U.S. Drought/Heat Wave

Losses, 2024 dollars

$42 billion

Losses at the time

$30 billion

Deaths

123

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 Georgia, January 1 to 31, 201226 eventsD2-D3 drought conditions (severe to extreme) worsened to D3-D4 status (extreme to exceptional) across southwest and south central Georgia through the month of January and into February.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2012$25 million · 23 eventsAll exceptional (D4) drought was absent from the area at the beginning of January. However, a very dry month lead to the reintroduction of exceptional conditions on the South Plains by the end of the month.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2012$132,000 · 20 eventsDrought conditions improved in January after a wet winter season continued across North Texas. Up to 7 inches of rain fell across the area and by the end of the month only 14 of our 46 counties remained in severe drought or worse.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 201233 eventsThe La Nina event continued during January according to the Climate Prediction Center. The drought continued over South Central Texas, but there was a mix of some worsening and improvement.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 201231 eventsVery little change occurred to the drought status over Oklahoma. Above normal precipitation for many continued to help in the devastating drought the region has been plagued in the last several months.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 201221 eventsDrought conditions improved markedly across Northeast Texas for the first month of 2012. Several systems affected the region during the month, some of which brought widespread rainfall to the eastern half of the state.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 201219 eventsMuch needed rainfall fell across portions of West Central Texas in January. The U.S. Drought Monitor, issued through the National Mitigation Drought Center, continued to show some improvement as several counties were removed from the drought.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 201234 eventsThough precipitation was generally below normal in January, above normal precipitation in November and especially December led to improved drought conditions for portions of western New Mexico that were removed from drought (D2) status.
• Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 201219 eventsWidespread precipitation deficits of a quarter to a half an inch over western Colorado allowed drought conditions to expand significantly in January.
• Wildfire in Missouri, January 9, 2012$200,000 · 1 eventDry conditions and strong winds helped fuel brush fires which completely destroyed one house near Lebanon.
• Wildfire in California, January 12 to 13, 20122 injured · $20,000 · 1 eventA pickup truck drove off of Highway 18 near Crestline on the 12th and burst into flames. The fire eventually spread to 15 acres with around 400 firefighters battling the flames.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Nevada, January 19 to 21, 20121 death · 3 injured · $4.6 million · 73 kt wind · 2 eventsLow pressure moved from off the Oregon and Washington coast early on the 19th to the northern Rockies early on the 20th. This brought strong winds to the Reno area on the 19th, which helped fan a large wildfire just south of Reno.
• Wildfire in Florida, January 29, 201211 deaths · 18 injured · 1 eventA 62 acre wildfire developed in Paines Prairie which is bisected by Interstate 75 south of Gainesville. The Prairie is also close to Highway 441, which runs south of Gainesville as well.
• Drought in Georgia, February 1 to 29, 201226 eventsD3-D4 drought conditions (extreme to exceptional) across southwest and south central Georgia continued through the month of February and into March.
• Drought in Florida, February 1 to 29, 201222 eventsD2-D3 drought conditions (severe to extreme) were present across most of northwest Florida through the month of February. Some beneficial rainfall fell near the end of the month with a few areas getting reduced to D1 (moderate) conditions, especially around Walton county.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 29, 2012$5.0 million · 23 eventsDrought conditions as reflected by the U.S. Drought Monitor were unchanged from the end of January. Exceptional (D4) drought persisted over much of the South Plains while the Rolling Plains saw values ranging from Abnormally Dry (D0) in Hall County to Severe (D3).
• Drought in Oklahoma, February 1 to 29, 201231 eventsThe drought status changed little through the month. An early February snow blanketed a large part of Oklahoma, which provided a nice slow soaking into the soil. Parts of northwest Oklahoma improved its drought status as a result of the increased precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 29, 2012$23,000 · 11 eventsDrought conditions continued to improve across the southern areas of North Texas during the month of February. Only Bell County remained in extreme drought (D3) at the end of the month, and only 8 counties remained in drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 29, 201225 eventsThe La Nina event weakened during February according to the Climate Prediction Center. South Central Texas saw above normal rainfall and the drought improved across the region.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 29, 201221 eventsDrought conditions continued to improve markedly across Northeast Texas during February of 2012. Several systems affected the region during the month, some of which brought widespread rainfall to the eastern half of the state.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 29, 201231 eventsFebruary precipitation fared much better than January across New Mexico, which resulted in yet another dent in the drought for portions of northwest New Mexico.
• Drought in Colorado, February 1 to 29, 201219 eventsDrought conditions remained in a steady state across much of western Colorado in February as most climate stations reported near to slightly above normal precipitation amounts during the month.
• Drought in Georgia, March 1 to 31, 201226 eventsD2-D4 drought conditions (severe to exceptional) persisted across southwest and south central Georgia through the month of March and into April.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 2012$5.0 million · 23 eventsLingering exceptional drought (D4) persisted over the central and western South Plains with severe (D2) to extreme (D3) elsewhere. Hall county was the only county in moderate (D1) drought conditions.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 201231 eventsThe stretch of above normal precipitation continued into March, with areas that needed rainfall receiving much needed amounts. The rainfall combined with above normal temperatures kept the prospects for a good winter crop season high.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 20, 201221 eventsDrought conditions continued to improve for Northeast Texas during the month of March. Rainfall was of the magnitude and intensity such that this portion of Northeast Texas still classified as D2 Severe Drought status were removed from this status by March, 20th.
• Drought in New Mexico, March 1 to 31, 201230 eventsWith the exception of portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and adjacent highlands, precipitation across northern and central New Mexico was well below normal.
• Drought in Colorado, March 1 to 31, 201221 eventsMonthly precipitation deficits of between 0.75 and 1 inch were common over much of western Colorado in March.
• Wildfire in Georgia, March 5 to 6, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventA weak dry cold front moved across the area on the 5th, bringing cooler and drier air to the region. High fire danger conditions prevailed, especially behind the front where the winds increased to between 10 to 20 MPH and relative humidities dropped below 25 percent.
• Wildfire in Georgia, March 10, 2012$24,000 · 1 eventA cold front pushed through the area on the 9th, and high pressure was in control of the area on the 10th. Cool and dry conditions prevailed, though fuel moistures remained too high for high fire danger conditions.
• Wildfire in Illinois, March 10, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventStrong winds and low humidity along with dry vegetation led to several wildfires across parts of northeast Illinois. Ambers from a fire intentionally set to clear brush are suspected to have caught a barn on fire near Round Lake.
• Heat in Vermont, March 17 to 22, 2012$9.7 million · 16 eventsThe Winter of 2011-12 was largely abnormal with temperatures that averaged 4-5 degrees above normal and snowfall was 40-60 percent of normal. This combination accounted for snow packs across the region to be largely below normal or even non-existent by mid-March.
• Heat in New York, March 17 to 22, 2012$2.1 million · 9 eventsThe Winter of 2011-12 was largely abnormal with temperatures that averaged 4-5 degrees above normal and snowfall was 40-60 percent of normal. This combination accounted for snow packs across the region to be largely below normal or even non-existent by mid-March.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Colorado, March 18 to 19, 20123 injured · $250,000 · 59 kt wind · 3 eventsA lee side surface trough set up across Colorado producing a zone of strong south to southwest surface winds over much of the region. Wind gusts from 55 to 70 mph occurred over portions of far eastern Colorado and northwest Kansas during the day.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, March 19, 20122 injured · $410,000 · 3 eventsA large grass fire occurred over northern Hettinger and southern Stark counties on March 19th. Up to 5,000 acres were burned and two farmsteads were destroyed. One of the farmsteads was abandoned and the other was occupied.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, March 25, 2012$300,000 · 1 eventNear record breaking temperatures fueled a human caused fire near Chimayo.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Colorado, March 26 to 31, 20123 deaths · $11 million · 61 kt wind · 4 eventsStrong southwest winds ahead of an approaching cold front produced high to extreme fire danger across the Front Range Foothills and Palmer Divide.
• Drought in Georgia, April 1 to 30, 201226 eventsD3-D4 extreme to exceptional drought conditions persisted across all of southwest and south-central Georgia through April and into May.
• Drought in Florida, April 1 to 30, 201226 eventsDrought conditions expanded across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend during April. By the end of the month, the entire region was in at least D2 severe drought status, and portions of southeast Taylor, Lafayette, and Dixie counties were in D4 exceptional drought status.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 2012$50 million · 22 eventsExtreme (D4) drought conditions were reduced over the western South Plains and southern Rolling Plains during the month of April. Extreme (D4) and exceptional (D3) drought conditions remain largely unchanged elsewhere across the area.
• Wildfire in Colorado, April 1 to 2, 2012$11 million · 1 eventThe Lower North Fork wildfire, south of Conifer, was not declared 100 percent contained until April 2nd. The combination of very strong winds, record warm temperatures and extremely dry conditions all contributed to a rapid increase in fire growth.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 201224 eventsContinued below normal precipitation led to continued drought conditions across much of the state in April. Much of the southeast plains received less than 25 percent of normal precipitation for the month, as did portions of the southwest mountains.
• Drought in Colorado, April 1 to 30, 201221 eventsVery dry conditions continued into the early spring months across western Colorado with precipitation deficits running between a half inch and an inch below normal across many locations by the end of April.
• Wildfire in Virginia, April 7 to 18, 2012$2.5 million · 2 eventsBelow normal rainfall in the late winter and early spring months combined with an extended period of unseasonably warm, dry conditions across the region in early April set the stage for some of the most significant wildfires in Virginia's history.
• Wildfire in Virginia, April 7 to 19, 2012$870,000 · 1 eventBelow normal rainfall in the late winter and early spring months combined with an extended period of unseasonably warm, dry conditions across the region in early April set the stage for some of the most significant wildfires in Virginia's history.
• Wildfire in Virginia, April 9 to 18, 2012$2.2 million · 3 eventsBelow normal rainfall in the late winter and early spring months combined with an extended period of unseasonably warm, dry conditions across the region in early April set the stage for some of the most significant wildfires in Virginia's history.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 9 to 11, 20123 injured · $10,000 · 3 eventsThe strong northwest winds on the 9th combined with the recent unseasonably dry weather caused the rapid spread of wildfires and other fires in Eastern Pennsylvania.
• Wildfire in Georgia, April 12 to 13, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventDry conditions continued across the area with surface high pressure in control of the Southeast and dry northwest flow aloft. Dangerous fire weather conditions existed across the entire area.
• Drought in Florida, May 1 to 31, 201226 eventsDrought conditions ranged from D2 severe status to D4 exceptional status across the area to start the month. The D4 conditions were confined to the southeast big bend, including portions of Taylor, Lafayette, and Dixie counties.
