U.S. Drought

Losses, 2024 dollars

$11 billion

Losses at the time

$7.0 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 North Carolina, January 1 to 31, 200834 eventsJanuary saw a return to dry weather across western North Carolina.|Most observing stations across the region reported a rainfall deficit of 1 to 2 inches during the month, resulting in another month of exceptional drought conditions across most of the area.
• Drought in South Carolina, January 1 to 31, 200815 eventsJanuary saw a return to dry weather across the Upstate and Northwest Piedmont of South Carolina.
• Drought in Pennsylvania, January 1 to 31, 200810 eventsThe unseasonably wet December and the recovery of water supplies permitted the Pennsylvania State Department of Environmental Protection to cancel the drought watch on January 11th for most of Eastern Pennsylvania except for Berks and Bucks Counties.
• Drought in North Carolina, January 1 to 31, 20089 eventsThe Exceptional (D4) and Extreme (D3) drought conditions that were in progress in December 2007, continued through January 2008. Some precipitation towards the middle of the month allowed for a small improvement in conditions for a few locations.
• Drought in South Carolina, January 1 to 31, 20088 eventsAll of northeast Sorth Carolina continued to be classified in a severe drought for the entire month.
• Drought in Virginia, January 1 to 31, 20087 eventsDrought conditions continued through the month of January 2008. The degree of magnitude ranged from Moderate (D2) to Extreme (D3).
• Drought in Georgia, January 1 to 31, 20086 eventsJanuary saw a return to dry weather across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Most observing stations across the region reported a rainfall deficit of 1 to 2 inches during the month, resulting in another month of exceptional drought conditions across most of the area.
• Drought in North Carolina, January 1 to 31, 20086 eventsAll of southeast North Carolina continued in an extreme drought, with conditions impoving slightly toward the end of the month.
• Drought in Florida, January 1 to 31, 20085 eventsDrought conditions continued over most of the interior and southwest sections of South Florida during January.
• Drought in Maryland, January 1 to 31, 20085 eventsJanuary 2008 was unseasonably dry across the Eastern Shore as the drought watch remained in effect. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent.
• Drought in Delaware, January 1 to 31, 20084 eventsA drought watch remained in effect for all of Delaware. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent. January 2008 was a drier than normal month for Delaware.
• Drought in Virginia, January 1 to 15, 20083 eventsA few counties in Virginia were in the Moderate (D2) category of drought during the first two weeks of January.
• Drought in Virginia, January 1 to 31, 20082 eventsTotal monthly precipitation was mostly from 2.25 to 3.5 inches, or about 1 to 1.5 inches drier than the average. Grundy measured around 2.2 inches, while Clintwood had around 2.4 inches.
• Drought in Alabama, January 1 to 31, 200839 eventsDrought conditions continued across most of Central Alabama through the month of January, with monthly rainfall deficits ranging from .5 to 2.5 inches.
• Drought in Tennessee, January 1 to 31, 200819 eventsThe drought continued to affect areas in the eastern part of Middle Tennessee in January 2008 despite recent rains in December 2007 and January 2008. Conditions in the western part of Middle Tennessee have shown a lessening of the drought.
• Drought in Alabama, January 1 to 31, 200811 eventsAlthough rainfall was not particularly heavy for the month, the rain that did occur was of a higher frequency, with rain every few days.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 200810 eventsLack of significant rainfall beginning in October of 2007 led to moderate drought conditions developing in January of 2008 in La Salle, Webb, McMullen, Duval, Live Oak, Jim Wells, Bee, San Patricio, Nueces and Kleberg counties. (per the U.S.
• Drought in Tennessee, January 1 to 31, 20083 eventsAlthough rainfall was not particularly heavy for the month, the rain that did occur was of a higher frequency, with rain every few days.
• Drought in Utah, January 1 to 31, 20087 eventsThe effects of long term drought continued across eastern Utah despite a number of weather systems producing significant precipitation across the area.
• Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 20082 eventsThe effects of long term drought continued to linger across a portion of northwest Colorado despite a number of weather systems producing snow across the area.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 200811 eventsA series of very wet Pacific storms during the month of January would continue to alleviate the stresses on native vegetation and nearly erradicate any remaining fire danger.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 1, 2008$10,000 · 1 eventFireworks caused at least one fire on New Year's Day.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 1, 20081 injured · 1 eventA wildfire burned 500 acres south of Premont on CR 407. 4 homes and 10 out buildings were threatened and saved. One firefighter was injured. The exact time and name of the fire were unknown at the time of this writing.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 5, 20085 injured · $25,000 · 1 eventA very large wildfire began about two miles east of Fritch around 1400 CST on Farm to Market Road 687 about one mile north of Texas State Highway 136. The wildfire spread to the east and northeast and ended up close to Farm to Market Road 1319.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 6, 20084 injured · $3,000 · 1 eventA large wildfire started about four miles south southeast of Sanford around 1400 CST at Windsong Road and Texas State Highway 136. The wildfire moved at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour and burned two and a half miles of open range...or about three hundred acres.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 20, 20081 eventJust enough gusty winds, near 25 mph, on the back side of chilly high pressure moving into the western Gulf of Mexico, combined with marginally low humidity to spread a small wild fire near the Rio Grande River in Zapata County, TX.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, January 27, 2008$70,000 · 1 eventA very large wildfire started one mile northeast of Slapout Oklahoma around 1300 CST. The wildfire was three miles wide and twelve miles long and burned approximately ten thousand five hundred acres as it traveled east and northeast.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 28 to 29, 20084 injured · $260,000 · 4 eventsA combination of strong west winds, very dry air and dry vegetation resulted in critical to extreme fire conditions across West Central Texas.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, January 28 to 29, 20083 injured · $2.2 million · 58 kt wind · 27 eventsWesterly winds brought very dry conditions to much of the western South Plains and the extreme southwestern Texas Panhandle during the afternoon hours of the 28th.
• Drought in Virginia, January 29 to 31, 20086 eventsDuring the last week of the month, some Virginia counties had drought conditions worsen into the Moderate (D2) category of drought.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, January 29 to 30, 2008$3.3 million · 51 kt wind · 20 eventsThere were dozens of reports of damage due to strong winds as a powerful low pressure system and cold front moved through the state.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, January 29, 20081 injured · 1 eventVery strong wind ahead of and behind a cold front, combined with low relative humidities and dry fuels contributed to a wildfire that burned 100 acres, including 197 buildings at Fort Chaffee. Many of these structures were scheduled for demolition and were all unoccupied.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 31, 20082 eventsWindy and very dry conditions followed a cold front during the afternoon of the 31st.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 31, 20081 eventThe Cotulla Fire burned over 19,000 acres near and in the town of Cotulla. (N 28 31.215 W 099 18.708) The wildfire began on the 31st and was finally contained on the evening of February 2nd. 7 homes were destroyed, almost 30 damaged and nearly 70 threatened.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 31, 20081 eventA wildfire on Mines Road burned 200 acres. The Laredo Fire Department responded. The exact time and name of the fire were unknown at the time of this writing.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 31, 20081 eventThe Salado Creek Fire burned 250 acres in rural south-central Jim Wells County. (N 27 28.167, W 98 06.138) Several oil and gas pumps were threatened and saved. The Texas Forest Service and Premont Fire Department responded.
• Drought in Virginia, February 1 to 29, 200813 eventsSevere to Extreme Drought Conditions continued into February over portions of southwest Virginia. Mainly this area encompassed most of the piedmont, south to the North Carolina border, and west to the mountains.
• Drought in North Carolina, February 1 to 29, 20089 eventsExtreme to Exceptional Drought Conditions persisted for the month of February in Northwest North Carolina. Toward the end of the month of February, conditions improved from exceptional to extreme drought for portions of the North Carolina mountains.
• Drought in South Carolina, February 1 to 29, 20086 eventsThe long standing drought continued through the month, with conditions improving one drought category by the end of the month due to above normal rainfall.
• Drought in Florida, February 1 to 29, 20085 eventsDrought conditions continued over most of the interior and southwest sections of South Florida during February.
• Drought in Maryland, February 1 to 29, 20085 eventsFebruary 2008 was slightly wetter than normal across the Eastern Shore, but the drought watch remained in effect. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent.
• Drought in Delaware, February 1 to 29, 20084 eventsA drought watch remained in effect for all of Delaware. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent. February 2008 was a wetter than normal month for New Castle County and an about normal month for Kent and Sussex Counties.
• Drought in North Carolina, February 1 to 29, 20083 eventsThe long standing drought continued through the month, with conditions improving one drought category by the end of the month.
• Drought in Pennsylvania, February 1 to 15, 20082 eventsAbove normal precipitation in February led to the cancellation of the drought watch by the Pennsylvania State Department of Environmental Protection for Berks and Bucks Counties on February 15th.
• Drought in Virginia, February 1 to 23, 20082 eventsThe waning drought from 2007, saw its classification improve out of the D2 category during the month. Near normal precipitation amounts of 2.5 to 3.5 inches were common.
• Drought in Alabama, February 1 to 29, 200835 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought limited improvement to the ongoing drought, that had begun in the Spring of 2007. By the end of February, only about 10 percent of Central Alabama remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought.
• Drought in Tennessee, February 1 to 29, 200822 eventsThe drought continued to affect areas in the eastern part of Middle Tennessee in February, 2008.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 29, 200813 eventsLack of significant rainfall resulted in an expansion of drought conditions across South Texas. In February only a trace of rainfall fell at Laredo, 0.04 at Cotulla, 0.16 at Corpus Christi and 0.24 at Alice.
• Drought in Alabama, February 1 to 29, 200811 eventsConditions continued to improve across the Central Tennessee Valley in February, with most of the area at least chipping away at the long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Alabama, February 1 to 26, 20084 eventsBy the end of February, western and southern portions of Central Alabama, including Sumter, Green, Pike, and Barbour Counties, were removed from the Severe (D2) Drought designation that had been in place since the Spring of 2007.
• Drought in Tennessee, February 1, 20083 eventsConditions continued to improve across the Central Tennessee Valley in February, with most of the area at least chipping away at the long-term drought conditions. Rainfall of two to four inches were seen across the area.
• Wildfire in Texas, February 1, 20082 eventsDry air and strong gusty winds ignited several wild fires in the central Lower Rio Grande Valley to close January. One of these fires, in Jim Hogg County, continued to burn into the first day of February before being contained.
