Western/Central Drought and Heat Wave

Losses, 2024 dollars

$23 billion

Losses at the time

$21 billion

Deaths

136

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 Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 202248 eventsDrought continued to worsen through the month of January as meaningful precipitation continued to evade the Oklahoma and north Texas area. Nearly the entire county warning area was in at least severe drought by month's end, with 65% of the area in extreme drought.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202240 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions were experienced across much of North and Central Texas for the entire month of January.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202223 eventsMost of west central Texas experienced an intensifying drought during January.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202220 eventsSoils remained dry to very dry. Although some precipitation fell during the month of January, it was not enough to keep drought conditions from worsening.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202218 eventsMost of the western half of South Central Texas received less than 25% of normal precipitation during January and the north central part of the area had less than 75% of normal.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 202240 eventsAfter a very active end of December 2021, the overall storm track wasn't favorable to New Mexico in January 2022. High winds were once again the most dominant feature across northern and central New Mexico during the first half of the month.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 202239 eventsRainfall was well below normal for January, and nearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in a severe drought by the end of January, 2022 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, January 14 to 15, 202259 kt wind · 20 eventsA strong upper level low pressure system moved over the parts of the Central Plains and over the combined Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles as well as the rest of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, January 15, 2022$1.5 million · 51 kt wind · 10 eventsA strong cold front followed by strong high pressure produced a tight pressure gradient and strong winds across South Central Texas.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, January 29, 2022$600,000 · 1 eventExtreme and severe (D3 and D2) drought conditions across Southern McCurtain County Oklahoma that had developed in late November 2021 contributed to much below normal dryness across this area during January 2022, which was exacerbated by the above normal temperatures observed…
• Drought in Oklahoma, February 1 to 28, 202248 eventsSevere to exceptional drought persisted across all of central and western Oklahoma during the month of February with the lack of much significant precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 202227 eventsDespite a few instances of soaking rains, severe to extreme drought continued to plague much of the region through the month of February.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 202220 eventsSoil moisture continued to be short to very short across the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. Winter wheat was highly struggling from the lack of moisture. Some wheat fields were getting irrigated on warm days.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 202218 eventsAnother month of below normal precipitation left much of South Central Texas in Severe (D2) or worse drought conditions.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 28, 202241 eventsAfter an active end to January 2022, the weather pattern remained active for New Mexico throughout the month of February. However, despite multiple storm systems, the active pattern was once again characterized more by high winds and Arctic airmasses rather than precipitation.
• Drought in California, February 1 to 28, 202240 eventsRainfall was well below normal for February, and nearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in a severe drought by the end of February, 2022 due to a long term precipitation deficit as this was the driest period between January 1 and February 28 on…
• Wildfire in California, February 9, 2022$350,000 · 1 eventElevated fire weather conditions may have aided in the spread of a nine acre wildfire that burned two houses, a shop storage, and some farm equipment. Relative humidity levels at the time of the fire were in the 15-20% range and northerly winds were gusting up to 30-35 mph.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, February 14 to 18, 2022$200,000 · 5 eventsUnseasonably warm temperatures, very strong southerly wind gusts, and low humidity combined with dormant, dry fine fuels to promote conditions that supported the rapid spread of wildfire across eastern Oklahoma during mid February.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Arizona, February 23 to 24, 20221 death · $150,000 · 58 kt wind · 6 eventsAn upper level low pressure system moved across the Great Basin bringing strong southwest winds across Cochise, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties. The winds reduced visibility to between a quarter and a half mile for 3 hours along I-10 from Willcox eastward.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 202248 eventsDrought worsened over the first half of the month before a few precipitation episodes lessened the drought for northern and central portions of Oklahoma. Severe to extreme drought persisted for southwestern OK which saw little measurable precipitation during the month of March.