• Drought in Georgia, May 1 to 31, 201226 eventsD3-D4 drought conditions (extreme to exceptional) persisted through the month and into June across southwest and south central Georgia.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 2012$5.0 million · 22 eventsOverall drought conditions were reduced through the month of May. A few small areas of exceptional (D4) drought existed over the central South Plains and Rolling Plains with values ranging from moderate (D1) to extreme (D3) elsewhere.
• Drought in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 201227 eventsDespite above normal precipitation during the month of May for portions of the lower Rio Grande Valley, the southeast plains, and the northeast plains, continued long term below normal precipitation led to persistent drought conditions across much of the state in May.
• Drought in Colorado, May 1 to 31, 201221 eventsModerate to severe drought conditions covered all of western Colorado by the end of May, with extreme drought conditions developing across the northwest portion of the state.
• Heat in Alabama, May 2, 20121 death · 1 eventThe combination of above normal temperatures in the lower 90s with high humidity, led to a heat related death in Morgan County, Alabama.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 5, 20123 injured · $80,000 · 1 eventA wildfire began approximately 1320CST about seven miles southeast of Hereford Texas in southeastern Deaf Smith county. The wildfire started in a pasture near County Road EE and County Road 1 and consumed an estimated six hundred and forty acres.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, May 9 to 31, 20125 injured · $2.5 million · 1 eventBy the end of May, the Whitewater/Baldy Complex broke the record for the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history. The previous record was held by the Las Conchas wildfire of 2011 at just over 156,000 acres.
• Heat in California, May 12, 20121 death · 1 eventHigh pressure was in place over the region from the 11th through the 14th, creating a warming trend with inland temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above normal for that time of year. Temperatures in the lower deserts ranged from 97 up to 105 during these few days.
• Wildfire in Arizona, May 13 to 31, 20128 injured · 1 eventThe Gladiator Fire started on May 13 when a house fire spread into the forest around the community of Crown King. The fire was contained on June 13 at 16,240 acres and cost about 14 million dollars to contain.
• Heat in Arizona, May 19 to 21, 20122 deaths · 2 eventsUnseasonably strong high pressure and extremely dry conditions resulted in the hottest temperatures so far in 2012 across southern Arizona. These hot conditions caused two tourists to lose their lives while hiking.
• Wildfire in Michigan, May 20 to 31, 2012$12 million · 2 eventsLightning strikes from a line of thunderstorms ignited The Duck Lake Wildfire 14 miles north of Newberry and the Pine Creek North Wildfire in the Seney National Wildlife Refuge on the evening of the 20th.
• Wildfire in Texas, May 23, 20121 death · $55,000 · 2 eventsAn 80-year old man was killed when his controlled burn got out of control due to gusty winds. Also, a large grassfire burned approximately 750 acres in Denton County; including 2 barns.
• Wildfire in California, May 24 to 28, 20123 injured · 1 eventThe Banner fire started around 1315 PST on the 24th, near the intersection of Highway 78 and S-2, east of Julian near Shelter Valley. No structures or homes were damaged or destroyed, but at one point, 50 residences and one commercial building were threatened.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, May 28 to 29, 20122 deaths · 2 eventsThe first back-to-back 90 degree days in and around Philadelphia during 2012 claimed the lives of two men, one within Philadelphia and the second in Montgomery County.
• Heat in New Jersey, May 29, 20121 death · 2 eventsThe first back-to-back 90 degree days in and around the Philadelphia area during 2012 occurred in late May. It resulted in one heat related death in Mercer County and precipitated the early dismissal of school children in Camden on Tuesday the 29th.
• Drought in Florida, June 1 to 26, 201226 eventsVery heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby at the end of the month helped to end the drought across northwest Florida.
• Heat in Missouri, June 1 to 30, 201258 injured · 34 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure settled over the central portions of the U.S. and over the Ozarks beginning in June and became the dominant weather pattern for much of the Summer of 2012.
• Drought in Kentucky, June 1 to 30, 201222 eventsThe spring drought worsened considerably across western Kentucky as summer arrived. By the end of June, all of western Kentucky west of a line from Owensboro to Hopkinsville was upgraded to extreme drought. Severe drought spread across the remainder of western Kentucky.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 201221 eventsA lack of rainfall resulted in 21 counties in South Central Texas going back into severe or extreme drought conditions. Most of these counties received one half inch or less of rain during the month.
• Drought in Illinois, June 1 to 30, 201219 eventsThe spring drought worsened considerably across southern Illinois as summer arrived. By the end of June, all of southern Illinois was upgraded to severe to extreme drought. The extreme drought conditions were along and south of a line from Mount Carmel to Murphysboro.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 201219 eventsOverall drought conditions were further reduced again during the month of June. Exceptional (D4) conditions were eliminated from the region with most other drought levels areas shrinking in size.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 2012$2.3 million · 1 eventBy the end of June, the Whitewater/Baldy Complex continued the record for the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history. The previous record was held by the Las Conchas wildfire of 2011 at just over 156,000 acres.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 201228 eventsWith the exception of some spotty near to above normal precipitation over the west central highlands, the lower Rio Grande Valley, and the eastern plains, well below normal precipitation over the remainder of the state led to persistent drought conditions in June.
• Drought in Colorado, June 1 to 30, 201220 eventsA historically low snow pack over the Colorado mountains and persistent below normal precipitation through the spring and early summer months allowed the drought to continue strengthen and expand across western Colorado through June.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 4, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventThree fires which were all man made occurred in Bannock County. One was near the Power County border near West Siphon Road and started on a salvage yard and high winds pushed it through 20 acres of land burning cars, propane tanks.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 4 to 22, 2012$26 million · 1 eventThis lightning sparked wildfire erupted on the afternoon of June 4, 2012 then spread rapidly overnight during strong gusty winds. The wildfire consumed more than 41,000 acres, destroyed 242 residential structures, 12 outbuildings, and forced numerous evacuations.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 10 to 30, 20125 injured · 4 eventsMany locations across northern Arizona experienced a dry winter and a dry spring. This allowed for an active fire season as fuels were already below average at the beginning of the fire season.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, June 10, 20121 death · 1 eventA hot afternoon claimed the life of a 53-year-old man in Philadelphia. The high temperature on the 10th was 94 degrees at the Philadelphia International Airport.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, June 10, 20121 death · 1 eventVery hot temperatures occurred on the afternoon of June 10th with highs ranging from 105 to 108 degrees over the Brush Country. An individual, within a group of undocumented immigrants walking through the brush in Duval County, became heat stressed.
• Drought in Indiana, June 12 to 30, 201233 eventsSetting the scene for this drought, meteorological spring of 2012 in central Indiana went down as the warmest on record. At Indianapolis, the old record average temperature of 58.1 degrees set during the spring of 1977 was shattered by almost two degrees.
• Heat in Florida, June 15, 20126 injured · 1 eventTypically high heat and humidity levels lead to reports of heat exhaustion at a summer camp in Davie.
• Heat in Wisconsin, June 16 to 20, 20123 deaths · 2 eventsGusty southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph brought a hot air-mass into southern Wisconsin, with maximum air temperatures reaching the lower to middle 90s, and daytime maximum heat index values of 95 or 96, beginning the afternoon of June 16th and lasting through the afternoon hours…
• Wildfire in California, June 17 to 20, 2012$400,000 · 1 eventThe Old fire started around 1300 PST on the 17th, northeast of Campo off of Old Highway 80. Approximately 200 structures were threatened and evacuated. One residence and one RV were destroyed in the blaze.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 18 to 19, 2012$1.0 million · 1 eventA wildfire burned out of control 10 miles east of Bloomfield consuming more than 350 acres.
• Drought in Arkansas, June 19 to 30, 201244 eventsUnusually dry weather occurred in Arkansas during May. The following stations set a record for the driest May on record: Clinton 6SE, Morrilton, Dardanelle, Arkadelphia 2N, Gilbert, Damascus 2NNE, Marshall, Hot Springs Airport, Perry, Hot Springs National Park, Danville, Nimrod…
• Heat in Arizona, June 19, 20121 death · 1 eventSeasonably hot temperatures caused a heat related fatality in Tucson.
• Drought in Nebraska, June 20 to 30, 2012$13 million · 22 eventsA drought, which began the in the middle of June expanded east into western Nebraska to impact hydrologic and agricultural types. Precipitation was well below normal as temperatures rose well above normal.
• Excessive Heat in New York, June 20 to 21, 20121 death · 1 eventHigh pressure to the south resulted in a hot and humid airmass across the local area.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Pennsylvania, June 20 to 22, 20121 death · $10,000 · 8 eventsUnseasonably hot weather that started on the 20th and persisted into the 22nd across extreme southeastern Pennsylvania resulted in high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in New Jersey, June 20 to 22, 201221 eventsUnseasonably hot weather that started on the 20th in New Jersey, persisted into the 22nd across the southern third of the state resulted in high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100 degrees.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Utah, June 21 to 30, 20121 death · 6 injured · $490,000 · 52 kt wind · 8 eventsWith very dry fuels, a very dry air mass, and an increasing southwesterly flow as a low pressure system remained near the Pacific Coast, conditions across Utah became perfect for explosive fire growth.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 22 to 23, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventA wildfire, which began as a controlled burn to burn off a wheat field on June 22rd was believed to be extinguished later that day. Burning embers took off with increased winds and lower humidity and the fire quickly rekindled on June 23rd.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 22 to 30, 2012$40,000 · 2 eventsThe Weber wildfire started June 22nd at approximately 6 pm, 6 miles south of Mancos and was determined to be human caused. Several areas within or near the fire perimeter were evacuated and numerous road closures were necessary.
• Wildfire in Colorado, June 23 to 30, 20122 deaths · $400 million · 2 eventsA wildfire erupted in Waldo Canyon, west of Colorado Springs midday June 23rd and was not contained until July 10th. The fire consumed 18,247 acres, most of which was in National Forest land.
• Heat in Alabama, June 23 to 26, 201215 injured · 9 eventsA very hot period occurred during the last week of June. Maximum temperatures climbed to 100 degrees or higher on each of these days in at least one county in north Alabama.
• Heat in Arkansas, June 24 to 30, 20121 death · 1 eventA construction worker became ill while working outside in the heat at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was taken to the hospital where he later died from heat-related issues as a result of his prolonged exposure to the hot weather.
• Heat in Missouri, June 24, 20121 death · 1 eventA heat related death occurred in the City of St. Louis. A 64 year old male was found dead in his home from heat related causes. The home had air conditioning but it was not turned on. The high temperature that day was 99 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Kansas, June 24 to 30, 201223 eventsIn late June a strong upper ridge became centered over the Central Plains, causing temperatures to rise well above normal for the last week of the month.
• Excessive Heat in Louisiana, June 25, 20121 death · 1 eventA baby was left in a car.