• Drought in Utah, February 1 to 29, 20087 eventsThe effects of long term drought continued to be felt across eastern Utah even though a number of weather systems produced significant precipitation across the area.
• Wildfire in Texas, February 5, 20082 eventsStrong and Gusty winds on February 4th into early on the 5th, followed by a hot and dry afternoon with temperatures near 100 and humidity below 20 percent, set the stage for high wildfire growth potential.
• Wildfire in Texas, February 6 to 7, 20082 eventsThe 3000 acre King-Ranch/Laureles fire began as a prescribed burn on the King Ranch before control was lost as winds shifted.
• Wildfire in South Carolina, February 10, 20081 eventStrong winds and dry conditions contributed to many small fires around the county.
• Wildfire in Virginia, February 10, 2008$30,000 · 1 eventHigh winds caused tree to fall onto a power line in the Ringgold area during the afternoon of February 10th. This triggered a wildfire that scorched about 100 acres off Ferguson Road.
• Wildfire in Texas, February 13, 2008$189,000 · 4 eventsAt least four wildfires occurred in Potter County just north of Amarillo. The largest wildfire started three miles west northwest of Amarillo around 1400 CST west of the intersection of NW 11th Avenue and N Fairmont Street and just northwest of the intersection of Prospect…
• Wildfire in Texas, February 14, 20082 eventsSustained winds above 25 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, across the central Lower Rio Grande Valley, occurring within the area between high pressure moving through the Gulf of Mexico and a strengthening trough over west Texas and northeastern Mexico, allowed two fires to spread,…
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, February 25, 2008$35,000 · 54 kt wind · 3 eventsA strong storm system propagated eastward over the Southern Plains during the daytime hours of the 25th, and resulted in a few instances of localized and brief high winds over portions of the west Texas South Plains.
• Wildfire in Texas, February 25 to 29, 2008$2.2 million · 5 eventsA strong low pressure system produced strong downsloping southwest winds of 35 to 50 mph, temperatures near 90 degrees and relative humidities in the single digits.
• Drought in Virginia, March 1 to 31, 200812 eventsAs La Nina weakened during the month of March, the area received close to 84 percent of normal rainfall. This allowed drought conditions to improve across Virginia. Extreme (D3)drought conditions in the southeast corner of the region improved to severe (D2) drought conditions.
• Drought in North Carolina, March 1 to 31, 20089 eventsThe drought which has persisted over North Carolina improved slightly during the month of March. Exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought conditions improved to severe drought (D2) conditions with a small area of extreme (D3) drought remaining by the end of the month.
• Drought in Florida, March 1 to 31, 20085 eventsLong term drought conditions continued into March across interior and western portions of South Florida, although some improvement in drought conditions was noted by the end of the month.
• Drought in Maryland, March 1 to 31, 20085 eventsMarch 2008 was slightly drier than normal across the Eastern Shore. The drought watch remained in effect. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent.
• Drought in Delaware, March 1 to 31, 20084 eventsA drought watch remained in effect for all of Delaware. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent. March 2008 had near normal precipitation in New Castle County, but was progressively drier farther south.
• Drought in Alabama, March 1 to 31, 200835 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought limited improvement to the ongoing drought, that had begun in the Spring of 2007.
• Drought in Tennessee, March 1 to 31, 200822 eventsThe drought area has shrunk a little since February, 2008.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 200813 eventsBeneficial rainfall finally fell across central and eastern portions of South Texas during the middle part of March, with a lack of significant rainfall occurring across the Rio Grande Plains through the month.
• Drought in Alabama, March 1 to 31, 200811 eventsFinally some longer-term drought relief came to the Tennessee Valley in March. Rainfall deficits for the year barely grew and rainfall amounts were almost near normal. A significant cold front moved through on the 3rd and 4th and was the month’s biggest rainmaker in many areas.
• Drought in Tennessee, March 1 to 31, 20083 eventsFinally some longer-term drought relief came to the Tennessee Valley in March. Rainfall deficits for the year barely grew and rainfall amounts were almost near normal. A significant cold front moved through on the 3rd and 4th and was the month’s biggest rainmaker in many areas.
• Drought in Utah, March 1 to 31, 20085 eventsThe effects of long term drought continued across much of eastern Utah.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 3, 2008$1,000 · 2 eventsThe passage of another vigorous surface trough and associated cold front maintained strong and gusty winds behind it, with frequent sustained winds above 30 mph and gusts at or above 40 mph in many locations for a while during the afternoon of March 3rd.
• Wildfire in Colorado, March 4, 2008$30,000 · 1 eventStrong winds and low relative humdity sparked a grassfire on the west edge of Pueblo. Two mobile homes were destroyed.
• Drought in Texas, March 11 to 31, 20082 eventsExtreme dry conditions continued across Deep South Texas during the month of March. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) reported the soil moisture was abnormally to excessively dry over Deep South Texas.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, March 14 to 16, 2008$250,000 · 54 kt wind · 4 eventsA combination of increasing drought conditions, strong downslope southwest to westerly winds, and very dry air all contributed to the growth of at least a half dozen wildfires across the west Texas South Plains region during the afternoon and evening hours of the 14th.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, March 17 to 20, 20081 eventA fire, believed to have been ignited by lightning, scorched 600 acres of grassland in the Keamuku lava flow in South Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii. The blaze was centered about 4 miles southeast of Waikoloa Village.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 18 to 20, 20081 injured · $1.2 million · 7 eventsA strong cold front passing through the central portion of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas during the mid and late afternoon of March 18th brought a combination of wind gusts in excess of 50 mph, falling humidity into the teens, and rapid drying to already…
• Wildfire in Florida, March 19, 2008$100,000 · 2 eventsStrong high pressure built into the area with strong winds fanning several wildfires.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, March 23 to 24, 20082 eventsBrush fires affected Middlesex County on the 23rd and 24th. Two brush fires occurred in Old Bridge Township during the afternoon of the 23rd. The first fire was quickly extinguished. The second wild fire began around 3 p.m. EDT.
• Wildfire in Montana, March 24, 20082 injured · $100,000 · 2 eventsVery strong winds combined with low humidities fueled multiple wildfires across northeast Montana this afternoon. Two of these fires grew out of control for several hours and destroyed a combined 5000 acres.
• Drought in Texas, March 25 to 31, 20082 eventsExtreme dry conditions continued across Deep South Texas during the month of March. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) reported the soil moisture was abnormally to excessively dry over Deep South Texas.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, March 25 to 26, 20082 eventsWildfires occurred during the afternoons of the 25th and 26th in Northampton County. On the 25th, a control burn went out of control as gusty south winds helped spread the fire and it burned two acres in Plainfield Township.
• Wildfire in North Carolina, March 26 to 27, 20081 eventA wildfire burned in a sparsely populated area.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 31, 20081 death · $11,000 · 1 eventA large wildfire began three miles west northwest of Kelton Texas about 1500 CST and burned approximately twelve hundred and fifty acres. Four homes saved however two other structures were lost.
• Drought in North Carolina, April 1 to 30, 20089 eventsRainfall helped to mitigate drought conditions across the region during the month. The trend during the month was to transition from Extreme/Severe D3/D2 categories to Severe/Moderate D2/D1 conditions.
• Drought in Maryland, April 1 to 30, 20085 eventsApril 2008 was slightly wetter than normal across most of the Eastern Shore. The drought watch remained in effect. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent.
• Drought in Florida, April 1 to 8, 20084 eventsLong term drought conditions continued into April across interior and western portions of South Florida, although beneficial rains early in the month were enough to remove the severe drought conditions (D2) from South Florida.
• Drought in Delaware, April 1 to 30, 20084 eventsA drought watch remained in effect for all of Delaware. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent. April 2008 had near normal precipitation in Kent and Sussex Counties, but was drier than normal in New Castle County.
• Drought in Virginia, April 1 to 28, 20084 eventsThrough the month of April, rains helped to mitigate the level of drought conditions across the state of Virginia. Parts of Southside Virginia began the month in a Severe Drought (D2), but by the end of the month this area had improved to a Moderate Drought (D1).
• Drought in South Carolina, April 1 to 8, 20081 eventHeavy rains over much of the area reduced the drought classification to Abnormally Dry (D0).
• Drought in Alabama, April 1 to 30, 200830 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought some improvement to the ongoing drought, that had begun in the Spring of 2007.
• Drought in Tennessee, April 1 to 30, 200816 eventsAbove normal rainfall for the month of April has continued the shrinkage of the drought area across Middle Tennessee.
• Drought in Alabama, April 1 to 30, 200811 eventsDrought conditions improved slightly, mainly during the first half of the month. Huntsville improved from D3 (extreme) to D2 (severe), while Muscle Shoals improved from D2 (severe) to D1 (moderate).
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 200810 eventsDrought conditions intensified along and west of Interstate 37 across South Texas during the month of April. Only 0.43 of rain fell at Laredo, 0.45 at Alice, 1.12 at Robstown, 1.25 at Cotulla, and 1.48 at Kingsville. 2.36 of rain fell at the Corpus Christi International Airport.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 7, 20085 eventsSevere drought conditions persisted across the western counties of Deep South Texas and the Lower and Middle Rio Grande Valley. The drought would further intensify through the remainder of the month.
• Drought in Alabama, April 1 to 8, 20085 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought some improvement to the ongoing drought, that had begun in the Spring of 2007.
• Drought in Tennessee, April 1 to 30, 20083 eventsDrought conditions improved slightly, mainly during the first half of the month. Areas of D3 (extreme) drought were reduced to D2 (moderate) over all of southern middle Tennessee.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 3 to 6, 20082 eventsExtremely dry and breezy weather conditions during the first week of April led to active wildfire activity across the South Plains of west Texas, with at least a half dozen relatively small wildfires reportedly ignited across the region.
• Drought in Texas, April 8 to 30, 200810 eventsThe United States Drought Monitor noted that extreme drought conditions arrived in Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Starr Counties around the second week of April. Severe drought conditions developed farther east to the Deep South Texas coast.
• Heat in California, April 12 to 13, 20082 eventsA strong high pressure ridge over the region led to clear skies and warm afternoon temperatures om April 12th and 13th.
• Heat in California, April 13, 20086 injured · 2 eventsUpper level high pressure and offshore flow resulted in several days of record heat in the coast and valleys. Temperatures soared well into the 90's on April 14th, resulting in at least 6 heat-related illnesses.
