 09/30/06. 32950 acres were burned, and it was 49% contained.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 2006$12 million · 1 eventThe Uncles Fire burned through the month of August. As of 09/07/06, the amount spent on the wildfire was 11.7 million, and the estimated containment date was 10/03/06. 19140 acres were burned, and it was 35% contained.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 2006$11 million · 1 eventThe Happy Camp Complex Fire burned through the month of August. As of 09/07/06, the amount spent on the wildfire was 11.1 million, and the estimated containment date was 10/01/06. 5107 acres were burned, and it was 25% contained.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, August 1 to 3, 200624 deaths · 40 injured · 8 eventsA strong area of high pressure anchored over the East Coast and the western Atlantic, resulted in a stretch of excessive heat for the entire region to start off August 2006.
• Heat in Delaware, August 1 to 3, 20062 deaths · 5 injured · 4 eventsA strong area of high pressure anchored over the East Coast and the western Atlantic, resulted in a stretch of excessive heat for the entire region to start off August 2006.
• Heat in New Jersey, August 1 to 3, 200641 injured · 20 eventsA strong area of high pressure anchored over the East Coast and the western Atlantic, resulted in a stretch of excessive heat for the entire region to start off August 2006.
• Heat in Maryland, August 1 to 3, 20065 eventsA strong area of high pressure anchored over the East Coast and the western Atlantic, resulted in a stretch of excessive heat for the entire region to start off August 2006.
• Heat in New York, August 1 to 3, 200642 deaths · 15 eventsAn oppressive air mass moved slowly east across the region from August 1 to August 3.
• Heat in Vermont, August 1, 200616 eventsA "heat ridge" moved into Vermont during the early morning hours of the 1st. This "heat ridge" was part of a strong, upper level area of high pressure that brought record heat to a large majority of the country since mid-July.In Vermont on the 1st, afternoon temperatures soared…
• Heat in New York, August 1, 20069 eventsA "heat ridge" moved into Northern New York during the early morning hours of the 1st.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, August 1 to 2, 20069 eventsStrong high pressure both at the surface and aloft allowed unseasonably hot and humid weather to develop over Pennsylvania during the end of July into the first week of August.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, August 1 to 3, 20068 eventsStrong high pressure both at the surface and aloft allowed unseasonably hot and humid weather to develop over Pennsylvania during the end of July into the first week of August.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, August 1 to 2, 20066 eventsStrong high pressure at the surface and aloft allowed unseasonably hot and humid weather to develop over Pennsylvania during the end of July through the first week of August.
• Heat in New Jersey, August 1 to 3, 20062 deaths · 6 eventsAn oppressive air mass moved slowly east across the region. This was preceded by a hot dry air mass, when temperatures reached at least 90 degrees at Newark Liberty Airport, from July 27 to July 31.Excessive heat occurred mainly from noon to midnight each day for 3 consecutive…
• Heat in Kentucky, August 1 to 2, 200622 eventsThe heat index peaked between 105 and 110 degrees across western Kentucky on August 1st. Hourly measurements of the heat index were as high as 110 degrees at Henderson and Owensboro, 108 at Hopkinsville, and 106 at Paducah.
• Heat in Illinois, August 1 to 2, 200619 eventsThe heat index peaked between 105 and 113 degrees across southern Illinois on August 1st. Hourly measurements of the heat index peaked as high as 113 degrees at Harrisburg and Fairfield, 110 at Mount Vernon, 108 at Marion, 107 at Carbondale, and 105 at Cairo.
• Heat in Missouri, August 1 to 2, 20067 eventsThe heat index climbed to around 105 degrees across parts of southeast Missouri on August 1st and 2nd. The highest heat index reading was 106 degrees at Cape Girardeau on August 1st.
• Heat in Indiana, August 1 to 2, 20066 eventsHeat indices across southwest Indiana rose to 105 degrees or more on the afternoons of August 1st and 2nd. At Evansville, the heat index peaked at 107 degrees on August 1st and 105 degrees on August 2nd.
• Heat in Maryland, August 1 to 3, 20066 deaths · 5 injured · 14 eventsExcessive heat conditions occurred on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 1-3, across much of Maryland. Afternoon heat index values ranged between 105 to as high as 115 degrees.
• Heat in District of Columbia, August 1 to 3, 20062 deaths · 1 eventExcessive heat conditions occurred on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 1-3, in Washington, DC. Afternoon heat index values ranged between 105 to as high as 115 degrees. Two people lost their lives in The District due to the excessive heat conditions during this heat wave.
• Heat in Virginia, August 1 to 3, 200622 eventsExcessive heat conditions occurred on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 1-3, across North-Central Virginia. Afternoon heat index values ranged between 100 to 110 degrees.
• Heat in Georgia, August 1 to 5, 200616 eventsIntense heat wave began on August 1st and lasted through the 5th. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings were issued throughout this period. During the peak afternoon hours, heat indices across the region averaged between 105 and 115 degrees.