• Heat in Arkansas, June 25 to 30, 201245 eventsDuring the last week in June, almost all observing sites rose to at least 100 degrees. The hottest temperature was 111 degrees at the forestry reporting station in Evening Shade. Batesville Lock and Dam reached 110.
• Wildfire in Illinois, June 25 to 29, 20125 injured · $5,000 · 2 eventsThe prolonged drought and hot, dry weather contributed to a large wildfire in Saline County. About 100 acres was involved in the fire that occurred in thick brush near Carrier Mills. The fire occurred in hilly terrain on mine property.
• Drought in Kansas, June 26 to 30, 201220 eventsAn extended period of dry weather brought drought conditions back to portions of Kansas by the end of June.
• Drought in Wisconsin, June 26 to 30, 201220 eventsA lack of rain over south-central and southeast Wisconsin during the month of June allowed a drought to slowly develop over the area by June 26th or so. Rainfall amounts ranged from around 3/10 inch in the south-central area to around 3 inches in the city of Sheboygan.
• Wildfire in Kansas, June 26 to 27, 2012$90,000 · 1 eventDowned power lines from gusty wind helped ignite a wildfire that moved across parts of Lane county.
• Heat in Texas, June 26, 20121 death · 4 injured · 2 eventsA 42-year-old male died from a heat stroke in Harker Heights in Bell County. The man was working outside at the time of the stroke. Temperatures were around 105 degrees at the time. Denton County also reported 4 heat related illnesses during the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Alabama, June 27 to 30, 20121 death · 10 injured · 33 eventsA very hot period occurred during the last week of June. Maximum temperatures climbed to 100 degrees or higher on each of these days in at least one county in north Alabama.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, June 27 to 30, 20122 deaths · 215 injured · 29 eventsSome of the hottest temperatures in many years occurred the last 4 days of June and continued into July. St. Louis, MO recorded its highest ever June temperature hitting 108 degrees on June 28.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, June 27 to 29, 201236 injured · 1 eventThe combination of high temperatures from 100 to 105 degrees and high humidity resulted in afternoon heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees in the Tulsa area for several days toward the end of June.
• Heat in Nebraska, June 27 to 28, 20121 death · 45 injured · 20 eventsAs a large upper level ridge built over the central U.S., temperatures across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa climbed into the 90s to low 100s.
• Wildfire in Utah, June 27 to 30, 20125 injured · $1.5 million · 4 eventsDry conditions persisted across Utah through the end of June. This led to several more wildfire ignitions at the end of the month, some of which caused property damage or injuries. Note that most of these fires continued into July.
• Heat in Ohio, June 28 to 30, 201232 eventsA very warm airmass moved into the region during late June. This airmass brought a prolonged period of above normal temperatures, record heat, and dangerous heat indices to much of southwestern Ohio, southeastern Indiana, and northern Kentucky.
• Heat in Wisconsin, June 28, 201220 eventsHeat and humidity built up over southern Wisconsin under a persistent ridge of high pressure during the day on June 28th.
• Heat in Alabama, June 28 to 30, 20122 deaths · 1 injured · 39 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure shifted eastward from the Central Plains to the southeastern Continental United States, bringing with it recording breaking temperatures. Afternoon highs rose to 100 degrees or greater each afternoon.
• Heat in Michigan, June 28, 201240 injured · 15 eventsHigh temperatures climbed to around 100 degrees across much of southeast Michigan during the afternoon hours of June 28th, with heat indices climbing between 100 and 110 degrees. This lead to an increase in heat related hospitalizations.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Kentucky, June 28 to 30, 201222 eventsThis stretch of heat was the beginning of an historic heat wave comparable to the intense heat experienced in the 1930's. The high temperature exceeded 100 degrees on the final three consecutive days of the month. At Paducah, a record high of 105 degrees was set on the 28th.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 28 to 30, 2012$472 million · 1 eventA 1038 acre wildfire began at about 2:30 PM on June 28th in the Charlotte Road area of Mink Creek just south of Pocatello. About one-thousand people were evacuated from their homes.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Georgia, June 29 to 30, 2012111 eventsThe strong upper level ridge responsible for record-breaking heat across the Plains and Midwest slid toward the Southeast on the 28th.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Pennsylvania, June 29, 20121 death · 8 eventsAn unseasonably hot and humid day produced high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s in Eastern Pennsylvania (except in the Poconos).
• Excessive Heat and Heat in South Carolina, June 29 to 30, 20121 death · 12 eventsAn oppressively hot and humid airmass that spent several days building west of the Appalachians finally made it east of the mountains, bringing very hot conditions to upstate South Carolina.
• Heat in Illinois, June 29 to 30, 201219 eventsThis stretch of heat was the beginning of an historic heat wave comparable to the intense heat experienced in the 1930's. The high temperature exceeded 100 degrees on the final three consecutive days of the month.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, June 29 to 30, 201235 eventsAn extended period of excessive heat and humidity occurred across central and southeast Illinois from June 29th through July 7th. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 95 to 105 degrees...while overnight lows generally remained in the 70s.
• Heat in Virginia, June 29 to 30, 201211 injured · 3 eventsA dome of high pressure that had been centered over the southwestern U.S. around June 20-23 shifted to the north and east from June 23-27 bringing all-time record heat to the Great Plains and Midwest.
• Heat in North Carolina, June 29 to 30, 20124 injured · 2 eventsA dome of high pressure that had been centered over the southwestern U.S. around June 20-23 shifted to the north and east from June 23-27 bringing all-time record heat to the Great Plains and Midwest.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, June 30, 20123 injured · 2 eventsThe Clinton Fire began near Cleveland in Conway County and eventually spread into Van Buren County. The fire burned 110 acres. Three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. At least five fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission fought the fire.
• Heat in Ohio, July 1 to 7, 20123 deaths · 32 eventsAn ongoing heat wave continued from late June into early July. Areas still affected by power outages caused by the June 29 derecho were especially impacted.
• Heat in Virginia, July 1, 20121 death · 6 injured · 2 eventsA ridge of high pressure dominated the central and eastern U.S. the last few days of June and into the 1st of July.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Georgia, July 1, 201297 eventsThe record-breaking heat wave that started across Georgia in late June continued into the beginning of July.
• Drought in Indiana, July 1 to 31, 201239 eventsJuly 2012 was one of the hottest and driest months of record for central and southern Indiana. Drought conditions gradually deteriorated during the month because widespread rainfall was absent.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 1 to 8, 201217 deaths · 172 injured · 29 eventsA record setting heat wave continued from late June into July, finally breaking on July 9. Columbia, MO was over 100 degrees from June 27 - July 7. St. Louis, MO was over 100 degrees from June 28 - July 7. St.
• Heat in Missouri, July 1 to 31, 2012116 injured · 34 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure settled over the central portions of the U.S. and became the dominant weather pattern for much of the Summer of 2012. Several record highs were broken around the area and high temperatures reached above 100 degrees 12 days.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 1 to 8, 20122 deaths · 17 eventsThe Heat Wave that began in late June continued into the first week of July, finally breaking on on July 9. Numerous high temperature records were set during the event. Quincy, IL had high temperatures from July 2 - July 7 of 101, 99, 101, 103, 105, and 105.
• Excessive Heat in Wisconsin, July 1 to 7, 20122 deaths · 1 eventA large ridge of high pressure built across the Upper Midwest during the first week of July. This resulted in a combination of high humidity levels and temperatures, leading to two heat-related deaths on July 1 and July 5. Both were in Barron County of west central Wisconsin.
• Drought in Iowa, July 1 to 31, 2012$2.4 billion · 51 eventsVery warm and dry weather that began in the spring continued into the summer. Temperatures warmed sharply the last few days of June. The heat persisted into July. Temperatures for the month of July were among the warmest on record.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 1 to 31, 2012$279 million · 27 eventsSevere drought conditions (D2) continued from late June into early July. The combination of intense heat and a lack of rainfall, allowed extreme (D3) to expand to across all counties.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 1 to 7, 20121 death · 35 eventsAn extended period of excessive heat and humidity occurred across central and southeast Illinois from June 29th through July 7th. Afternoon high temperatures ranged from 95 to 105 degrees...while overnight lows generally remained in the 70s.
• Heat and Drought in Arkansas, July 1 to 31, 2012$75,000 · 90 eventsUnusually hot weather that began in late June continued into the first part of July, thanks to a large area of high pressure aloft. Many high temperatures of 100 degrees or higher were recorded, and a number of daily high temperature records were broken.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 1 to 31, 201247 eventsAs a mid level ridge of high pressure built into the Southern Plains late in July, few opportunities for rain lead to expanding drought conditions across much of Oklahoma.
• Drought in Missouri, July 1 to 31, 201237 eventsDry conditions, which started in the spring, intensified during the month of July. Drought conditions expanded across Missouri, with D2 conditions at the beginning of the month, increasing to D3 conditions by the end of the month.
• Drought in Illinois, July 1 to 31, 201235 eventsAn extended period of dry weather continued to worsen across central and southeast Illinois during the month of July...with most locations reporting monthly rainfall deficits of 2 to 4 inches.
• Drought in Missouri, July 1 to 31, 201234 eventsA persistent upper level high pressure ridge over the central portions of the country caused more extreme heat and dry conditions for the area. Severe drought remained in place across portions southwestern Missouri as rain fell sparsely during the month.
• Drought in Missouri, July 1 to 31, 201226 eventsDrought conditions spread across all of Eastern Missouri as very hot and dry weather continued through July. On July3, 13 counties across Central and East Central Missouri were added to D2 severe, drought status.
• Drought in Kansas, July 1 to 31, 201226 eventsAn extended period of dry weather intensified the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of July.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 1 to 31, 201225 eventsVery hot temperatures combined with a lack of appreciable rainfall resulted in significantly worsening drought conditions across all of eastern Oklahoma during the month of July.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions became established over all of the area with long term dry climate and soil conditions combining with much below normal rainfall during the month. Stress on crops increased and was continuous with no significant relief during the dry month.
• Drought in Kentucky, July 1 to 31, 201222 eventsThe drought which began in May worsened considerably across western Kentucky as summer progressed. By the end of July, all of western Kentucky was upgraded to extreme to exceptional drought.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 201221 eventsDrought conditions across the South Plains, Rolling Plains and extreme southern Texas Panhandle worsened during the month of July. Childress and Hall Counties returned to Severe (D2) drought conditions while Extreme (D3) conditions expanded.