• Drought in Texas, April 15 to 30, 20087 eventsDrought conditions intensified over the western portions of Deep South Texas by April 15 and continued through the end of April.
• Drought in Texas, April 15 to 30, 20083 eventsDry weather conditions began to overspread much of southwestern Texas and southern New Mexico during late 2007, and persisted into the spring season of 2008. By mid April, severe (D2) drought was observed over the southwestern South Plains of west Texas.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 15, 20082 eventsBrush fires occurred on April 15th in both Carbon and Northampton Counties. In Carbon County, fire companies from three municipalities as well as state Forest Bureau personnel battled a twenty acre brush fire.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 15 to 16, 2008$500,000 · 1 eventA wildfire spread along the banks of the Roaring Fork River near Carbondale.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 15 to 16, 20081 injured · 2 eventsThe difference between a trough of low pressure across West Texas and High pressure across the Southeastern U.S.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 15 to 16, 20082 deaths · $5.0 million · 1 eventA wildfire erupted west of Ordway and strong winds spread the blaze rapidly east northeastward. Highways 96 and 71 were shut down, as 8900 acres of grassland was consumed. Twenty-four structures were destroyed west and north of Ordway. Over 150 power poles were destroyed.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 15 to 17, 20081 death · 1 eventA wildfire erupted with strong winds across northern Fort Carson. Strong winds rapidly spread the blaze, which eventually consumed 9000 acres. Highway 115 was closed for a time, and 750 residents were evacuated.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, April 15 to 30, 2008$8.5 million · 1 eventA human caused fire turned into a large wildfire during several days of strong winds. Very dry conditions were present prior to the wildfire due to a lack of precipitation in the preceding weeks.
• Wildfire and Dust Devil in Texas, April 16 to 17, 2008$100,000 · 3 eventsVery windy conditions combined with an extremely dry airmass to promote weather favorable for wildfire development over much of the west Texas South Plains during the late afternoon hours on the 16th.
• Wildfire in California, April 18, 20081 injured · 2 eventsGusty winds and dry conditions on April 18th contributed to a debris fire in Tuolumne County getting out of control and destroying a home. Another debris fire in El Dorado County also destroyed a home.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 18, 20082 eventsAbout a half dozen brush fires occurred on Blue Mountain in Carbon and Lehigh Counties on the 18th. The fires started at the base of the mountain range in East Penn Township in Carbon County. Fires then broke out on the Lehigh County side in Heidelberg and Washington Townships.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, April 18, 2008$28,000 · 1 eventA large fire in the central Oklahoma Panhandle was caused by two individuals using a cutting torch. The wildfire caused damage to several power poles and fencing. Flame lengths were reported to be five to ten feet in heavy brush.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 19 to 20, 20082 injured · $350,000 · 1 eventSeveral wildfires were reported in the Minot area on Saturday, April 19th, with flare-ups continuing into Sunday, April 20th when the wildfire was reported contained. 500 to 800 acres were burned. The fires started late Saturday morning with the cause unknown.
• Wildfire in North Carolina, April 19 to 21, 20081 eventDry fuels, combined with windy conditions, caused a wildfire in western Pender County.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 23, 20082 eventsWildfires occurred in Monroe and Berks Counties on the 23rd. In Monroe County, four firefighting units were used to stop a two acre brush fire in the northern part of Coolbaugh Township. The companies responded at 630 p.m.
• Wildfire in Michigan, April 24, 2008$750,000 · 1 eventThe Four Mile Road Fire developed early in the afternoon on the 24th, a few miles south-southeast of Grayling. Sparks from a passing train were a possible cause. It was a warm, dry, windy day, and a Red Flag Warning was in effect.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 30, 2008$30,000 · 1 eventA wildfire was started when tree branches downed power lines. The fire consumed 300 acres of low grass and brush about 5 miles north northwest of Stonewall...between Monument Lake and North Lake.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 30, 20082 eventsContinuing extreme to exceptional drought across Deep South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley, as well as two dry days on April 28th and 29th (following a late season cold front), and low rainfall from an event on April 27th and 28th, resulted in very low one-hour fuel…
• Wildfire in Florida, April 30, 20081 eventSeveral days of dry weather promoted dangerous fire conditions across inland North Florida. A wildfire was first reported by Gilchrist Emergency Management around 5:20 pm EDT on April 30th, and this fire was located approximately 4 miles east-northeast of Trenton.
• Drought in Maryland, May 1 to 31, 20085 eventsMay 2008 was much wetter than normal across the Eastern Shore. The drought watch remained in effect for most of the Eastern Shore, but was lifted for Cecil County on May 14th. A drought watch calls for a voluntary reduction in water consumption of five percent.
• Drought in Delaware, May 1 to 6, 20084 eventsThe return of around normal rainfall during the spring recharged water supplies enough for the drought watch to be lifted in the state of Delaware early in the month of May.
• Drought in North Carolina, May 1 to 31, 20082 eventsSevere drought conditions existed over southern portions of Wilkes and Yadkin County at the start of May. With lack of rainfall during the second half of the month, extreme drought conditions pushed north into area.
• Drought in Alabama, May 1 to 31, 200830 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought limited improvement to the ongoing drought that had begun in the Spring of 2007, but also helped keep the drought from getting worse.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 200815 eventsRainfall across western and central portions of South Texas in May helped alleviate the severity of drought conditions in this region.
• Drought in Tennessee, May 1 to 31, 200810 eventsMiddle Tennessee rainfall during March, April and May averaged to near normal for most of Middle Tennessee to as much as 4 inches above normal near Clarksville.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 19, 200810 eventsDrought conditions eased a bit to begin May across Deep South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley, courtesy of rains that ultimately affected every location during the last week of April.
• Drought in Alabama, May 1 to 31, 20089 eventsRainfall totals for May ranged from 5 to 12 inches west of Interstate 65; and 2 to 4 inches east of Interstate 65.
• Drought in Tennessee, May 1 to 31, 20083 eventsRainfall totals for May were on the order of 2 to 4 inches, but were below normal. Drought conditions improved in western portions of Lincoln County, but otherwise, Severe (D2) category drought persisted.
• Wildfire in California, May 1 to 4, 20081 eventThe Apache Fire was started by a discarded cigarette along the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Jacinto Mountains near Apache Peak. The fire burned 784 acres between April 29 and May 4. Low humidity and gusty winds were factors in the inital spread of the Apache Fire.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 1 to 31, 20081 death · 29 injured · 2 eventsA series of muck fires burned along the dry lakebed of southwestern Lake Okeechobee near the Glades and Hendry county shoreline for almost the entire month of May.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 2, 20082 injured · 1 eventA wildfire began approximately 1000 CST about four miles northeast of Shamrock just east of County Road 19 and between County Road X and County Road Y. Three hundred acres were burned with one home saved.
• Drought in Florida, May 6 to 31, 20084 eventsDry conditions during the month of May led to a reinstatement of severe drought conditions over southwest Florida and the Lake Okeechobee region.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 6 to 7, 20081 eventDry conditions, Low afternoon relative humidity values and gusty winds lead to favorable conditions for wildfire spread.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 7, 2008$30,000 · 1 eventA large grass fire ignited on a farm and burned equipment and 20 acres.
• Wildfire in Colorado, May 10, 2008$20,000 · 1 eventA wildfire scorched around 9,000 acres of grassland in El Paso County south of highway 94 from early afternoon to early evening. Two structures were consumed by the fire.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 11 to 14, 20083 injured · $16 million · 1 eventA stationary front across Alabama and Georgia combined with high pressure over the Florida Keys to produce hot and breezy west winds across East Central Florida. On May 11th winds gusted from 30 to 40 mph and high temperatures were in the 90s.
• Heat in California, May 15 to 17, 20081 death · 9 eventsA strong high pressure ridge over the region produced hot temperatures across interior Northern California from May 14th to May 17th, with many new daily high temperature records set.
• Heat in Washington, May 17, 20082 deaths · 14 injured · 1 eventWestern Washington had its first hot spell of the year that followed below normal spring temperatures. So the heat was quite a sharp contrast. In addition, the heat helped push mountain snow melt streams higher (below flood levels) with swift running and cold water temperatures.
• Heat in California, May 18 to 19, 20083 eventsA strong high pressure ridge over the region continued to produce hot temperatures across most of interior Northern California into mid-May. The ridge began to give way on the 19th, with a Delta Breeze starting to cool the Sacramento Valley.
• Drought in Texas, May 20 to 31, 20086 eventsA week long period of unsettled weather across Deep South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley between May 11th and May 17th not only brought scattered severe thunderstorms to the region, but also periods of light to moderate rain which put a brief, but notable, dent into the…
• Wildfire in Florida, May 20, 20082 eventsA swath of dry air extended over the region and breezy winds of 15 to 25 mph fueled fire development as temperatures soared into the 90s. Red Flag Warnings were in effect.
• Heat in Texas, May 22 to 23, 20084 eventsDeepening surface low pressure across the western Great Plains increased south to southeasterly flow of warm and very humid air into the Lower Rio Grande Valley toward the end of the week prior to the Memorial Day Holiday weekend.
• Drought in North Carolina, May 27 to 31, 20082 eventsThe first half of May saw moderate drought conditions across Ashe and Surry counties. However, a drier second half of the month brought an increase to severe drought conditions into the area.
• Drought in Texas, May 27 to 31, 20085 eventsAfter some mid month relief in the form of unsettled and locally wet weather, dry and hot conditions returned to close out May, with near record heat just before Memorial Day helping increase the rate of drying.
• Heat in North Carolina, May 27, 20081 death · 1 eventSenior Chad Wiley collapsed after a voluntary football workout on campus Tuesday May 27th. Chad was 22 years old.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 29 to 31, 2008$850,000 · 1 eventA small wildfire started during the afternoon of the 29th in Golden Gate Estates, quickly spreading and causing evacuations and engulfing homes and vehicles.
• Drought in North Carolina, June 1 to 30, 200834 eventsAlthough near normal rainfall was observed across much of the area during the late winter and early spring, another period of abnormally dry weather in May and June exacerbated severe to extreme drought conditions over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
• Drought in South Carolina, June 1 to 30, 200815 eventsAlthough near normal rainfall was observed across much of the area during the late winter and early spring, another period of abnormally dry weather in May and June exacerbated severe to extreme drought conditions over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
• Drought in Georgia, June 1 to 30, 20086 eventsAlthough near normal rainfall was observed across much of the area during the late winter and early spring, another period of abnormally dry weather in May and June exacerbated severe to extreme drought conditions over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
• Drought in North Carolina, June 1 to 30, 20085 eventsBelow average rainfall allowed for Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) drought to continue across much of northwest North Carolina.