• Heat in South Carolina, August 1 to 5, 20069 eventsIntense heat wave began on August 1st and lasted through the 5th. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings were issued throughout this period. During the peak afternoon hours, heat indices across the region averaged between 105 and 115 degrees.
• Heat in Connecticut, August 1 to 3, 20064 eventsAn oppressive air mass moved slowly east across the region.Excessive heat occurred mainly from noon to midnight each day for 3 consecutive days. High temperatures ranged from the mid to upper 90s.
• Heat in West Virginia, August 1 to 3, 20063 eventsExcessive heat conditions occurred on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 1-3, across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Afternoon heat index values ranged between 105 to 110 degrees.
• Heat in Tennessee, August 1, 20061 death · 1 eventAn elderly man died after mowing his lawn during the hot afternoon hours. Heat stress was found to be a contributing factor in his death.
• Heat in Vermont, August 2, 20067 eventsThe "heat ridge" that delivered some of the warmest combined heat and humidity in years to all of Vermont on the 1st, shifted across central and southern Vermont on the 2nd, as a cold front drifted into northern Vermont.
• Heat in South Carolina, August 2, 20066 eventsExcessive heat reported with heat indices of 114 to 116 degrees during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Georgia, August 2, 20062 eventsExcessive heat reported with heat indices of 114 to 116 degrees.
• Heat in South Carolina, August 3, 20065 eventsExcessive heat reported with heat indices of 114 to 117 degrees during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Georgia, August 3, 20062 eventsExcessive heat reported with heat indices of 114 to 116 degrees.
• Wildfire in California, August 5 to 8, 20061 injured · $125,000 · 1 eventThe Cottonwood Fire burned approximately 2,346 acres around Sorrell Peak in the Piute Mountains of Kern County about 15 miles south of Weldon. The cause of the fire was unknown but 2 vehicles, a few outbuildings, and some trailers were destroyed in the first day of the blaze.
• Drought in Montana, August 6 to 31, 200616 eventsSevere drought conditions developed (D2 classification on the National Drought Monitor) across all of northeast Montana in early August.
• Heat in Kansas, August 6, 200617 eventsAfternoon high temperatures reached 100 degrees, and heat indicies climbed to 105 to 110 degrees. Even though very dry conditions associated with this heat continued well into the month and the area never reached a D2 drought classification, several notable actions occurred.
• Heat in Missouri, August 7, 20061 death · 1 eventAn 87 year old woman was found dead in her backyard with her death attributed to the heat. Her body temperature was almost 110 degrees. The high temperature that day was 95 degrees.
• Drought in North Dakota, August 8 to 29, 20068 eventsThe average monthly temperature at Fargo turned out to be about a degree above normal.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 8 to 31, 20064 eventsThe average monthly temperature for August at Moorhead was about a degree above normal. No daily high temperatures ever rose above 90 degrees, which was a pretty substantial difference from the hot month of July.
• Heat in Louisiana, August 8, 20061 death · 1 eventA 75 year old man was found dead in his home at 71 Grace Lane where he was living alone. The air conditioner was not on and it was extremely hot inside the home. The outside air temperature reached 97 degrees on the day the man was found.
• Heat in Oklahoma, August 9 to 10, 20061 death · 25 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped over the Southern Plains and combined with a humid air mass to produce another period of excessive heat over eastern Oklahoma.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 9 to 10, 20061 death · 7 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure redeveloped over the Southern Plains and combined with a humid air mass to produce another period of excessive heat over northwestern Arkansas.
• Heat in Texas, August 10 to 20, 20062 eventsBroad upper level high pressure dominated the weather pattern over north Texas...allowing temperatures to soar into the lower 100s.
• Heat and Hail in Tennessee, August 10, 20061 death · $19,000 · 50 kt wind · 6 eventsStraight line winds knocked down a tree on a mobile home crushing the roof in Gleason.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, August 12 to 23, 2006$1.2 million · 2 eventsThe Jackson Canyon Wildfire began shortly before noon on Saturday, August 12. The fire started in Jackson Canyon near Coal Mountain from a lightning strike.
• Wildfire in California, August 12 to 14, 20061 injured · 1 eventThe Gilman Fire burned 360 acres of light grass and heavy brush near the unincorporated community of Gilman Hot Springs. No structures were burned and there was one minor injury reported.
• Heat in Texas, August 15, 20062 injured · 1 eventA woman was arrested for leaving her two young children in an unventilated parked car for 30 minutes while she conducted business at a local bank in Lufkin. The outside temperature at the time was 103 degrees.
• Heat in Kentucky, August 19, 200622 eventsThe heat index peaked between 105 and 110 degrees across western Kentucky. The highest hourly heat index readings were 109 degrees at Hopkinsville, 107 at Owensboro and Henderson, and 105 degrees at Paducah.