• Drought in Illinois, July 1 to 31, 201219 eventsThe drought which began in May worsened considerably across southern Illinois as summer progressed. By the end of July, all of southern Illinois was upgraded to extreme to exceptional drought.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 1 to 21, 20129 injured · $13 million · 8 eventsMany of the wildfires that began in late June continued into July, burning thousands of acres and causing millions of dollars in damage. Note that this episode began in June.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 10, 2012$400 million · 2 eventsThe Waldo Canyon wildfire was fully contained on July 10th. See previous month for a full narrative of this episode.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 6, 2012$40,000 · 2 eventsThe Weber wildfire started June 22 at approximately 4:15 pm, 6 miles south of Mancos and was determined to be human caused. Several areas within or near the fire perimeter were evacuated and numerous road closures were necessary.
• Drought in New Mexico, July 1 to 31, 201229 eventsAreas in portions of central and western New Mexico received spotty near, to above normal precipitation for the month of July, with continued below normal values recorded in the eastern half of the state.
• Drought in Colorado, July 1 to 31, 201219 eventsExtremely dry conditions remained in place across western Colorado in early July before monsoon rains brought some relief through the remainder of the month.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 1, 2012$112,000 · 1 eventA fire blackened 300 acres of dry brush, and macadamia and coffee farm lands, near Pahala in the Kau District on the Big Island of Hawaii. This episode was a continuation of a blaze that began on June 18.
• Wildfire in Georgia, July 1 to 7, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventThe extreme heat event continued across the area on the 1st. Isolated showers and thunderstorms developed in the afternoon, especially across portions of east central Georgia where a surface trough and resulting greatest instability were in place.
• Heat in Tennessee, July 1 to 7, 20123 deaths · 1 eventAn upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during late June into early July. Temperatures rose into the upper 90s to low 100s during the afternoon hours. The combination of heat and humidity produced heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 1 to 8, 20121 death · 1 eventAn upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during late June into early July. Temperatures rose into the upper 90s to low 100s during the afternoon hours. The combination of heat and humidity produced heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Indiana, July 1 to 8, 20123 deaths · 6 eventsThe historic heat wave that began in late June continued into July. This heat was comparable to the intense heat experienced in the 1930's. The high temperature exceeded 100 degrees on 10 out of 11 days going back to June 28 and ending on July 8.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 1, 20122 deaths · 6 eventsMore humid air returned on July 1st as an ongoing heat wave persisted across Berks County and southeast Pennsylvania. Afternoon heat index values reached around 100 degrees. There were two heat related deaths of two women who lived alone in Montgomery County.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, July 1 to 8, 201222 eventsThe historic heat wave that began in late June continued into July. This heat was comparable to the intense heat experienced in the 1930's. The high temperature reached or exceeded 100 degrees on 9 out of 10 days going back to June 28 and ending on July 7.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 1 to 8, 201219 eventsThe historic heat wave that began in late June continued into July. This heat was comparable to the intense heat experienced in the 1930's. The high temperature reached or exceeded 100 degrees on 10 out of 11 days going back to June 28 and ending on July 8.
• Heat in Michigan, July 1 to 7, 201275 injured · 17 eventsAn extended heat wave gripped southeast Michigan during the first week of July, with temperatures topping out around 100 degrees on multiple days. In fact, Detroit set a record high on July 4th, reaching 102 degrees.
• Heat in Alabama, July 1, 20121 death · 38 eventsA strong upper level ridge across much of the southeastern Continental United States resulted in unseasonably warm weather and record setting temperatures that began in June and extended into early July.
• Excessive Heat in Wisconsin, July 2 to 6, 20129 deaths · 20 eventsA hot air mass settled over southern Wisconsin to start the month of July, bringing 100-degree heat to many locations for multiple days between July 2nd and July 6th.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 2 to 7, 20125 deaths · 50 injured · 13 eventsFive people died from the effects of a long duration heatwave that gripped western Wisconsin from July 2nd through July 7th. Two of the deaths occurred in La Crosse County with one each in Juneau, Richland and Vernon Counties.
• Excessive Heat in Iowa, July 2 to 6, 201210 injured · 11 eventsA combination of high heat and humidity persisted for several days. Daytime temperatures reached the 90s to several degrees above 100, and dew points were in the 70s. The heat index went as high as 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in South Dakota, July 2 to 6, 201224 eventsA combination of high heat and humidity persisted for several days. Daytime temperatures reached the 90s to several degrees above 100, and dew points were in the 70s. The heat index went as high as 110 degrees.
• Heat in Alabama, July 2 to 6, 201223 eventsA strong upper level ridge across much of the southeastern Continental United States resulted in unseasonably warm weather for early July. Temperatures warmed to 100 degrees or above across portions of Central Alabama from July 2 through July 6.
• Excessive Heat in Minnesota, July 3 to 6, 20123 deaths · 1 eventA large ridge of high pressure built across the Upper Midwest during the first week of July. This resulted in a combination of high humidity levels and temperatures, leading to three heat-related deaths, all in Hennepin County.
• Drought in Tennessee, July 3 to 23, 201221 eventsAfter several weeks of below normal rainfall, drought conditions across several Middle Tennessee counties reached the D2 Severe Drought Classification Criteria as stated in the U.S. Drought Monitor on Tuesday, July 3rd.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Nebraska, July 3 to 7, 201230 eventsA large stagnant upper level high pressure system brought a period of prolonged hot temperatures to eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa surrounding the July 4th Holiday.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Pennsylvania, July 4 to 7, 20128 deaths · 8 eventsBoth excessive heat and more humidity returned to most of Eastern Pennsylvania starting on Independence Day and lasted until the 7th. The excessive heat claimed the lives of eight people, five within Philadelphia and three in Lehigh County.
• Heat in Maryland, July 4 to 8, 20122 deaths · 5 eventsThe combination of continued heat and more humidity returned to the Eastern Shore starting on Independence Day and lasted until the 7th in the northern half of the Eastern Shore and the 8th in the southern half of the Eastern Shore.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 4 to 7, 20123 deaths · 3 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure, brought dangerously hot conditions, to west central Missouri, July 4th through 7th, 2012.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 4 to 7, 201225 deaths · $750,000 · 18 eventsNorthern Illinois experienced an intense heat wave during the first week of July. High temperatures at Chicago O'Hare Airport reached 102 on the 4th, 103 on the 5th and 6th and 98 on the 7th.
• Excessive Heat in Iowa, July 4 to 7, 201214 injured · 21 eventsA very hot and humid airmass surged into the Midwest during the long 4th of July holiday. The dangerous heat began about noon on July 4 with relief from the heat and humidity finally arriving during the evening of July 7.
• Wildfire in Arkansas, July 4 to 5, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventExtreme temperatures and drought conditions promoted the spread of a wildfire that burned 250 acres, threatening 10 homes and 4 outbuildings.
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 4 to 6, 2012$25,000 · 2 eventsExtremely dry conditions and drought conditions helped with the development and spread of multiple wildfires.
• Heat in Nevada, July 4, 20121 death · 1 eventOne woman died of heat complications after a prolonged period of hot temperatures.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Maryland, July 5, 20123 deaths · 6 eventsUpper-level high provided plenty of subsidence while a southerly flow continued over the area due to surface high pressure off the coast. The subsidence and southerly flow caused hot and humid conditions.
• Heat in Virginia, July 5 to 8, 201243 eventsHigh Pressure centered just to the west of the Middle Atlantic Region produced hot and humid weather over central and eastern Virginia from July 5th through July 8th.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 6, 20121 death · 1 eventAn extended period of excessive heat, which began on June 28th, continued through July 7th. During the period, the official high temperature at Standiford Field in Louisville exceeded 100 degrees 9 times within a 10 day period.
• Heat in Virginia, July 8, 201219 eventsUpper-level high pressure built overhead while surface high pressure moved off the coast. A southerly flow combined with sunshine and subsidence for hot and humid conditions.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Maryland, July 8, 20121 death · 7 eventsUpper-level high pressure built overhead while surface high pressure moved off the coast. A southerly flow combined with sunshine and subsidence for hot and humid conditions.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, July 9 to 11, 20121 death · 1 injured · 1 eventStrong high pressure aloft continued across the southwestern Arizona and southeast California deserts on July 11th, and led to excessive heat.
• Heat in Missouri, July 10, 20121 death · 1 eventA 76 year old man died in LeMay from heat related causes on July 10. There was an air conditioner in the home but it was not working. The high temperature that day was 95.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, July 11, 20121 death · 1 eventTemperatures reached Excessive Heat Warning criteria in Las Vegas for three consecutive days.
• Wildfire in Arizona, July 11 to 23, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventLightning ignited a total of 16 fires in northwest Arizona and southern Nevada.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 12 to 27, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventThe Baboon Fire began on July 12th in southwest Utah, and burned for about half of the month. The fire was named after nearby Baboon Peak. This fire caused evacuations and destroyed a couple of buildings before it became fully contained.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 15 to 17, 20121 death · 20 eventsAnother round of excessive heat hit southern Wisconsin mid-month, with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and dew points in the mid to upper 60s beginning on July 15th and lasting through July 17th.
• Excessive Heat in South Dakota, July 15 to 16, 201224 eventsA combination of high heat and humidity consisted of daytime temperatures reaching the 90s to several degrees above 100, and dew points in the 70s. The heat index went as high as 108 degrees.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 16 to 17, 20121 death · 9 eventsHot temperatures returned to central and east central Wisconsin during the middle of the month. High temperatures were mainly in the 90s but heat index values topped out at 95 to 105. A 71 year old man in poor health became ill from the heat and eventually died on July 18.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 16 to 19, 20123 deaths · 53 injured · 22 eventsExcessive heat returned to the area as high temperatures ranged from 100 to 106. The Heat Index was a couple of degrees higher. St. Louis County reported one heat related death and 34 injuries. The City of St.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 16 to 19, 20121 death · 17 eventsExcessive heat returned to the area. High temperatures ranged from 100 - 106 with the Heat Index a few degrees higher. There was one heat related death reported in St. Clair County, Il, in East St. Louis. A homeless man was found in an abandoned home.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 17 to 31, 201230 eventsRecord setting heat and dryness intensified drought conditions over eastern Nebraska during July.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Pennsylvania, July 17 to 18, 20121 death · 10 eventsAnother unseasonably hot and humid air mass affected Eastern Pennsylvania on the 17th and 18th. High temperatures on the 17th reached into the mid to upper 90s in most places with afternoon heat indices near 100F.
• Heat in Illinois, July 17 to 18, 20123 deaths · 1 eventNorthern Illinois experienced an intense heat wave during the middle of July. High temperatures at Chicago O'Hare Airport reached 99 on the 17th and 94 on the 18th. Low temperatures were generally in the mid to upper 70s. Maximum heat index values were around 100 on both days.
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 17 to 18, 2012$50,000 · 4 eventsExtremely dry conditions and drought conditions helped in the development of and spread of multiple wildfires across the Missouri Ozarks.