• Drought in Florida, June 1 to 30, 20085 eventsLong term drought conditions persisted through June over much of southwest Florida.
• Drought in Maryland, June 1 to 11, 20084 eventsThe above normal rainfall during the month of May and into the first part of June was sufficient to replenish groundwater and stream flow. The drought watch for Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot and Caroline Counties was discontinued.
• Heat and Drought in Texas, June 1 to 20, 2008$900,000 · 24 eventsAbnormally hot and dry weather prevailed over the west Texas South Plains region during the first half of June.
• Drought in Alabama, June 1 to 30, 200817 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama continued to bring limited improvement to the ongoing drought that had begun in the Spring of 2007. However, areas roughly along and east and Interstate 65 remained in the Severe Drought (D2) designation through the entire month.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 200815 eventsLack of rainfall during June led to intensifying drought conditions across all of South Texas. In fact, many areas of South Texas only experienced 5-20% normal rainfall for the month.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 16, 200810 eventsSevere (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought conditions prevailed across portions of the western and central Lower Rio Grande Valley, as well as locations in Deep South Texas just north of the central Valley, through the first half of June as dry conditions and above normal temperatures…
• Drought in Alabama, June 1 to 17, 20089 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought improvement to the drought that had begun in the Spring of 2007. Areas from Tuscaloosa, south and westward to Selma and Montgomery, were removed from the Severe Drought (D2) designation on June 17.
• Drought in Alabama, June 1 to 30, 20087 eventsRainfall totals for June were below normal areawide, and in quite a few areas, more than three inches below normal.
• Drought in Alabama, June 1 to 3, 20084 eventsSeveral storm systems across Central Alabama brought improvement to the drought that had begun in the Spring of 2007. Areas in the northwest, including Marion, Winston, Fayette, and Walker Counties were removed from the Severe Drought (D2) designation on June 3.
• Drought in Tennessee, June 1 to 30, 20084 eventsEven though the area has shrunk, Middle Tennessee summer is generally hot and dry. The drought area may expand again during the summer months.
• Drought in Tennessee, June 1 to 30, 20083 eventsRainfall totals for June were below normal areawide, and in quite a few areas, more than three inches below normal.
• Drought in Montana, June 1 to 30, 20083 eventsThe lack of snow cover during the winter and below normal precipitation since November 2007 has resulted in the development of severe drought conditions (D2) by early June across extreme eastern Montana.
• Excessive Heat in Pennsylvania, June 7 to 10, 200822 deaths · 33 injured · 10 eventsThe most oppressive heat wave of the meteorological summer affected Eastern Pennsylvania from June 7th through the 10th. There were about twenty heat related deaths, eighteen within Philadelphia. There were also a couple of drownings within rivers.
• Excessive Heat in New Jersey, June 7 to 10, 20081 death · 48 injured · 21 eventsThe most oppressive heat wave of the meteorological summer affected New Jersey from June 7th through the 10th.
• Excessive Heat in Maryland, June 7 to 10, 20085 eventsThe most oppressive heat wave of the meteorological summer affected the Eastern Shore from June 7th through the 10th.
• Excessive Heat in Delaware, June 7 to 10, 20084 eventsThe most oppressive heat wave of the meteorological summer affected Delaware from June 7th through the 10th. The combination of high temperatures well into the 90s and dew point temperatures in the 70s produced apparent temperatures or heat indices values as high as 105 to 110.
• Excessive Heat in Alabama, June 7, 20084 injured · 1 eventHeat illnesses prompted the hospitalization of four individuals. Temperatures climbed to between 90 and 95 degrees and heat index values reached 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Excessive Heat in Virginia, June 8, 20081 death · 1 eventA strong ridge of high pressure set up across the eastern United States for several days in early to mid June. High temperatures reached into the mid to upper 90s across northern Virginia on June 8.
• Excessive Heat in Alabama, June 8, 20083 injured · 1 eventExcessive heat prompted three people to be hospitalized from heat related illnesses Sunday afternoon. Temperatures climbed to values between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while heat index values climbed to between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat in Nevada, June 8 to 9, 20081 death · 1 eventTemperatures in the 90s proved fatal to a young boy who was left outside in his parents' vehicle for 17 hours.
• Heat in New York, June 9 to 10, 20089 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid conditions persisted from Monday June 9th, until Tuesday afternoon on June 10th. Temperatures reached the mid to upper 90s across much of the mid Hudson Valley and Capital Region during each afternoon.
• Heat in Connecticut, June 9 to 10, 20082 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid conditions persisted from Monday June 9th, until Tuesday afternoon on June 10th. Temperatures reached the mid to upper 90s across much of Litchfield County during each afternoon.
• Heat in Rhode Island, June 9 to 10, 20082 deaths · 1 eventAn elderly couple in Central Falls, RI was found dead in their apartment where temperatures had reached 102 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Maryland, June 9, 20082 deaths · 2 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure set up across the eastern United States for several days in early to mid June. High temperatures reached into the mid to upper 90s across lower southern Maryland on June 9.
• Drought in North Carolina, June 10 to 30, 20083 eventsBelow normal rainfall allowed for a Severe (D2) Drought to return to parts of northwest North Carolina.
• Drought in Virginia, June 10 to 30, 20083 eventsA period of below normal rainfall towards the end of May into early June across Virginia, allowed drought conditions by the middle of June to worsen to the Severe (D2) category in those areas along the North Carolina border west of Danville.
• Heat in North Carolina, June 10, 20081 death · 1 eventVery hot temperatures led to the death of a man in Pitt County. It is estimated the man died on June 10th.
• Wildfire in California, June 11 to 21, 20088 injured · 2 eventsWildfires in Butte, Shasta, and Tehama counties spread quickly due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, June 11 to 12, 2008$180,000 · 1 eventA large wildfire began around 1440 CST about eleven miles northwest of Guymon in Texas County...or about two miles north of U.S. Highway 64.
• Heat in North Carolina, June 13, 20082 deaths · 1 eventA man and a woman were found dead in a trailer on June 16th. It is believed they died on June 13th due to extreme heat. The trailer they were found in had no air conditioning and all the windows were closed despite temperatures well into the 90s.
• Wildfire in Virginia, June 14 to 17, 20082 eventsA wildfire was sparked by lightning at Richardson Knob at the northern portion of Massanutten Mountain in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forrest on June 14. Approximately 200 acres of forest burned in Warren and Shenandoah Counties.
• Drought in Oklahoma, June 15 to 30, 2008$100,000 · 2 eventsAlthough much of Oklahoma reported above average rainfall totals, northwest Oklahoma remained dry. As a result, D2 drought set in over a small area of Harper and Ellis counties. The wheat harvest was minimal, and some farmers were forced to sell off their cattle.
• Drought in Texas, June 17 to 30, 200814 eventsContinuing hot and largely dry weather across Deep South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley through mid June expanded both severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought conditions.
• Drought in California, June 17 to 30, 200811 eventsThe governor of California made a statewide drought declaration early in the month, mainly due to much drier conditions in the north.
• Drought in Virginia, June 17 to 30, 20082 eventsA period of below normal rainfall towards the end of May into early June across Virginia, allowed drought conditions by the middle of June to worsen to the Severe (D2) category in those areas along the North Carolina border west of Danville.
• Drought in Hawaii, June 17 to 30, 20082 eventsA portion of Oahu, that includes Waimanalo, and West Molokai were added to the Drought Monitor at the D2 level (severe drought). Poor rainfall led to water restrictions in both areas.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, June 18 to 22, 200810 injured · 1 eventA strong high pressure system over the region resulted in a prolonged period of very hot conditions. In Phoenix, a record high of 115 was set on the 21st...while in Yuma a record high of 116 was set on the 20th.
• Heat in California, June 20 to 22, 20083 eventsA broad high pressure ridge brought well above average temperatures to the Central Valley. There were daily high maximum and minimum temperature records in the northern San Joaquin Valley.
• Heat in California, June 20, 20084 eventsA short-lived heat wave resulted in record high temperatures across the forecast area, but especially in the valleys and lower deserts. High temperatures reached 105-111 degrees in the valleys and 115-118 degrees in the lower deserts.
• Excessive Heat in California, June 20 to 21, 200814 eventsThe combination of strong high pressure centered over Arizona and weak offshore flow generated extreme heat conditions across Central and Southern California.
• Wildfire in California, June 20 to 21, 20083 eventsNumerous thunderstorms with little or no rain spread across the area late in the evening on June 20th. Approximately 1000 lightning strikes were detected that started numerous wildfires across northwestern California.
• Wildfire in California, June 21 to 30, 200824 injured · 7 eventsNumerous thunderstorms with little or no rainfall spread across interior Northern California on June 21st. Approximately 8000 lightning strikes were detected, sparking as many as 2000 wildfires across Northern California.
• Wildfire in California, June 21 to 30, 20083 eventsJune saw the fourth consecutive month of below-normal rainfall in the central California interior, as neither Fresno nor Bakersfield had any rain.
• Heat in Nevada, June 23 to 25, 20083 deaths · 1 eventTemperatures around 105 degrees killed three people in the Las Vegas Valley.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 23 to 30, 2008$1.0 million · 1 eventOn June 23rd, lightning started a wildfire in heavy timber on the east side of the Manzano Mountains, not far from the area of the Trigo Fire, which had burned earlier in the spring. Over 5000 acres were consumed before the fire was contained June 30th.
• Drought in Texas, June 24 to 30, 20086 eventsSevere to Extreme drought conditions were prevailed across all of Deep South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley at the end of June.
• Drought in Texas, June 24 to 30, 20086 eventsCounties in the Waco/Temple/Killeen area were considered to be in Severe Drought (D2) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Wildfire and Hail in Florida, June 24, 200850 kt wind · 4 eventsA short wave upper level trough moved off of the mid-Atlantic coast which created height rises over the southeast region as an upper level ridge built over the local area.
• Drought in Alabama, June 24 to 30, 20082 eventsLess than normal rainfall led to the redevelopment of Severe Drought (D2) conditions in portions of Russell and Barbour Counties by the end of the month.