• Heat in Missouri, August 19, 200611 eventsHeat indices peaked between 105 and 110 degrees across southeast Missouri. The highest hourly heat index readings were 108 at Cape Girardeau and 107 at Poplar Bluff.
• Heat in Illinois, August 19, 200611 eventsThe heat index peaked between 105 and 110 degrees across far southern Illinois, mainly along and south of a line from Carbondale to Harrisburg. The highest hourly heat index readings were 109 degrees at Harrisburg, 107 at Carbondale, and 105 at Metropolis.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, August 22 to 28, 2006$65,000 · 2 eventsLightning caused the ignition of the Outlaw 2 wildfire approximately 20 miles southwest of Kaycee on Tuesday, August 22. The fire occurred near a famed area called Hole-in-the-Wall.
• Wildfire in California, August 29 to 31, 2006$100,000 · 1 eventThe Emerald Fire burned 2,129 acres in the hills above highway 38 near Morton Peak. The fire destroyed two residences and two outbuildings. The cause of this fire was not weather related.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 2006$80 million · 46 eventsDrought conditions this month have improved as a whole across Texas, but north Texas remained in the extreme and exceptional categories (D3 and D4) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Despite several rainfall events this month, water deficits continued to be quite high.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 5, 2006$9.4 million · 12 eventsThe severe to extreme long-term drought conditions that began in late 2005 over much of the Southern Plains of the U.S. were alleviated during the first week of September over the west Texas region.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 2006$1.0 million · 42 eventsDrought continued across much of Oklahoma throughout the month of September. Extreme (D3) conditions occurred in southern Oklahoma and parts of central Oklahoma, with moderate to severe (D1-D2) conditions across northern, parts of western, and the rest of central Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 19, 2006$270,000 · 8 eventsDrought conditions across western north Texas at the beginning of the month ranged from severe to extreme (D2-D3).
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 19, 2006$270,000 · 6 eventsDrought conditions in southwest Oklahoma ranged from severe to extreme (D2-D3) across the area at the beginning of the month. A heavy rain event that occurred on September 18 provided enough rain for conditions to improve to moderate (D1).
• Drought in Alabama, September 1 to 19, 200639 eventsD2 (severe) to isolated D3 (extreme) drought conditions continued from the summer through the first half of September. Several bouts of significant precipitation in the middle of the month helped conditions improve to better than D2 drought by the morning of the 19th.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 1 to 30, 200615 eventsDrought conditions remained across portions of northwest Minnesota, due to below normal rainfall over the summer.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 200614 eventsWidespread heavy rainfall was again lacking across much of eastern Oklahoma during this month, especially the southern portion of the state and to the northwest of Tulsa. Normal precipitation for the month ranges from about four inches to about five and a half.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 19, 200611 eventsSevere (D2) drought conditions improved throughout the month to moderate (D1) conditions by the third week. By the end of the month, the drought conditions improved to abnormally dry (D0) conditions.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 1 to 30, 20069 eventsThe drought continued from August. This area was in the D2 to D3 region (severe to extreme drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Rainfall for the summer ranged from 6 to 12 inches below normal. Many rivers were running at 10 percent or less of the normal stream flow.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 20065 eventsAfter a very dry August widespread and beneficial rainfall fell during September 2006, especially on the 17th and 18th and again on the 23rd and 24th.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 30, 20065 eventsExceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought conditions improved throughout the month to severe (D2) drought conditions by the end of the month. Above normal rainfall brought about the improved drought conditions.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 1 to 19, 20064 eventsPortions of northwest Minnesota remained in drought conditions, due to a lack of summer rainfall. Kittson and West Marshall counties were listed in the D2 (severe) drought (per the U.S. Drought Monitor) until the 19th.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 20063 eventsDespite copious amounts of rainfall received in August, drought conditions persisted across portions of west Texas during September.
• Drought in Wisconsin, September 1 to 30, 20062 eventsThe drought continued from August. This area was in the D2 region (severe drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor early in the month, the drought worsened during the month and by September the region was considered D3 (extreme drought).
• Drought in Colorado, September 1 to 30, 200621 eventsThere was some relief in the drought situation in September with most of western Colorado experiencing a decrease in dryness. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated an improvement from "severe drought" to "abnormally dry" conditions across most of the area.
• Drought in Utah, September 1 to 30, 20065 eventsThere was some relief in the drought situation in September. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated an improvement from "severe drought" to "abnormally dry" conditions across small portions of east central and southeast Utah.
• Drought in Montana, September 1 to 30, 200616 eventsSevere drought conditions (D2 classification on the National Drought Monitor) across all of northeast Montana that developed in early August continued through September. The first half of the month was a continuation of the hot and record dry summer.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2006Tornadoes in 2006

NOAA NCEI, U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (2025), https://doi.org/10.25921/stkw-7w73, and the Storm Events Database for the episodes.