• Wildfire in California, July 17 to 19, 2012$200,000 · 1 eventThe Sand wildfire was manages by the Kern County Fire Department. Ignition date was 7/17/12 at 1254 PDT. It was caused by humans. The location was Highway 58 East of Tehachapi (Kern County). The size was 1428 acres. Containment was reached 7/19/12 at 1800 PDT.
• Heat in Nebraska, July 17 to 26, 201230 eventsA large dome of high pressure aloft brought a prolonged heat wave to eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, July 18 to 19, 201222 eventsHigh temperatures once again climbed over the 100-degree mark after being in the 90's for about ten days. The high at Paducah was 101 on the 18th and 19th. The high on the 18th broke the daily record by one degree. Overnight lows were in the mid 70's.
• Excessive Heat in New Jersey, July 18, 201221 eventsAnother unseasonably hot and humid air mass affected New Jersey on the 17th and 18th. High temperatures on the 17th reached into the mid to upper 90s in most places with afternoon heat indices near 100F.
• Heat in Illinois, July 18 to 19, 201219 eventsHigh temperatures once again climbed over the 100-degree mark after being in the 90's for about ten days. The high at Carbondale was 103 on the 18th and 105 on the 19th. Overnight lows were in the mid to upper 70's.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 18 to 25, 20127 deaths · 38 eventsAn unusually strong upper level ridge of high pressure, dominated the central United States with very hot and dry conditions, from July 18th through 25th 2012. Temperatures topped out from 100 to 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in South Dakota, July 18 to 24, 201210 injured · 22 eventsA combination of high heat and humidity persisted for several days. Daytime temperatures reached the 90s to several degrees above 100, and dew points were in the 70s. The heat index went as high as 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Damaging Winds in Maryland, July 18, 2012$24,000 · 52 kt wind · 18 eventsA surface trough combined with moderate instability caused showers and thunderstorms to develop. There was enough instability for thunderstorms to produce damaging wind gusts and large hail.
• Excessive Heat in Tennessee, July 19 to 20, 201220 eventsAn upper ridge of high pressure moved back over the Mid-South during the middle part of July. Temperatures rose into low 100s during the afternoon hours of July 19th-July 20th, 2012. The combination of heat and humidity produced heat indices above 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 19 to 20, 201210 injured · 2 eventsUnseasonably hot temperatures and high humidity combined to produce dangerously hot conditions across portions of northeastern Oklahoma.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, July 20 to 30, 20124 injured · $3.0 million · 3 eventsHigh based thunderstorms moved southeast July 20th to produce dry lightning that ignited a wildfire. The drought conditions were extreme that allowed brittle grass and timbers to create rapid fire growth in northwest Brown County.
• Excessive Heat in Mississippi, July 20, 201222 eventsAn upper ridge of high pressure moved back over the Mid-South during the middle part of July. Temperatures rose into low 100s during the afternoon hours of July 19th-July 20th, 2012. The combination of heat and humidity produced heat indices above 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, July 20, 20121 death · 1 eventA three-year-old boy was found inside a day care van during the afternoon hours and died shorty later. The child was left inside the van for at least two hours, and temperatures at the time were near 106 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 22 to 27, 201275 injured · 29 eventsAfter a brief break, excessive heat returned once again. St. Louis hit 108 degrees on July 25 and Columbia hit 106 on the 25th. Again the air was relatively dry thus the heat index was only a couple of degrees higher. St.
• Wildfire in Iowa, July 22, 20121 injured · $40,000 · 1 eventA large wildfire occurred near Osceola in Clarke County. Over 100 acres were burned with one firefighter injured. Areas burned included pasture, woodland areas, and corn crops. Fire departments were called from Warren, Clarke, and Madison Counties.
• Heat in Illinois, July 23 to 25, 201219 eventsTriple-digit high temperatures returned for a few more days late in the month. The high at Carbondale reached 102 on the 23rd, 106 on the 24th, and 104 on the 25th.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 23, 201220 eventsThe bubble of hot air over the central U.S. again surged back across southern Wisconsin on gusty west-southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph on July 23rd. Temperatures in the 90s combined with dew points in the 60s to lower 70s to produce heat index values between 100 and 109.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 24 to 26, 201222 eventsTriple-digit high temperatures returned for a few more days late in the month. The high at Paducah reached 101 degrees for three consecutive afternoons on the 24th, 25th, and 26th.
• Heat in Tennessee, July 25 to 26, 20122 deaths · 1 eventAn upper ridge of high pressure continued to dominate the weather pattern during the latter part of July. The combination of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and high humidity produced heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees on July 25th-July 26th, 2012.
• Heat in Illinois, July 25, 20121 death · 1 eventTemperatures climbed to near 100 degrees on July 25th. A 64 year old man died from heat related illiness in Chicago.
• Heat in Wisconsin, July 25, 201219 eventsAnother round of dangerous heat affected southern Wisconsin on July 25th. High temperatures topped out between 98 and 101 degrees, with dew points near 70 combining with the hot temperatures to produce heat index values between 100 and 108 across all of South Central and…
• Wildfire in Missouri, July 25 to 31, 2012$310,000 · 4 eventsExtremely dry conditions worsened by the on going drought lead to multiple wildfires around the Missouri Ozarks.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, July 26, 20121 death · 8 eventsAn unseasonably hot and one of the most humid air masses of the summer combined to produce afternoon hourly heat indices of between 100F to 105F. High temperatures themselves were in the lower to mid 90s. There was one heat related death within Philadelphia.
• Wildfire in Illinois, July 27 to 28, 2012$2.1 million · 1 eventA wildfire burned 350 acres of grassland near Rochester in Sangamon County on July 27th. While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, it was likely aided by very dry conditions and northwesterly winds gusting to 25 mph.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 28 to 31, 201220 injured · 21 eventsExtremely hot temperatures and high humidity combined to produce dangerously hot weather conditions across much of eastern Oklahoma.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, July 29, 2012$200,000 · 1 eventVery hot temperatures, low relative humidity values, and ongoing drought conditions promoted the rapid spread of a wildfire that consumed 350 acres. The fire burned 8 outbuildings and threatened 7 homes before it was controlled.
• Heat in Illinois, July 30, 20121 death · 1 eventTemperatures climbed into the lower 90s on July 30th 2012. A 52 year old Chicago man died from a heat stroke.
• Heat in Alabama, July 30, 20121 death · 1 eventThe combination of above normal temperatures in the lower 90s with high humidity, led to a heat related death in Lawrence County, Alabama.
• Drought in Indiana, August 1 to 31, 201240 eventsDrought conditions began to relent during August following beneficial rains and cooler temperatures. Temperatures during August averaged near normal and rainfall was above normal in many of the very dry areas of June and July.
• Heat in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 201241 injured · 34 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure settled over the central portions of the U.S. beginning in June and became the dominant weather pattern for much of the Summer of 2012. This weather pattern finally broke down after the first week of August and temperatures became more seasonable.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, August 1 to 4, 20122 deaths · 4 eventsThis period of excessively hot weather began in late July and continued into early August 2012. Extremely hot temperatures and high humidity combined to produce dangerously hot weather conditions across portions of northwest and west central Arkansas.
• Drought in Iowa, August 1 to 31, 2012$312 million · 51 eventsDrought conditions that began in late June continued through July and into August. Very warm and dry weather that began in the spring continued through the summer. Temperatures warmed sharply the last few days of June. The heat persisted into August.
• Drought in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 2012$178 million · 34 eventsA persistent upper level high pressure ridge over the central portions of the country caused more dry conditions for the area. Severe to exceptional drought remained in place across southwestern Missouri through the month.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 1 to 5, 20121 death · 45 eventsMost of Arkansas was under extreme or exceptional drought as August began. Unusual heat also continued into the beginning of the month. From the 1st through the 5th, high temperatures were 100 degrees or higher at many reporting stations.
• Drought in Kansas, August 1 to 31, 2012$47 million · 3 eventsA persistent upper level high pressure ridge over the central portions of the country caused more dry conditions for the area. Severe to exceptional drought remained in place across extreme southeastern Kansas. Some rainfall fell by the end of the month for portions of the area.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 4, 201217 injured · 21 eventsThis period of excessively hot weather began in late July and continued into early August 2012. Extremely hot temperatures and high humidity combined to produce dangerously hot weather conditions across much of eastern Oklahoma.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 2012$700,000 · 27 eventsThe drought that began late June continued to intensify as the trend of strong high pressure aloft sustained dry and hot weather. Temperatures were above average and the suppressed rainfall let to spotty rainfall in some areas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 201248 eventsHot and dry conditions continued for much of the month beneath a persistent upper-level ridge over the southern Plains. This led to worsening of the already-severe drought.
• Drought in Arkansas, August 1 to 31, 201245 eventsAt the beginning of August, most of Arkansas was under extreme or exceptional drought.
• Drought in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 201237 eventsDry conditions, which started in the spring, intensified during the month of August. Drought D2 and D3 conditions at the beginning of the month, increased to D3 and D4 conditions by the end of the month.
• Drought in Illinois, August 1 to 31, 201235 eventsAn extended period of dry weather continued to worsen across central and southeast Illinois during the month of August. Despite near normal monthly rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches in many locations...yearly deficits since January 1st remained in the 8 to 13 inch range.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 201230 eventsThis drought carried over from July when record setting heat and dryness brought increasingly worse drought conditions to the region into and beyond August.
• Drought in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 201229 eventsExtreme Drought (D3) conditions continued across all of the area through the month of August. By the middle of the month, most of Boone and Moniteau counties were moved into Exceptional Drought (D4) status.
• Drought in Kansas, August 1 to 31, 201226 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather intensified the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of August.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 201225 eventsRainfall was typically sporadic for August across eastern Oklahoma. Much of the region received below average rainfall for the month with areas north of I-44 only receiving between 10 and 25 percent of normal rainfall.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions generally worsened over the region through the month of August. All counties in Moderate (D1) conditions through July were upgraded to at least Severe (D2). Some counties previously in Extreme (D3) were upgraded to the highest level, Exceptional (D4).
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of the area with below normal rainfall keeping soil conditions dry. Stress on crops continued even though August was less hot than July, with temperatures averaging only a little above normal.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 201224 eventsAlthough August rainfall deficits across the majority of the 24-county area were not as extreme as those in July, below normal rain was still the main story, plunging South Central Nebraska even deeper into the worst drought in several decades.
• Drought in Kansas, August 1 to 31, 201223 eventsHot and dry conditions continued across all of the central plains through the month of August.
• Drought in Kentucky, August 1 to 31, 201222 eventsThe drought which began in May reached its most extreme stage by early August. Exceptional drought conditions persisted across far western Kentucky, west of a line from Henderson to Kentucky Lake.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, August 1, 201220 eventsA two-day heat wave that started on July 31 continued into August 1. High temperatures were around 105 degrees with the Heat Index from 105 to 110. The St. Louis County Health Department reported 6 people treated for heat at area emergency rooms.