• Heat in Oregon, June 28 to 29, 20082 deaths · 2 eventsDuring the first major heat wave of the season and amid record breaking heat, two men lost their lives to injuries, and it was reported by the sheriff's department that weather may have contributed to each death.
• Wildfire in California, June 28 to 30, 2008$1.0 million · 1 eventJune saw the fourth consecutive month of below-normal rainfall in the central California interior, as neither Fresno nor Bakersfield had any rain.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, June 29 to 30, 20084 eventsAn upper level ridge and thermal trough across the Pacific Northwest produced temperatures above 100 degrees for two consecutive days.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, June 29 to 30, 20083 eventsAn upper level ridge and thermal trough across the Pacific Northwest produced temperatures above 100 degrees for two consecutive days. Temperatures for the June 29 and 30, respectively, included Hermiston (100, 105), Pendleton (102, 101), and Pelton Dam (105, 101).
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 29 to 30, 2008$20,000 · 1 eventThunderstorms sparked fires in dry grass and brush. The fires were aided by temperatures near 100 degrees and gusty winds. A fire on the Boardman Bombing Range scorched several thousand acres. A human caused fire in Arlington burned several vehicles.
• Drought in North Carolina, July 1 to 31, 200834 eventsUnusually dry weather continued through the month of July, with severe to extreme drought conditions persisting across the area.
• Drought in South Carolina, July 1 to 31, 200815 eventsUnusually dry weather continued through the month of July, with severe to extreme drought conditions persisting across the area.
• Drought in North Carolina, July 1 to 31, 20089 eventsRainfall amounts near average allowed for drought conditions to remain unchanged across much of the area through July. The exception was in the western Piedmont region where early July thunderstorms allowed for some mitigation of the drought conditions.
• Drought in Georgia, July 1 to 31, 20086 eventsUnusually dry weather continued through the month of July, with severe to extreme drought conditions persisting across the area. Water well levels began to descend below record low levels, most of which were recorded during the 1999-2002 drought.
• Drought in Virginia, July 1 to 31, 20085 eventsRainfall across the region during July was near normal with localized pockets of heavier thunderstorm induced rainfall. These heavier rains helped to mitigate drought conditions slightly for parts of Southside Virginia.
• Drought in Florida, July 1 to 15, 20083 eventsLong term drought conditions continued into July over the Lake Okeechobee area, but heavy rains during the month of July brought an end to the drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 2008$165,000 · 7 eventsDrought conditions worsened across north Texas, with some counties south of Waco considered to be in Extreme Drought. A few counties from the metroplex westward were also included in the Severe Drought category this month.
• Drought in Alabama, July 1 to 31, 200819 eventsDespite several storm systems with scattered rain fall, Severe (D2) Drought conditions continued across a large portion of central Alabama throughout the month of July.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 200815 eventsHurricane Dolly made landfall on July 23rd roughly 80 miles south of Corpus Christi. Rainfall from Hurricane Dolly helped to decrease the drought severity across southern portions of South Texas.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 24, 200810 eventsJuly began where June left off in Deep South Texas, with Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) Drought covering the entire area.
• Drought in Alabama, July 1 to 31, 20088 eventsSevere drought conditions /D2/ were maintained during the month of July in all of northeast and much of north central Alabama. Rains were of the typical summertime spotty variety.
• Drought in Tennessee, July 1 to 31, 20087 eventsRainfall amounts were about one-half inch above normal for July, but it was two inches below normal at Crossvile. The severe drought continues to affect the southern and eastern sections of Middle Tennessee.
• Drought in Tennessee, July 1 to 31, 20083 eventsSevere drought conditions /D2/ were maintained during the month of July. Rains were of the typical summertime spotty variety. Most areas received at least two inches for the month, with a few spots including Winchester receiving four inches.
• Drought in Montana, July 1 to 31, 20087 eventsBelow normal winter, spring and summer precipitation exacerbated drought conditions across eastern Montana resulting in widespread severe (D2) drought levels becoming extreme (D3) later in the month particularly in Sheridan, eastern Roosevelt, eastern Richland, and Wibaux…
• Wildfire in California, July 1 to 31, 20081 death · 68 injured · 8 eventsThunderstorms with little or no rain spread across the area on June 21st. About 8000 lighting strikes were detected, sparking approximately 2000 wildfires across northern California. These fires destroyed numerous structures and caused multiple deaths and injuries.
• Wildfire in California, July 1 to 25, 2008$5.0 million · 1 eventThe Piute wildfire, in the Sequoia National Forest, was ignited on June 28 at 1359 PST by unknown causes. The location was 8 miles North of Twin Oaks in Kern County. The size was 37,026 acres. The fire was contained on July 25. There were no fatalities.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 200811 eventsSeasonally dry conditions continued west of the mountains, while monsoonal flow aloft brought episodes of showers and thunderstorms to the mountains and deserts. This resulted in a D1 (moderate drought) classification by the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 1 to 31, 20084 eventsWater restrictions were imposed on parts of Hawaii as drought conditions persisted or worsened. These areas included East Oahu, West Molokai, Central and West Maui, and leeward areas of the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 3, 2008$20,000 · 1 eventThe Jackass Butte Fire, centered five miles southwest of Omak, was a lightning caused fire that burned 1,000 acres. Gusty and erratic winds resulted in rapid fire spread shortly after the begin time of the event. Three outbuildings were also destroyed by the fire.
• Wildfire in California, July 3 to 6, 20081 injured · 1 eventThe Ridge Fire burned 263 acres of brush on Yucaipa Ridge.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Montana, July 4, 2008$2,000 · 61 kt wind · 15 eventsNumerous severe thunderstorms developed this afternoon across central Montana ahead of a vigorous upper level trough. A few of these storms eventually grew into a squall line and affected parts of northeast Montana producing damaging straight line winds.
• Drought in Texas, July 8 to 31, 2008$50,000 · 2 eventsDrought conditions worsened across north Texas, with some counties south of Waco considered to be in Extreme Drought. A few counties from the metroplex westward were also included in the Severe Drought category this month.
• Drought in Texas, July 8 to 24, 20083 eventsDespite widespread rainfall generally ranging from 3 to 5 inches across the Deep South Texas counties of Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy, the combination of a fairly long duration Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought for most of spring into early summer, along with continued…
• Drought in Virginia, July 8 to 31, 20082 eventsMost of southwest Virginia had near normal rainfall during the month of July. However, a small pocket of below normal rainfall allowed for Severe Drought condition to expand north into parts of the area.
• Heat in California, July 9, 20083 deaths · 3 injured · 3 eventsA strong upper level ridge brought hot weather to much of the area from July 6th to the 10th. High temperatures well over the century mark were recorded, with records tied or set across the northern Central Valley on the 9th.
• Excessive Heat in California, July 9 to 10, 20082 deaths · 5 eventsAn extreme heat event developed on July 8 across Interior Central CA as a strong ridge of high pressure setup across the region.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Washington, July 10 to 19, 2008$2.6 million · 64 kt wind · 8 eventsA strong dry cold front dropped south from British Columbia during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Windy conditions and low humidities both ahead of and immediately behind the cold front resulted in new large fires over portions of the inland northwest.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 10 to 12, 20082 eventsStrong thunderstorms with frequent cloud to ground lightning developed on the evening of July 10th resulting in two wildfires across northeast Montana.
• Heat in Nevada, July 11, 20082 deaths · 1 eventTwo people died due to heat stress.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 12, 20081 death · 1 eventA 31-year-old man died from excessive heat exposure in Philadelphia. The high temperature on the 12th was 89 degrees.
• Heat in Nevada, July 14 to 15, 20082 deaths · 1 eventTwo people died of heat stress.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 15 to 31, 20083 eventsDry conditions over parts of Maui continued to plague residents and agricultural concerns. Water restrictions were increased with the lack of rainfall.
• Excessive Heat in Pennsylvania, July 16 to 22, 20087 deaths · 10 eventsThe longest heat wave of the summer affected eastern Pennsylvania from July 16th through the 22nd. The heat wave ended on the 22nd as thunderstorms kept temperatures below 90 degrees on the 23rd. a cold front overnight then brought in drier air.
• Excessive Heat in New Jersey, July 16 to 23, 200817 eventsThe longest heat wave of the summer affected New Jersey from July 16th through the 22nd. Some places in southern New Jersey also reached into the lower 90s on the 23rd.
• Excessive Heat in Maryland, July 16 to 23, 20085 eventsThe longest heat wave of the summer affected the Maryland Eastern Shore from July 16th through the 23rd. The heat wave ended when a cold front moved through the region early on the 24th. High temperatures were in the lower to mid 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Delaware, July 16 to 23, 20084 eventsThe longest heat wave of the summer affected northern Delaware from July 16th through the 22nd and southern Delaware from July 16th through the 23rd.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 20, 20081 death · 1 eventA heat wave produced temperatures near or above 100 degrees during the late part of July. Those temperatures combined with high humidity produced heat index values of over 100 degrees during this time frame as well.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 20 to 21, 200868 injured · 3 eventsThe first excessive heat of the summer hit on July 20th to 21st. High temperatures across the region ranged from 97 to 99 degrees. However the humid air produced Heat Index readings from 105 to 110 degrees.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 20 to 21, 20081 death · 2 eventsHot and humid conditions prevailed as a large upper-level ridge of high pressure covered the south central United States. On the 21st, the heat index peaked between 105 and 110 degrees for a few hours at Henderson and Owensboro.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 20, 20084 injured · 1 eventHigh pressure aloft brought hot, humid conditions to Arkansas in the second half of July.
• Excessive Heat in Alabama, July 21, 20083 injured · 1 eventA strong upper level ridge of high pressure in place across the southeastern US lead to temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s across Madison County. In fact, A record high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit was set at the Huntsville International Airport.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 21, 20087 eventsThe first excessive heat of the summer hit on the 21st of July. High temperatures across the region ranged from 97 to 99 degrees. However the humid air produced Heat Index readings from 105 to 110 degrees.
• Heat in Illinois, July 21, 20082 eventsHot and humid conditions prevailed as a large upper-level ridge of high pressure covered the south central United States. The heat index peaked between 105 and 109 degrees for a few hours at Mount Vernon and Carmi.
• Wildfire in California, July 22 to 31, 20081 death · 1 eventLightning from a thunderstorm event on 07/22/08 ignited another round of wildfires across northern California. The Panther Wildfire started this day around 3:00 AM. It was still burning at the end of July.
• Drought in Alabama, July 22 to 31, 20084 eventsDespite several days with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the month, Severe (D2) Drought conditions returned to several counties.
• Drought in Texas, July 23 to 31, 2008$200,000 · 4 eventsDrought conditions worsened across north Texas, with some counties south of Waco considered to be in Extreme Drought. A few counties from the metroplex westward were also included in the Severe Drought category this month.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, July 23 to 28, 20083 deaths · 2 eventsHeat related deaths occurred after consecutive days of high temperatures over 100 degrees and low temperatures over 77 degrees as recorded at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 25 to 28, 2008$500 · 5 eventsMultiple rounds of thunderstorms from the 25th through the morning of the 28th resulted in at least five separate wildfires across northeast Montana.
• Wildfire in California, July 25 to 31, 2008$25 million · 1 eventThe Telegraph wildfire was located in the CalFire Merced-Madera-Mariposa Unit, near Mariposa in Mariposa County. The ignition date was July 25 at 1410 PST. The cause was human, due to target shooting. The size was 34,091 acres. The wildfire was contained on August 5.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, July 26 to 31, 20081 eventLightning sparked the Gunbarrel Wildfire in the Absaroka Mountains. The fire began at 1155MDT on Saturday, July 26 and the ignition was a holdover from previous lightning activity. The fire was burning heavy dead and down fuels.
• Heat in Nevada, July 26, 20081 death · 1 eventOne person died of heat stress.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 28, 20081 death · 1 eventA heat wave produced temperatures above 100 degrees on July 29th and July 30th with upper 90 degree temperatures on July 27th, 28th, and 31st. The temperatures combined with high humidity produced heat index values of over 100 degrees during this time frame as well.
• Drought in Alabama, July 29 to 31, 20084 eventsDespite several days with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the month, Severe (D2) Drought conditions returned to several counties.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 29, 20081 injured · 1 eventA 26-year-old Philadelphia Eagle defensive end was hospitalized after suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion on the 29th. He was released from the hospital later that day. The high temperature at the Lehigh Valley International Airport was 87 degrees.
• Heat in New Jersey, July 29, 20081 injured · 1 eventA six-year-old boy was hospitalized after he was found lethargic and slumped over in a car seat in a mall parking lot in Vineland. He was left inside the vehicle for over thirty minutes. The high temperature at the Atlantic City International Airport on the 29th was 91 degrees.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, July 30 to 31, 20081 eventA powerline running through a utility corridor initiated the LeHardy Wildfire three miles north of Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park.
• Drought in North Carolina, August 1 to 31, 200834 eventsDry weather persisted across much of the area for most of August, although portions of the North Carolina Piedmont began to see relief from the dry conditions early in the month, due to an increase in daily thunderstorm activity.
• Drought in New Jersey, August 1 to 31, 200815 eventsAn unseasonably dry August occurred across the state of New Jersey with the greatest departures from normal in the central part of the state.
• Drought in South Carolina, August 1 to 31, 200815 eventsDuring the early part of the month, flows on most of the major streams across the area were running at record low levels. Only a handful of streams were running at more than 1 to 7 percent of normal. Groundwater levels were 2-5 feet below normal.
• Drought in North Carolina, August 1 to 31, 20087 eventsRainfall was mainly confined to the typical summertime showers and thunderstorms for much of the month of August.
• Drought in Georgia, August 1 to 31, 20086 eventsExceptional drought conditions persisted and even expanded slightly westward to cover more of far western North Carolina and northeast Georgia during the month.
• Drought in Maryland, August 1 to 31, 20085 eventsAn unseasonably dry August occurred across the Eastern Shore and could cause problems for crops if it persists into September and October. The corn crop in Kent and Queen Anne's Counties has been affected the most.
• Drought in Virginia, August 1 to 31, 20084 eventsRainfall was mainly confined to the typical summertime showers and thunderstorms for much of the month of August. Drought conditions stayed in the severe category for the month, but spread further north by the middle of August.
• Drought in Delaware, August 1 to 31, 20084 eventsAn unseasonably dry August occurred across the state of Delaware and created an agricultural drought for farms that did not have irrigation capabilities. The dry August was taking its toll on the corn crop.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 18, 2008$125,000 · 11 eventsDrought continued in far southern portions of north Texas but was largely eased due to several signifant rainfall events starting around the middle of August and continuing for about a week.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2008$50,000 · 2 eventsWhile much of the rest of north Texas received ample rainfall, portions of Milam and Bell Counties were still considered to be in Severe and Extreme Drought (D2 and D3) as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Alabama, August 1 to 26, 200826 eventsDespite several storm systems that brought scattered rain during the beginning of the month, Severe (D2) Drought conditions continued in much of central Alabama through the middle of the month.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 200815 eventsSeveral episodes of heavy rainfall during the last half of August helped to significantly decrease the drought severity across South Texas. During the month of August a widespread 4 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred across much of South Texas.
• Drought in Tennessee, August 1 to 31, 20089 eventsAugust was dry for most of Middle Tennessee with below normal rainfall ranging from about 3 inches in northwest Middle Tennessee and 1.6 inches below normal near Nashville. Crossville had about 0.2 inches of rain above normal...but nevertheless were still in a severe drought.
• Drought in Alabama, August 1 to 31, 20087 eventsAugust finally marked the first substantial rainfall for the Central Tennessee Valley since we entered into the heart of the drought in early 2006. The month began rather uneventfully with a series of mainly dry cold fronts.
• Drought in Tennessee, August 1 to 26, 20083 eventsAugust finally marked the first substantial rainfall for the Central Tennessee Valley since we entered into the heart of the drought in early 2006. The month began rather uneventfully with a series of mainly dry cold fronts.
• Drought in Montana, August 1 to 31, 20089 eventsBelow normal winter, spring and summer precipitation exacerbated drought conditions across eastern Montana resulting in widespread extreme drought (D3) levels in Sheridan, eastern Roosevelt, eastern Richland, and Wibaux counties.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 200811 eventsSeasonally dry conditions continued west of the mountains, while monsoonal flow aloft brought episodes of showers and thunderstorms to the mountains and deserts. This resulted in a D1 (moderate drought) classification by the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, August 1 to 31, 20088 eventsA dearth of rainfall continued to plague parts of the Hawaiian Islands. Water restrictions were maintained to forestall even more trouble in the affected areas.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, August 1 to 3, 20082 deaths · 1 eventMinimum temperatures in Phoenix for the first three days of August were the warmest on record.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 5, 20082 deaths · 46 injured · 2 eventsA prolonged period of excessive heat occurred across much of eastern Oklahoma during the early part of August.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, August 1 to 5, 20082 eventsA prolonged period of excessive heat occurred across much of west-central Arkansas during the early part of August.
• Wildfire in Colorado, August 1, 2008$500,000 · 1 eventLightning sparked a wildfire which scorched around 8500 acres east of Fountain. The fire began south of the intersection of Squirrel Creek Road and Milne Road and spread to the north and west. Seventeen structures were destroyed, including three houses.
• Heat in Nevada, August 1 to 4, 20082 deaths · 1 eventHigh temperatures contributed to the deaths of two people in the Las Vegas area. One death occurred on the 1st, when the high temperature was 110 degrees, and temperatures had been 105 degrees or higher for 10 out of 11 days.
• Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 2, 20081 death · 1 injured · 2 eventsAbove normal late July and early August afternoon temperatures began to take their toll on Oklahoma residents. One man died due to a heat-related illness while driving a tractor six miles north of Lone Wolf.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, August 1 to 2, 20084 deaths · 1 eventA streak of twelve consecutive days with high temperatures of 100 degrees or more and low temperatures of 77 degrees or more was recorded at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in late July and early August.
• Heat in Missouri, August 2, 200810 eventsHeat indices peaked near 105 degrees during the afternoon over most of southeast Missouri. Actual air temperatures reached the mid 90's. A large and strong upper level high was building east from the Plains into the Mississippi Valley, contributing to the heat.
• Heat in Kentucky, August 2, 20089 eventsHeat indices peaked near 105 degrees during the afternoon west of Kentucky Lake. Actual air temperatures reached the mid 90's. A large and strong upper level high was building east from the Plains into the Mississippi Valley, contributing to the heat.
• Heat in Illinois, August 2, 20083 eventsHeat indices peaked near 105 degrees during the afternoon over the southern tip of Illinois. Actual air temperatures reached the mid 90's. A large and strong upper level high was building east from the Plains into the Mississippi Valley, contributing to the heat.
• Excessive Heat in Louisiana, August 2, 20081 death · 1 eventA high pressure ridge at the surface and aloft was anchored across the southern plains into the Lower Mississippi Valley the last week of July into the first week of August.
• Heat in Missouri, August 4, 20088 eventsA large and strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere was centered over the southern Plains. This feature brought hot and humid weather. Afternoon heat indices peaked near 105 degrees, and actual air temperatures reached the mid 90's.
• Excessive Heat in Louisiana, August 4, 20081 death · 1 eventA high pressure ridge at the surface and aloft was anchored across the southern plains into the Lower Mississippi Valley the last week of July into the first week of August.
• Drought in Alabama, August 5 to 26, 20085 eventsDespite several storm systems that brought scattered rain during the beginning of the month, Severe (D2) Drought conditions expanded to several more counties in south central Alabama.
• Heat in Kentucky, August 5, 200817 eventsA large and strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere stretched from the Tennessee Valley to the Plains. This feature contributed to hot and humid weather. Afternoon heat indices peaked near 105 degrees over parts of western Kentucky.
• Heat in Illinois, August 5, 200811 eventsA large and strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere stretched from the Tennessee Valley to the Plains. This feature contributed to hot and humid weather. Afternoon heat indices peaked near 105 degrees over parts of southern Illinois.
• Heat in Missouri, August 5, 20089 eventsA large and strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere stretched from the Tennessee Valley to the Plains. This feature contributed to hot and humid weather. Afternoon heat indices peaked near 105 degrees over most of southeast Missouri.
• Heat in Indiana, August 5, 20084 eventsA large and strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere stretched from the Tennessee Valley to the Plains. This feature contributed to hot and humid weather. Afternoon heat indices peaked near 105 degrees over parts of southwest Indiana, mainly south of Interstate 64.
• Heat in Nevada, August 6 to 8, 20082 deaths · 1 eventHigh temperatures in the Las Vegas area contributed to the deaths of two people. One death occurred on the 6th, when the high temperature was 104 degrees, and temperatures had been 100 degrees or higher for 17 out of 20 days.