• Drought in Tennessee, August 1 to 31, 201220 eventsBeneficial rain during the month of August helped improve drought conditions across portions of West Tennessee near the Tennessee River while the rest of West Tennessee missed out on the much needed rain continuing the drought.
• Drought in Wisconsin, August 1 to 31, 201220 eventsThe extremely dry conditions continued through August across southern Wisconsin. Several widely-spaced rounds of showers and thunderstorms brought between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain to southern Wisconsin for the month, but monthly deficits ranged from 1.2 inch to 2.7 inches.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 31, 201225 eventsDrought conditions persisted across much of New Mexico through the month of August.
• Drought in Colorado, August 1 to 31, 201221 eventsExtreme to severe drought conditions were held on place across western Colorado in August. Slight improvement was seen across portions of the central and southern mountains due to the impact of monsoonal moisture.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 2, 20123 injured · $200,000 · 1 eventThe Volcano fire started around 1045 PST on the 1st, near the intersection of Tenaja Road and Via Volcano, in La Cresta (near Murrieta). Voluntary evacuations were in place for residents in the area at a local high school. One unidentified structure was destroyed.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 10, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventThe Crane Road Fire burned through 12,000 acres of sagebrush, grassland, and light timber in northern Douglas County, across the Columbia River from Brewster.
• Heat in Tennessee, August 2, 20122 deaths · 1 eventRecord high temperatures in the upper 90s and dewpoints in the low to mid 70s led to oppressive heat across Middle Tennessee on August 2. Two young children reportedly died of heat stroke after being left inside a vehicle for several hours in Rutherford County.
• Heat in Alabama, August 2, 20121 death · 1 eventThe combination of above normal temperatures in the mid to upper 90s with high humidity, led to a heat related death in Marshall County, Alabama.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, August 2 to 3, 2012$400,000 · 3 eventsThursday evening high based thunderstorms produced lightning that ignited four wildfires in Keith County and one in Arthur County.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 3 to 8, 2012$55 million · 1 eventVery hot temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry fuels, and gusty wind resulted in the spread of two large wildfires in Creek County. One of the fires burned 58,500 acres near Mannford and the other burned about 6500 acres near Drumright.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, August 3 to 4, 20121 death · 9 eventsExtreme temperatures coupled with an low humidity, increased winds, and an ongoing drought led to several large wildfires across parts of Oklahoma. Some of the fires burned numerous structures.
• Heat in Alabama, August 3, 20121 death · 1 eventAs is typical along the Central Gulf Coast Region for early August, on this day late morning and afternoon temperatures were in the middle 90s with heat index readings climbing to around 105.
• Wildfire and Hail in Oregon, August 4 to 31, 2012$101,000 · 1 in hail · 10 eventsAn upper level disturbance moving across central Oregon into a hot and unstable atmosphere brought locally severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rainfall, and lightning that started wildfires.
• Wildfire in Utah, August 5 to 12, 2012$215,000 · 1 eventThe Pinyon Fire was started by lightning on August 5th, and burned for a week. The fire started on the property of Army Garrison Camp Williams in Utah County, and primarily burned areas within that National Guard training site, but also threatened nearby neighborhoods.
• Heat in New Mexico, August 6, 20121 death · 1 eventA toddler died after being left inside a parked vehicle for over eight hours. Ambient air temperatures were in the lower to mid 90s.
• Drought in Iowa, August 7 to 28, 201221 eventsThe drought became Extreme during the first week of August across all of eastern Iowa as persistent high pressure remained centered just to our west.
• Heat in Tennessee, August 7, 20121 death · 1 eventA 5 month old baby died of hyperthermia in Donelson after being left inside a vehicle for 7 to 8 hours on August 7. The high temperature reached 93 degrees at the nearby Nashville International Airport.
• Heat in California, August 7, 20121 death · 1 eventA runner died of heat stroke in Death Valley.
• Heat in Nevada, August 8 to 11, 20123 deaths · 1 eventThree people died of heat complications in Las Vegas during a particularly hot period.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 10 to 20, 2012$370,000 · 4 eventsA few days of warm and dry weather resulted in some grass fires that did some damage. The Lometa Ranch fire burned over 2000 acres in Lampasas County. A small fire near Springtown in Parker County burned two homes.
• Wildfire in California, August 12 to 19, 20124 injured · 1 eventThe Vallecito Lightning Complex was started by lightning around 1900 PST on the 12th. This complex was composed of 3 larger fires greater than 500 acres and 3 smaller fires of 5 acres or less. The Vallecito Fire burned 519 acres just southeast of Julian.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 13 to 28, 2012$8.3 million · 1 eventThe Taylor Bridge Fire burned from August 13 to 28 and was human caused. It burned 23,500 acres of timber and grass and also consumed around 60 homes.
• Heat in Nevada, August 14 to 15, 20122 deaths · 1 eventTwo more people in the Las Vegas Valley died of heat complications at the end of a particularly hot period.
• Wildfire in California, August 14 to 20, 20126 injured · $1.0 million · 1 eventThe Buck fire started around 1156 PST on the 14th due to lightning, along Sage Road between Lewis Valley Road and Buck Road near the town of Sage in Riverside County. Voluntary evacuations were in place. Four residences were destroyed.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 19, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventThe Buffalo Lake Road Fire started at 2030 on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 and grew quickly due to high winds burning approximately 7,800 acres by the evening of August 15th. The lightning caused fire eventually grew to 11,299 acres and was fully contained on Sunday August 19th.
• Wildfire in Kansas, August 15 to 16, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventIsolated thunderstorms developed and moved southeast across parts of northwest Kansas during the late afternoon and evening. Two separate lightning strikes in extreme southern Sherman County resulted in fires which eventually merged into a large fire consuming 15,000 acres.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 23, 2012$25,000 · 2 eventsRed flag conditions during the afternoon of August 24th led to the development of fast spreading brushfires in Polk County.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, August 24 to 29, 2012$100,000 · 1 eventCritical fire weather conditions existed across southwest North Dakota on August 24. Several wildfires started and one in Slope County, the Deep Creek 2 Fire, was significant.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 28 to 31, 2012$500,000 · 1 eventA fire started by lightning on August 28th grew to 420 acres and destroyed 2 homes about 20 miles west of Montpelier.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, August 29 to 31, 20123 injured · $1.0 million · 1 eventLightning produced by high based thunderstorms ignited the Wellnitz Fire. The fire burned 77,159 acres of land, starting near 10 miles north of Hay Springs that spread to across the South Dakota border onto the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
• Wildfire in Missouri, August 30, 20121 injured · $300,000 · 1 eventDrought conditions across the area and gusty winds with the approaching low pressure of the remnants of Isaac caused the development and rapid spread of a large brushfire in Webster County.
• Drought in Indiana, September 1 to 30, 201239 eventsDrought conditions were greatly diminished over much of central and southwest Indiana by the end of September, while conditions continued to improve in south central portions of the state. The wet weather pattern of August continued in much of Indiana during September.
• Drought in Illinois, September 1 to 30, 2012$982 million · 35 eventsExtreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought conditions that had been ongoing across central and southeast Illinois since June eased significantly during the month of September.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 2012$5.0 million · 24 eventsDrought conditions slightly improved through the month of September largely due to beneficial rainfall toward the end of the month. However, much of this rainfall only brought short term drought relief.
• Drought in Iowa, September 1 to 30, 201251 eventsDrought conditions that began in late June continued through the summer and into September. Very warm and dry weather that began in the spring continued through the summer.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 201248 eventsDrought conditions continued over the southern Plains following a hot and very dry summer. A few beneficial rain events did occur during September, resulting in improving drought conditions in some areas.
• Drought in Arkansas, September 1 to 30, 201245 eventsThe passage of Tropical Depression Isaac made a significant dent in the drought over most of Arkansas at the beginning of September.
• Drought in Missouri, September 1 to 30, 201237 eventsThe remnants of Hurricane Isaac, brought some much needed relief to drought conditions across the area, on the 1st of September. This helped improve drought conditions from D4 and D3 to D3 and D2.
• Drought in Missouri, September 1 to 30, 201234 eventsThe persistent upper level high pressure ridge over the central portions of the country which caused extremely dry conditions throughout the summer weakened and a more active pattern for rainfall occurred during the month of September.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 30, 201230 eventsHot and very dry conditions persisted into early September across eastern Nebraska, as the first few days of the month saw little or no rainfall along with high temperatures frequently in the 90s.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 30, 201226 eventsThe drought, which began in June, continued to intensify through September as another month of below normal precipitation was observed across western and north central Nebraska.
• Drought in Kansas, September 1 to 30, 201226 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather continued the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of September. An unusually dry period from May through August kept an exteme drought (D3) going for most of Southern Kansas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 201225 eventsRainfall was once again sporadic across eastern Oklahoma during September 2012 with hot and dry weather dominating the region throughout much of the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 30, 201224 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of southeast South Dakota with well below normal rainfall keeping soil and vegetation dry. Rainfall for the month varied from around half to less than a quarter of normal.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 30, 201224 eventsSeptember marked the fifth consecutive month of well-below normal rainfall across most of the 24-county area, further worsening an already-serious drought situation as the summer and fall of 2012 continued marking its place in history as one of the worst droughts in several…
• Drought in Kansas, September 1 to 30, 201223 eventsDry conditions continued across all of the central plains through the month of September.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 201223 eventsThe U.S. Drought Monitor issued through the National Drought Mitigation Center on September 25, depicts exceptional drought across Jones and Haskell Counties and shows extreme drought over the Big Country and Sutton County.
• Drought in Kentucky, September 1 to 30, 201222 eventsSignificant improvement in drought conditions occurred during the month of September. Heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac at the start of the month was a notable factor.
• Drought in Wisconsin, September 1 to 30, 201220 eventsBelow normal precipitation in September helped to continue the drought across southern Wisconsin.
• Drought in Illinois, September 1 to 30, 201219 eventsSignificant improvement in drought conditions occurred during the month of September. Heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaac at the start of the month was a notable factor. The extreme to exceptional summer drought officially ended along and north of Interstate 64.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, September 1 to 4, 20123 injured · $6.0 million · 1 eventLightning produced by high based thunderstorms ignited the Wellnitz Fire on August 29th. The fire burned over 77,159 acres of land, which included 44,159 acres in Nebraska.
• Drought in New Mexico, September 1 to 30, 201225 eventsDrought conditions were unchanged across New Mexico during the month of September. Much of the state received below average precipitation for the month. Areas in portions of western and north central New Mexico received spotty near, to above normal precipitation.