• Heat in Nevada, August 10 to 12, 20082 deaths · 1 eventHigh temperatures contributed to the deaths of two people in the Las Vegas area. One death occurred on the 10th, when the high temperature was 104 degrees, and temperatures had been 100 degrees or higher for 21 out of 24 days.
• Drought in Virginia, August 12 to 31, 20086 eventsRainfall was mainly confined to the typical summertime showers and thunderstorms for much of the month of August. Drought conditions in the moderate category at the beginning of the month, worsened to severe by August 12th.
• Drought in North Carolina, August 12 to 31, 20082 eventsRainfall was mainly confined to the typical summertime showers and thunderstorms for much of the month of August. Moderate drought conditions at the beginning of the month, worsened to severe conditions by the middle of August.
• Heat in California, August 15, 20082 eventsA strong high pressure ridge allowed high temperatures to reach triple digits across the northern Central Valley.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, August 15 to 17, 200810 eventsAn upper level ridge and dry air brought excessive heat into eastern Oregon. Locations which experienced multiple days of at least 100 degree temperatures included Hermiston (102, 105, 107), Pendleton (100, 107, 108), Redmond (106, 102), The Dalles (107, 109, 102), Moro (100,…
• Excessive Heat in Washington, August 15 to 17, 20086 eventsAn upper level ridge and dry air brought excessive heat into eastern Washington. Some locations which experienced multiple days of at least 100 degree temperatures included Dallesport (107, 109, 102), Ellensburg (102, 105, 106), Hanford (104, 106, 111), Pasco (103, 104, 103),…
• Drought in Virginia, August 19 to 31, 200810 eventsRainfall was mainly confined to the typical summertime showers and thunderstorms for much of the month of August. Drought conditions in the moderate category at the beginning of the month, worsened to severe by August 19th.
• Heat in Nevada, August 20, 20081 death · 1 eventHigh temperatures contributed to one death in the Las Vegas area. The death occurred on the 20th, when the high temperature was 101 degrees, and temperatures had been 100 degrees or higher for 31 out of 34 days.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Idaho, August 25, 20081 death · $5.0 million · 54 kt wind · 3 eventsA strong cold front swept through Eastern Oregon and Southwest Idaho August 25th bringing damaging winds and a wildfire in Southeast Boise that raced out of control destroying nearly a dozen homes including one fatality.
• Heat in California, August 28 to 29, 20083 eventsA strong upper level ridge brought hot weather to much of the area from the 26th to the 28th. High temperatures well over the century mark were recorded, with records tied or set across the northern Central Valley.
• Drought in North Carolina, September 1 to 30, 200834 eventsThe heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Fay in late August provided some relief to the drought conditions across the area. This was particularly true across the North Carolina piedmont, where improving conditions were aided by normal September rainfall.
• Drought in South Carolina, September 1 to 30, 200815 eventsThe heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Fay in late August provided some relief to the drought conditions across the area. However, another dry month resulted in a persistence of extreme to exceptional drought conditions across much of the western half of South Carolina.
• Drought in New Jersey, September 1 to 5, 200815 eventsRainfall returning to above normal levels in September was too late to be helpful for farmers. For example in Franklin Township in Gloucester County, the corn died before reaching maturity. The dry weather ended with the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna on September 6th.
• Drought in Georgia, September 1 to 30, 20086 eventsThe heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Fay in late August provided some relief to the drought conditions across the area. However, another dry month resulted in a persistence of extreme to exceptional drought conditions.
• Drought in Delaware, September 1 to 30, 20084 eventsPrior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna, unseasonably dry weather continued in Delaware. Only two percent of the top soil in Delaware had adequate moisture. Eighty-five percent of the sampled soil conditions were described as very short on moisture.
• Drought in North Carolina, September 1 to 30, 20084 eventsSevere drought conditions (D2) persisted across the mountains of northwest North Carolina. However, a subtropical low developed along the carolina coast on September 25th-26th and tracked directly over our area resulting in a prolonged period of rainfall across the region.
• Drought in Pennsylvania, September 1 to 30, 20082 eventsIn spite of an unseasonably wet September, drought restrictions were tightened in a few municipalities in the Philadelphia suburbs. On September 15th, Sellersville (Bucks County) issued mandatory water restrictions.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 2008$30,000 · 2 eventsSouthwestern portions of north Texas were undergoing drought as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Tennessee, September 1 to 30, 200820 eventsUnusually dry weather continued in September especially across the east half of Middle Tennessee. Many of these locations received less than one-half inch of rain in September or roughly 2-4 inches LESS than the amount that typically occurs in September.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 20086 eventsDuring September, drought conditions persisted across northeast portions of the Coastal Bend and Victoria Crossroads. Throughout September, moderate drought conditions persisted across Goliad, Calhoun, Aransas, Refugio, southern Victoria, and northeast Bee counties.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 20083 eventsPersistent dry weather over the summer has resulted in the development of severe drought conditions developing across the Northwest Hill Country.
• Drought in Alabama, September 1 to 30, 20082 eventsSeptember turned out to be an extremely dry month. High pressure dominated the weather most of the month, with the only substantive rainfall occurring in the first week of September. Even then, the heaviest rain from that event occurred just west of the area.
• Drought in Montana, September 1 to 30, 20088 eventsBelow normal precipitation for the year maintained extreme drought (D3) levels in eastern Roosevelt, eastern Richland, and Wibaux counties.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 200811 eventsSeasonally dry conditions continued west of the mountains, while monsoonal flow aloft brought brief episodes of showers and thunderstorms to the mountains and deserts. This resulted in a D1 (moderate drought) classification by the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, September 1 to 30, 20088 eventsA deficit of rainfall remained a serious problem for parts of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Water restrictions continued.
• Heat in Nevada, September 4, 20082 deaths · 1 eventHigh temperatures contributed to the deaths of two people in the Las Vegas area on September 4th. The high temperature was 102 degrees.
• Heat in Nevada, September 10, 20081 death · 1 eventHigh temperatures contributed to the death of one person in the Las Vegas area on September 10th. The high temperature was 93 degrees.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Kentucky, September 14, 200839 injured · $182 million · 68 kt wind · 23 eventsFrequent wind gusts from 60 to nearly 80 mph caused widespread damage in western Kentucky. The low pressure center that was the remnant of Hurricane Ike raced northeast at 40 to 50 mph across Missouri and Illinois. The center passed between Carbondale and St.
• Drought in Kentucky, September 28 to 30, 200819 eventsParts of western Kentucky were classified as being in severe drought by the end of the month. September was dry for most of the region. Many Kentucky locations were two to three inches below normal for the month.
• Drought in Wisconsin, September 30, 200814 eventsSignificant 60 to 90 day rainfall deficits, dry soil moisture and low stream flow resulted in severe drought conditions (D2) across parts of central, north-central and northeast Wisconsin by late September.
• Drought in Alabama, September 30, 20083 eventsAbnormally dry conditions through the month of September led to the expansion of Severe (D2) Drought conditions into portions of Cleburne, Randolph, and Chambers Counties by the end of the month.
• Drought in North Carolina, October 1 to 31, 200827 eventsAnother abnormally dry month resulted in a persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over much of the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. Some slight improvement was observed in well water levels, but they remained near record lows.
• Drought in South Carolina, October 1 to 31, 200813 eventsAnother abnormally dry month resulted in the persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over much of Upstate South Carolina through October.
• Drought in Georgia, October 1 to 31, 20086 eventsAnother abnormally dry month resulted in a persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over much of northeast Georgia through October.
• Drought in Delaware, October 1 to 31, 20084 eventsThe drought that persisted and intensified during the summer led to Delaware being declared a primary natural disaster area. The drought disaster declaration was requested as corn and soybean yields were 30 percent or more below average.
• Drought in North Carolina, October 1 to 31, 20083 eventsLimited precipitation during the month of October allowed for limited changes in the severe drought conditions across the far western part of North Carolina.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 2008$30,000 · 2 eventsBell and Milam Counties were considered to be in Severe Drought (D2) or worse as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Kentucky, October 1 to 7, 200821 eventsSevere drought conditions persisted through early October for parts of western Kentucky. After a dry September, many western Kentucky locations reported less than 50 percent of normal rainfall during the preceding 60 days.
• Drought in Tennessee, October 1 to 31, 200820 eventsExtensive rains fell in western Middle Tennessee in October but much less rain occurred where it was needed most in the east half of the region, including the Cumberland Plateau.
• Drought in Wisconsin, October 1 to 31, 200815 eventsAnother month of below normal rainfall caused severe drought conditions (D2) in Wisconsin to more than double in areal coverage in October. The increase was mainly across the central and north-central parts of the state.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 200810 eventsDuring October, drought conditions intensified across northeast portions of the Coastal Bend and Victoria Crossroads, and also expanded south and west into southern and interior portions of the Coastal Bend.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 20083 eventsPersistent dry weather over the summer into the fall has resulted in severe drought conditions across the Northwest Hill Country.
• Drought in Alabama, October 1 to 31, 20082 eventsSevere Drought (D2) conditions persisted only in far eastern portions of Jackson and DeKalb Counties.
• Drought in Alabama, October 1 to 31, 20082 eventsA typically dry month of October led to the continuation of Severe (D2) Drought conditions for a small portion of northeast Alabama, including portions of Cherokee and Cleburne Counties.
• Drought in Alabama, October 1 to 14, 20082 eventsA storm system that brought some rainfall to the state in early October helped ease off the Severe (D2) Drought in a portion of East Central Alabama, including Randolph and Chambers Counties, by the middle of the month.
• Drought in California, October 1 to 31, 200811 eventsSeasonally dry conditions continued west of the mountains, with only one light rain event at the beginning of the month. The statewide drought declaration made in early June continues.
• Wildfire in Oregon, October 1 to 15, 20081 eventLightning from a thunderstorm event on 08/16/08 ignited a round of wildfires across southwest Oregon. The Lonesome Complex fires consisted of the Middle Fork, Lonesome, and Bessie Rock fires. As of 09/01/08, all but the Middle Fork fires were contained.
• Wildfire in Oregon, October 1 to 30, 20081 eventLightning from a thunderstorm event on 08/17/08 ignited another round of wildfires across southwest Oregon. The Rattle Fire was initially part of the North Fork Complex, but the other fires were suppressed. The last update on this fire was issued on 10/07/08.
• Drought in Hawaii, October 1 to 31, 20089 eventsDry conditions continued to plague parts of the Aloha State, with a section of Kauai joining the list in October. Water restrictions remained in place.
• Wildfire in California, October 12 to 18, 20082 eventsThe combination of very hot temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty offshore winds helped to fuel two significant wildfires in Los Angeles county. The Marek Fire burned 4,824 acres in the Angeles National Forest, just north of Glendale.
• Wildfire in California, October 13 to 15, 20081 injured · $100,000 · 1 eventThe Juliet Fire began at 10:49 AM on October 13th, 2008 at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in Oceanside, California. Mandatory evacuations were in place for several housing areas on the base, as well as portions of Oceanside and Fallbrook.
• Drought in Virginia, October 14 to 31, 20082 eventsDrought conditions slowly intensified during the late summer and into the autumn. The drought classification reached D2 by mid October across Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. October rainfall was mostly 1.5 to 1.9 inches. Many small headwater streams or runs were not flowing.
• Wildfire in California, October 14, 20082 injured · 1 eventThe Shockey Fire began at 2:45 AM on October 14th, 2008 in Morena Village, CA along Highway 94 at Shockey Truck Trail. Approximately 300 homes were evacuated in Lake Morena and Campo. The 200 acre fire was contained by 6 PM. No structures were damaged or destroyed.
• Drought in Virginia, October 14 to 31, 200810 eventsA week of very dry and unseasonably warm weather from October 10 through October 16 lead to worsening drought conditions across parts of southwest Virginia.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, October 21 to 27, 20087 injured · 3 eventsThe Sauder Ditch Wildfire, consumed about 1950 acres of forest before it was contained. The fire began in a secluded section of Wharton State Forest in Waterford Township (Camden County) close to 3 p.m. EDT on the 21st. This location is west of U.S.
• Drought in North Carolina, November 1 to 30, 200827 eventsAnother month of below normal rainfall resulted in a persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over much of western North Carolina through November.
• Drought in South Carolina, November 1 to 30, 200813 eventsAnother month of below normal rainfall resulted in a persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over much of Upstate South Carolina through November. Slight improvements in well water levels continued across the area.
• Drought in Virginia, November 1 to 30, 200810 eventsSevere drought (D2) conditions persisted during the entire month of November for the same area. Basically this area encompassed the New River Valley, southwest into the Mountain Empire of southwest Virginia.
• Drought in Georgia, November 1 to 30, 20086 eventsAnother month of below normal rainfall resulted in a persistence of severe to exceptional drought conditions over northeast Georgia through November. Slight improvements in well water levels continued across the area.
• Drought in North Carolina, November 1 to 30, 20082 eventsSevere drought (D2) conditions remained in place over the western half of Watauga County, north into the western extent of Ashe County during the entire month of November.
• Drought in Virginia, November 1 to 30, 20082 eventsNovember was not a wet month, with most monthly precipitation totals around 2.5 inches. Yet, with the vegetation now dormant, the surface water supply began to improve during the later half of the month.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 2008$85,000 · 2 eventsDrought conditions worsened for portions of Bell and Milam Counties with the introduction of the Extreme Drought (D3) category as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Tennessee, November 1 to 30, 200820 eventsDrought conditions slowly improved but moderate to severe drought persisted across the area.
• Drought in Wisconsin, November 1 to 30, 200815 eventsSevere drought conditions (D2), that began in late September 2008, continued across parts of north-central and much of central and northeast Wisconsin due to below normal precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 200813 eventsDuring November, drought conditions expanded southwest across South Texas. By the end of November, severe drought conditions existed across Bee, Goliad, Victoria, Refugio, Aransas, and San Patricio counties.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 20083 eventsPersistent dry weather over the summer into the fall has resulted in persistent severe drought conditions across the Northwest Hill Country.
• Drought in Alabama, November 1 to 30, 20082 eventsSevere Drought (D2) conditions continued throughout the month for a portion of northeast Alabama, including small portions of Cherokee and Cleburne Counties.
• Drought in Alabama, November 1 to 30, 20082 eventsDry conditions carried on from the latter half of October into November.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 200811 eventsNovember brought several rain events to southern California, but not enough to have an impact on the drought. The statewide drought declaration made in early June continues.
• Drought in Hawaii, November 1 to 30, 20089 eventsRain over the Aloha State in November helped drought conditions moderately in some locales, but the precipitation did not end the overall effects of long-term dry weather on the islands. County officials continued to impose water restrictions in parched areas.
• Drought in Wisconsin, November 1 to 30, 20081 eventSevere (D2) drought conditions continued through November across southern Price county. The lack of significant precipitation this month led to the persistence of the drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Colorado, November 2, 20081 injured · 1 eventWind whipped a small burn pile near Meeker into a wildfire.
• Wildfire in Texas, November 6, 2008$71,000 · 1 eventThis wildfire began about 1315 CST roughly fourteen miles west of Wayside in southeast Randall County. The wildfire was located just east of Interstate 27 and just south of Farm to Market Road 285 in which approximately one hundred acres burned.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 7 to 13, 2008$130,000 · 3 eventsA long term persistent drought across north and central Georgia, along with an extended period of dry, cold weather from late October through mid-November resulted in an increased fire danger across the state. Several wildfires were reported during mid-month by the U.S.
• Heat in California, November 13 to 16, 20087 eventsStrong high pressure ridging with downslope winds brought a number of daily record high temperatures to portions of the Central Valley.
• Wildfire and High Wind in California, November 13 to 20, 2008$7.0 million · 63 kt wind · 10 eventsAn extended period of offshore winds affected Southern California. North to northeast wind gusts in excess of 65 MPH were reported in some areas. The strong winds, combined with very dry conditions, helped fuel two significant wildfires.
• Wildfire in California, November 15 to 19, 200814 injured · $150 million · 2 eventsThe Freeway Complex Fire began in the Santa Ana River bottom near Corona on November 15, 2008. Dry, Santa Ana winds caused the fire to quickly spread into the Chino Hills and the nearby cities of Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, and Brea.
• Heat in California, November 18, 20082 eventsA strong high pressure ridge and northerly downslope winds brought record high temperatures to portions of the Central Valley.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, November 18 to 22, 20082 eventsA power line, probably downed by high winds, ignited a fire on the isle of Lanai that blackened 1000 acres of brush. The blaze forced county officials to evacuate about 600 residents and guests of the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay for a brief time as a precaution.
• Drought in Virginia, December 1 to 15, 200810 eventsSevere drought (D2) conditions persisted for the first half of December. Sufficient rainfall subsided the drought by December 16th.
• Drought in Virginia, December 1 to 11, 20082 eventsA major precipitation event from late on the 9th through the 11th brought 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain. The storm ended as a coating of snow late on the 11th into the morning of the 12th.
• Drought in North Carolina, December 1 to 15, 20082 eventsSevere drought (D2) conditions continued into the first half of December, across western sections of Ashe and Watauga Counties. Drought conditions lessened to moderate for the second half of the month.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 2008$500,000 · 2 eventsDrought conditions remained severe to extreme over portions of Bell and Milam Counties according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Vegetation and livestock continued to suffer consequences of the lack of rain.
• Drought in Tennessee, December 1 to 31, 200820 eventsAll counties across Middle Tennessee that were under D2 drought conditions in November improved because of rainfall during the month. This resulted in the end of D2 drought conditions across these counties.
• Drought in Wisconsin, December 1 to 31, 200815 eventsA lack of significant precipitation caused severe drought conditions (D2), that began in late September 2008, to continue across parts of north-central, central and northeast Wisconsin. The severe drought (D2) continued through January 2009.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 200813 eventsDuring December, drought conditions persisted across South Texas, and even intensified in some areas. By the end of December, extreme drought conditions existed across Goliad and Victoria counties.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 20083 eventsAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Sutton, Kimble, and Mason counties continued in a severe drought for the month of December. Severe Drought conditions (D2) which began in September continued into December. Range and pasture conditions were extremely poor.
• Drought in Alabama, December 1 to 15, 20082 eventsVery heavy rainfall put an end to drought conditions in Jackson and DeKalb Counties.
• Drought in Wisconsin, December 1 to 31, 20082 eventsDry conditions continued through December across Price County and extreme eastern Sawyer County, with severe (D2) drought conditions persisting.
• Drought in Alabama, December 1 to 2, 20081 eventRainfall from several storm systems was enough to finally bring an end to the Severe (D2) Drought that had begun in March of 2007.
• Drought in Hawaii, December 1 to 31, 20088 eventsSignificant rainfall over the isle of Oahu eased drought conditions in the Olomana area. However, water shortages continued to adversely impact parts of Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii throughout the month.
• Heat and Cold in California, December 4, 20082 eventsHigh pressure over the area brought light winds and clear skies. This allowed the unusual case of a record minimum and a record maximum both being tied on the same day in the northern Sacramento Valley.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 9 to 31, 20085 eventsAccording to the Drought Monitor, a D2 drought began on December 9th. Well below normal precipitation had been reported for several months over the five southeast counties of Oklahoma. No monetary damages were given.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2009$500,000 · 2 eventsSevere to extreme drought continued in Bell and Milam Counties as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor. January was the second consecutive month with precipitation totals of less than an inch for both counties.
• Drought in Wisconsin, January 1 to 31, 200916 eventsAnother month of below normal precipitation caused severe drought conditions (D2), that began in late September 2008, to persist across parts of north-central, central and northeast Wisconsin. The severe drought (D2) continued through February 2009.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 200915 eventsDuring January, drought conditions intensified across South Texas. By the end of January, extreme drought conditions existed across Bee, Goliad, Victoria, Refugio, and Aransas counties.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20099 eventsThe U.S. Drought Monitor upgraded all of the Northwest Hill Country and the adjacent areas to the west and north to an extreme drought. The continued lack of rainfall continues to impact the region both agriculturally and hydrologically.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 20095 eventsAccording to the Drought Monitor, a D2 drought continued through the month of January.
• Drought in Wisconsin, January 1 to 31, 20092 eventsSevere (D2) drought conditions continued across southeastern Sawyer County and Price County through the month of January, due to a lack of significant precipitation.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 200911 eventsRainfall was lacking for the month of January, however, due to the wet December, native grasses and crops were not stressed. A statewide drought declaration remained in effect.
• Drought in Hawaii, January 1 to 31, 20097 eventsDry conditions continued to prevail over parts of Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. County officials kept water restrictions in place.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2008Tornadoes in 2008

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.