• Drought in Colorado, September 1 to 30, 201221 eventsThe trend of monthly below normal precipitation continued into the month of September across western Colorado.
• Heat in Arkansas, September 1 to 7, 201234 eventsA heat wave started on the 1st of the month and lasted through the 7th. The main effects were felt in central and southern Arkansas. Most high temperatures reached the upper 90s to above 100.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, September 3 to 7, 20125 injured · 2 eventsTemperatures from 100 to 105 degrees combined with fairly high humidity resulted in daytime heat indices from 105 to 110 degrees for several days across portions of eastern Oklahoma.
• Heat in Louisiana, September 3, 20121 death · 1 injured · 1 eventTemperatures in the mid 90s were common across southeast Louisiana. Widespread power outages in the wake of Hurricane Isaac, combined with the hot temperatures, caused several reports of heat exhaustion and at least one case of heat stroke.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, September 8 to 28, 2012$90,000 · 1 eventA man burning trash 5 miles south of Jackson ignited a wildfire on Saturday, September 8, that rapidly spread to the north and northeast toward Jackson. The fire came within 1 mile of Snow King Ski Area and Resort on September 9.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 8 to 30, 20121 death · $602,000 · 3 eventsAn upper level low pressure system sat just offshore of the southern Oregon coastline. Another deep low pressure system pushing into the Gulf of Alaska acted as a kicker to eject the upper level low pressure system offshore across the region.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, September 9 to 16, 2012$4.0 million · 1 eventThe Sheep Herder Hill Fire started on the southeast side of Casper Mountain off of Circle Drive on Sunday, September 9. The wildfire was spread rapidly east and northeast by high temperatures, strong wind, and dry fuels.
• Heat in California, September 15, 201220 injured · 3 eventsStrong high pressure over California resulted in very hot and dry conditions around the 15th, up to 15 degrees warmer than seasonal averages. By 0900 PST, temperatures were already pushing 100 degrees in many inland valley locations and even closer to the coast.
• Wildfire in California, September 23 to 26, 20121 death · 3 injured · $3.7 million · 1 eventThe Shockey fire started around 1114 PST on the 23rd, near the intersection of the Shockey Truck Trail and Highway 94, east of Campo in San Diego County. As the fire burned rapidly, approximately 25 structures were threatened.
• Drought in Texas, September 25 to 30, 2012$20,000 · 11 eventsAfter dry conditions during the month of September, several counties in the northern and central portions of the CWA were classified in severe drought (D2) with the September 25th issuance of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, September 27 to 30, 20121 death · 2 injured · $70,000 · 1 eventOne woman was killed and another seriously injured in two separate auto crashes. The accidents occurred in extreme northeast Monroe County along State Highway 173 near the intersection of County Road EW in low visibility due to smoke from a wildfire burning in the Necedah…
• Drought in Nebraska, October 1 to 31, 2012$119 million · 24 eventsAlthough October was not quite as dry as September across most of South Central Nebraska, it nonetheless marked the sixth consecutive month of below normal precipitation across the majority of the 24-county area.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 2012$120 million · 20 eventsPersistent drought conditions has affected the Texas Panhandle through October. Exceptional (D4) drought affected most of Dallam County. Extreme (D3) drought affected almost all of the northern Texas Panhandle.
• Drought in Illinois, October 1 to 31, 2012$178 million · 8 eventsRepeated rainfall throughout the month of October continued to ease the drought conditions across central and southeast Illinois. Most locations picked up 4 to 5 inches of rain during the month, which is over 1 inch above normal.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 2012$50 million · 24 eventsDrought conditions remained nearly unchanged through the month of October. Severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought levels persisted over much of the region while exceptional (D4) conditions continued across the northwestern South Plains and a small portion of Stonewall County.
• Drought in Kansas, October 1 to 31, 2012$20 million · 6 eventsContinuing a trend from recent months, rainfall during October exhibited considerable variability within these six counties.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 2012$10 million · 3 eventsPersistent drought conditions has affected the Oklahoma Panhandles through October. Exceptional (D4) drought affected most of the central and western Oklahoma Panhandle. Extreme (D3) drought affected almost all of Cimarron County.
• Drought in Iowa, October 1 to 13, 201251 eventsDrought conditions that began in late June continued through the summer and into October. Very warm and dry weather that began in the spring continued through the summer.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 201248 eventsWith lack of any appreciable rainfall during the month of October, drought conditions persisted and/or worsened during the month.
• Drought in Arkansas, October 1 to 31, 201237 eventsRainfall during October was less than normal in most of Arkansas, so improvements in the drought were limited. The greatest change occurred in parts of northern Arkansas.
• Drought in Missouri, October 1 to 31, 201234 eventsA more active weather pattern occurred during the month of October with several rounds of appreciable rainfall. Drought conditions continued to slowly improve over portions of the Missouri Ozarks.
• Drought in Missouri, October 1 to 31, 201233 eventsThe drought continued across west central and northwest Missouri through the month of October, with slight improvement noted, especially across north central and central portions of the state. Rainfall deficits for the year were in the 10 to 15 inch range.
• Drought in Nebraska, October 1 to 31, 201230 eventsDrought conditions persisted into and through October across eastern Nebraska. Rainfall for the month was near normal over most of the region, the exception was northeast Nebraska where some locations received amounts that were 1.5 inches or so below normal.
• Drought in Nebraska, October 1 to 31, 201227 eventsThe drought began in June and continued through October as below normal precipitation was observed across western and north central Nebraska. All areas were at D4 or exceptional drought conditions.
• Drought in Kansas, October 1 to 31, 201226 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather continued the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of October. An unusually dry period from May through August kept an extreme drought (D3) going for most of Southern Kansas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 201225 eventsRainfall during October 2012 was once again below normal across much of eastern Oklahoma. The exception was across northern Tulsa County and much of Rogers County, where thunderstorms brought locally heavy rainfall to those areas during the middle of the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, October 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of southeast South Dakota in October with well below normal rainfall keeping soil and vegetation dry. Rainfall for the month was below normal everywhere, and less than half of normal in much of the area.
• Drought in Kansas, October 1 to 31, 201223 eventsDry conditions continued across all of the central plains through the month of October. Drought monitor for the central plains indicated that some improvement in the drought conditions were experienced across all of northeast Kansas.
• Drought in Kentucky, October 1 to 31, 201222 eventsSlow improvement in long-term drought conditions occurred during the month of October. While the more active fall weather pattern resulted in more frontal passages in October, most locations still reported below normal precipitation for the month.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 2012$22,000 · 5 eventsDespite below normal precipitation in October 2012, little change was noted in drought conditions across the region during the month. The region received up to 2 of rain on a few days this month and this rain did provide some temporary relief.
• Drought in South Dakota, October 1 to 31, 201221 eventsThe drought continued to intensify and expand across parts of central and northeast South Dakota through October, resulting in severe to exceptional drought conditions. Many locations continued the trend of recording well below normal precipitation totals for the month.
• Drought in Wisconsin, October 1 to 31, 201220 eventsAbove normal precipitation at many locations in October helped to ease the drought across southern Wisconsin. Several rounds of steady rain, as well as showers and a few thunderstorms, brought between 2.3 inches and 5.5 inches of rain to southern Wisconsin for the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, October 1 to 31, 201225 eventsDrought conditions persisted across the state during the month of October. The state received below average precipitation for the month. Areas of western and north-central New Mexico received 20-40% of normal precipitation.
• Drought in Colorado, October 1 to 31, 201221 eventsOctober 2012 continued the string of below normal precipitation months across many of the climate stations in Western Colorado.
• Heat in California, October 2, 20121 death · 1 eventAn unseasonable heat wave gripped the area on the first two days of October 2012. High temperatures soared well into the 90s and 100s across the area, which was well above normal and resulted in several record high temperatures as well as all-time October record high…
• Wildfire in Washington, October 2 to 14, 2012$500,000 · 1 eventThe St Mary's Mission Road Fire started Tuesday, October 2nd, at approximately 15:40 PST near the intersection of Highway 155 and St Mary's Mission Road. The first night the wind driven fire burned approximately 5,000 acres. Two homes and eight structures were lost.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 4 to 13, 2012$1.1 million · 1 eventA wildfire broke out on Oct 4th with containment on Oct 13th. 230 acres burned primarily in timber and along the Powerline 2 corridor. No homes or significant structures burned.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 17, 2012$650,000 · 1 eventOver the course of about four hours, 12 rural fire departments battled this large wildfire that originated in western Fillmore County approximately four miles southeast of Sutton.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, October 17 to 18, 2012$4.0 million · 1 eventA large wildfire developed over western Adams County in southwest North Dakota during the afternoon of the 17th.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 18, 20126 injured · $1.2 million · 2 eventsA wildfire fanned by high winds caused a fire to quickly spread southeast, crossing Interstate 80 and then burning for an additional 12 miles southeast into northeast Perkins County. The wildfire reached up to 1.5 miles wide.
• Wildfire in Colorado, October 23 to 29, 2012$2.5 million · 3 eventsA wildfire of unknown cause spread rapidly eastward. It consumed 15 houses and additional out-buildings in the Greenwood Village subdivision. Scores of residences were evacuated during the height of the wildfire.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 2012$508 million · 20 eventsA dry November caused the ongoing drought conditions to worsen across the Texas Panhandle. Exceptional (D4) drought affects the majority of the north Texas Panhandle including Carson County.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 2012$50 million · 24 eventsDrought conditions worsened during the month of November largely due to well above seasonal average temperatures and well below normal precipitation. Extreme (D3) drought had expanded to encompass the majority of the South Plains area.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 30, 2012$80 million · 3 eventsA dry November caused the ongoing drought conditions to worsen across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Exceptional (D4) drought affects all of Beaver County and most of Texas County.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 30, 201248 eventsVery few rainfall events occurred during the month of November over Oklahoma. This allowed drought conditions to persist or even worsen in some areas.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 2012$51,000 · 11 eventsDrought conditions were ongoing and worsened for locations of North Texas. Areas near the Red River and western portions of the County Warning Area began the month in severe drought and with little to no rainfall drought classifications were downgraded to extreme drought (D3).
• Drought in Arkansas, November 1 to 30, 201237 eventsRain in November brought improvement in drought conditions in many parts of Arkansas. However, extreme drought lingered over much of western Arkansas, where rainfall was not as great. There was no exceptional drought in the state as of November 6th.
• Drought in Nebraska, November 1 to 30, 201232 eventsThe drought persisted into November with Exceptional Drought (D4) condition. In November rainfall remained below normal and the average daily mean temperatures above normal for little change in soil conditions.
• Drought in Nebraska, November 1 to 30, 201230 eventsDrought conditions remained over much of eastern Nebraska into November as precipitation continued below normal, generally a half an inch or less (although a little over 1 inch fell over parts of far southeast Nebraska). These amounts were around an inch below normal.
• Drought in Missouri, November 1 to 30, 201228 eventsThe drought continued across the area during the month of November. Slight improvement was noted, with D1 to D2 conditions prevailing. Rainfall deficits were generally in the 10 to 16 inch range for the year.
• Drought in Kansas, November 1 to 30, 201226 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather continued the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of November. An unusually dry period from May through September kept an extreme drought (D3) going for most of Southern Kansas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 30, 201225 eventsNovember 2012 was extremely dry across all of eastern Oklahoma. In fact, the entire region received less than 50 percent of its normal average precipitation for the month with much of the region south of I-44 receiving less than 25 percent of normal precipitation.
• Drought in South Dakota, November 1 to 30, 201224 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of southeast South Dakota in November with below to well below normal rainfall keeping soil dry. Rainfall for the month was below normal everywhere, and less than a quarter of normal in most of the area.
• Drought in South Dakota, November 1 to 30, 201224 eventsDrought conditions expanded and worsened throughout November across central and northeast South Dakota. Exceptional to extreme drought conditions covered much of central and north central South Dakota by the end of November.
• Drought in Nebraska, November 1 to 30, 201224 eventsAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, November marked six months since severe (or worse) drought started to take its grip on South Central Nebraska.
• Drought in Kansas, November 1 to 30, 201223 eventsDry conditions continued across all of the central plains through the month of November. Drought monitor for the central plains indicated that some improvement in the drought conditions were experienced across all of northeast Kansas.
• Drought in Iowa, November 1 to 30, 201221 eventsThe drought that began in June and worsened during the summer and into the fall finally began to show improving conditions in November. This was due to somewhat more rainfall as the weather pattern became a bit more active.
• Drought in New Mexico, November 1 to 30, 201226 eventsDrought conditions persisted across the state during the month of November.| |Many locations of eastern and central New Mexico recorded zero precipitation during November, continuing the trend of a lack of precipitation for several months.
• Drought in Colorado, November 1 to 30, 201221 eventsThe string of below normal precipitation months remained unbroken going into the late fall months across western Colorado in November of 2012. As a result drought conditions did not improve and ranged from severe to extreme across the whole of the region.
• Drought in Texas, November 20 to 30, 2012$18,000 · 9 eventsWith little to no rainfall across the area throughout the month of November counties that were not classified in drought at the beginning of the month were downgraded to severe drought (D2) by the end of the month.
• Wildfire in Georgia, November 24 to 30, 2012$226,000 · 2 eventsAn upper low over the region shifted east, allowing flow to transition to nearly zonal aloft. A large surface ridge dominated the eastern United States, continuing to bring dry air to the region.
• Drought in Georgia, December 1 to 31, 201219 eventsD2-D3 drought conditions affected portions of the counties listed through December and into January.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 2012$415 million · 20 eventsThe month of December provided a few opportunities for improvement in drought conditions across the Texas Panhandle, but fell short of showing significant improvement. Exceptional (D4) drought affects the majority of the north Texas Panhandle including Carson County.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 2012$50 million · 24 eventsDrought conditions on the South Plains and Rolling Plains of West Texas during the month of December remained unchanged. Exceptional (D4) drought was observed across the western South Plains and a portion of Stonewall County.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 2012$55 million · 3 eventsThe month of December provided a few opportunities for improvement in drought conditions across the Oklahoma Panhandle, but fell short of showing significant improvement. Exceptional (D4) drought affects all of Beaver County and most of Texas County.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 2012$98,000 · 41 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions expanded across North Texas as rainfall remained below normal for the month of December. A few of the counties southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area had deteriorated to D4/Exceptional drought severity by the middle of the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 201248 eventsVery few rainfall events occurred during the month of December over Oklahoma. This allowed drought conditions to persist or even worsen in some areas.
• Drought in Nebraska, December 1 to 31, 201230 eventsDrought conditions improved little across eastern Nebraska during December although some areas of southeast and east central Nebraska received 1 to 1.5 inches or more of precipitation, in some cases more than 1/2 inch above normal.
• Drought in Arkansas, December 1 to 31, 201228 eventsDrought conditions changed very little in December, with extreme drought lingering in much of western Arkansas.
• Drought in Missouri, December 1 to 31, 201227 eventsSlight improvement in the drought conditions were observed across northwest and west central Missouri. However, D1 to D2 conditions, moderate to severe drought conditions, still prevailed across the area.
• Drought in Nebraska, December 1 to 31, 201227 eventsThe drought persisted into December with Exceptional Drought (D4) condition. In December rainfall was below normal and the average daily mean temperatures were 1 to 5 degrees above normal.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 201225 eventsDecember was another dry month across South Central Texas and the drought worsened in 12 counties. Edwards County moved into the exceptional drought category (D4) and Kerr and Real joined Val Verde in the extreme category (D3).
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 201225 eventsPrecipitation over eastern Oklahoma continued below normal during December 2012, ranging from 0.25 inches near the Kansas/Missouri border to nearly four inches locally in southeastern Oklahoma.
• Drought in Kansas, December 1 to 31, 201225 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather continued the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of December. An unusually dry period from May through October kept an extreme drought (D3) going for most of Southern Kansas.
• Drought in South Dakota, December 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of southeast South Dakota in December. Although precipitation was generally normal to above normal...the amount of excess over the low winter normals was not enough to relieve the dry conditions.
• Drought in South Dakota, December 1 to 31, 201224 eventsDrought conditions maintained the status quo through December across central and northeastern South Dakota. Exceptional to extreme drought conditions covered much of central and north central South Dakota throughout December.
• Drought in Nebraska, December 1 to 31, 201224 eventsAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, December marked the sixth consecutive month of severe (or worse) drought across South Central Nebraska, as the latter half of 2012 marked its place in history as one of the worst droughts since the 1950s.
• Drought in Kansas, December 1 to 31, 201223 eventsDry conditions continued across all of the central plains through the month of December. December brought a small amount of moisture in the form of some snow during the middle part of the month, and again at the very end of the month.
• Drought in Missouri, December 1 to 31, 201219 eventsDecember was drier than normal which strengthen drought conditions across portions of the Missouri Ozarks.
• Drought in New Mexico, December 1 to 31, 201239 eventsDrought conditions persisted across the NWS Albuquerque County Warning Area (CWA). This month the state saw an increase in storm activity with numerous winter systems crossing the state about once a week.
• Drought in Colorado, December 1 to 31, 201221 eventsAs western Colorado transitioned from fall to winter the storm track became more favorable for precipitation across the eastern Great Basin and northern Rockies, especially during the latter half of the month.
• Wildfire in Texas, December 3, 2012$25,000 · 1 eventA wildfire began around 1020CST about nine miles south southeast of Canyon Texas in Randall county. The wildfire started near Interstate 40 and Dowlen Road and consumed an estimated seventy-five acres.
• Wildfire and Hail in Texas, December 19 to 20, 20121 injured · $337,000 · 1 in hail · 21 eventsA line of thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front that was moving across the region. These thunderstorms produced mostly wind damage across the eastern half of the CWA. The most significant damage was reported in Collin County where a mobile home was rolled onto its top.
• Wildfire in Texas, December 22, 2012$50,000 · 1 eventOn December 22, extremely dry conditions in combination with gusty winds fueled a fire in the town of Reno, destroying more than $50,000 worth of hay.
• Wildfire in Texas, December 25, 2012$250,000 · 1 eventA wildfire occurred near County Road 357 and the Hideaway Hills subdivision near Lake Corpus Christi. The wildfire burned 200 acres, destroying 2 homes and 1 vehicle. The wildfire forced the evacuation of 90 residents.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2013$391 million · 20 eventsThe month of January provided some much needed precipitation for the southern Texas Panhandle. Exceptional (D4) drought affects the far northern Texas Panhandle including Moore County. Extreme (D3) drought affects most of the central and south central Texas Panhandle.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 2013$79 million · 3 eventsThe month of January showed little to no improvement in drought conditions despite a few chances for precipitation throughout the month. Exceptional (D4) drought affects all of Beaver County and most of Texas County.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2013$20 million · 24 eventsDrought conditions during the month of January slightly improved across much of the South Plains, Rolling Plains, and extreme southern Texas panhandle. By the end of the month, Motley County was completely in moderate (D1) drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2013$119,000 · 43 eventsDrought conditions improved across all of North Texas during the month of January. At the beginning of the month, exceptional drought (D4) was ongoing across Hamilton, Somervell, and Bosque County.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 201348 eventsVery few rainfall events occurred during the month of January over Oklahoma. This allowed drought conditions to persist or even worsen in some areas.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 201331 eventsThe drought that began in June and expanded to become an Exceptional (D4) Drought in 2012 continues into January 2013. While the weather in January was characterized as progressive the storm track provided little relief or recharge to the depleted soil moisture.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 201330 eventsDrought conditions improved little across eastern Nebraska during January. Precipitation during the month generally ranged from 1/4 inch or less in northeast Nebraska to nearly an inch across the southeast.
• Drought in Missouri, January 1 to 31, 201329 eventsThere have been several storm systems that have impacted the region in the last half of January. Most of the precipitation from these systems has fallen along and southeast of a Kansas City to Kirksville line.
• Drought in Arkansas, January 1 to 31, 201327 eventsPeriodic precipitation during January improved drought conditions in Arkansas.
• Drought in Kansas, January 1 to 31, 201326 eventsA prolonged period of dry weather continued the drought conditions across most of Kansas during the month of January. An unusually dry period from May through November kept an extreme drought (D3) going for most of Southern Kansas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 201325 eventsSeveral storm systems brought generally light precipitation to eastern Oklahoma during early to mid January 2013.
• Drought in South Dakota, January 1 to 31, 201324 eventsDrought conditions continued over all of southeast South Dakota in January. Precipitation was below to well below normal, although with the low midwinter normals, even greater precipitation would have been unlikely to change the dry soil conditions.
• Drought in South Dakota, January 1 to 31, 201324 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions remained throughout January across central and northeast South Dakota. Exceptional to extreme drought conditions covered much of central and north central South Dakota throughout January.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 201324 eventsAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, January marked the seventh consecutive month of severe (or worse) drought across South Central Nebraska, as one of the worst droughts since the 1950s, which took hold during the summer of 2012, continued into the new year.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 201339 eventsDrought conditions persisted across the NWS Albuquerque County Warning Area (CWA) as the new year began. Much of the area received well below normal precipitation in January, as only three significant systems delivered moisture to parts of the area.
• Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 201321 eventsThe early winter season precipitation seemed to favor southwest Colorado in January 2013 with many climate sites reporting above normal precipitation for the month.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2012Tornadoes in 2012

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.