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202238 eventsSevere to exceptional drought impacted portions of North and Central Texas for the entire month of March. Drought conditions worsened over the course of the month.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202225 eventsNearly all of South Central Texas had below normal precipitation during the month and the area west of a line from Burnet to San Antonio and Pleasanton had less than 25% of normal. This worsened the drought across the region.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202223 eventsThe dry conditions rolled on through March resulting in severe to extreme drought conditions across much of the area.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202220 eventsDry conditions continued since August of 2021 with only a few isolated events bringing minimal precipitation to the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. Soil moisture remained short to very short with supplemental feeding required for cattle with bare pastures.
• Drought in Nebraska, March 1 to 31, 202220 eventsVery dry conditions in in March led to the expansion of severe (D2) drought conditions into much of the remainder of Central and North Central Nebraska.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202218 eventsThe long term drought struck with a vengeance during the month of March with very little rainfall. This was reflected in the US drought monitor by the end of the month. Exceptional drought (D4) had encompassed much of Childress and Cottle Counties.
• Drought in Nebraska, March 1 to 31, 202218 eventsFor at least some portion of March 2022, 20 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were completely-or-partially assigned either Severe (D2) or Extreme (D3) Drought by the U.S.
• Drought in New Mexico, March 1 to 31, 202241 eventsAs what's typically expected for New Mexico during March, the focus turned to high winds rather than precipitation. A couple of strong spring-like storm systems did impact New Mexico during the month, but a more northerly storm track was favored.
• Drought in California, March 1 to 31, 202240 eventsRainfall was closer to normal in March. However, due to the extreme dry period in January and February and a long term precipitation deficit from the previous 18 months, nearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in an extreme drought by the end of…
• Wildfire in California, March 2 to 27, 20223 injured · $100,000 · 1 eventThe Jim Wildfire was ignited on March 2, 2022 and was declared out on March 27. This wildfire consumed 500 acres of vegetation.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 4 to 5, 2022$800,000 · 1 eventA car accident near the Brooks County Rest Area ignited a wildfire in Brooks County the afternoon of March 4th. Strong, gusty southerly winds combined with cured ground fuels from several freeze events in January and February allowed for rapid wildfire growth.
• Drought in Hawaii, March 15 to 31, 202222 eventsMore islands dried out during March as rainfall remained sparse over most areas. Parts of Oahu, Lanai, and the Big Island; and all of Maui, Kahoolawe, and Molokai; deteriorated and were moved into the D2 category of severe drought.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 15 to 19, 2022$400,000 · 3 eventsA cold front moved through South Central Texas on the 15th and brought a dry airmass to the region. Breezy winds behind the front combined with the dry air to produce critical fire weather for several days.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 15, 20224 injured · $300,000 · 1 eventGusty north winds and very dry conditions behind a front caused a wildfire to spread southwest of Sinton during the afternoon of the 15th. Two firefighters and two local residents were injured in the grass fire.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, March 15 to 20, 2022$25,000 · 1 eventA wildfire developed during the evening hours of March 15th. Aided by very low relative humidity and gusty winds, the fire spread to approximately 900+ acres before it was contained. The fire remained in a remote, canyon area and was confined to stands of cedar trees.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 16 to 31, 20221 death · 4 injured · 3 eventsSeveral wildfires burned through the western counties of the Fort Worth CWA in mid March. Counties that were impacted by fires were: Comanche, Mills, Erath, Hood, Eastland, and Montague.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 18 to 21, 2022$150,000 · 1 eventA trash burn near the La Paloma subdivision in southeastern Starr County lost control on a day with very favorable fire weather conditions on March 18th.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 20, 20221 death · 1 eventThe Kings Road Fire burned 120 acres, with one fatality reported as firefighters responded to the fire.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 25 to 31, 2022$800,000 · 6 eventsDry air and unusually warm temperatures produced extremely low relative humidity for several days. These dry conditions combined with breezy winds to produce critical fire weather conditions.
• Heat in Arizona, March 26, 20222 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures from the mid 80s to mid 90s were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona on March 26.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 29, 2022$25,000 · 1 eventThe Washita River Fire was the largest fire of the month, with close to 37,662 acres burned in an area surrounding the town of Durham. No serious damage or injuries were reported with the fire.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Kansas, March 29 to 30, 2022$100,000 · 51 kt wind · 2 eventsA strong storm system brought extreme fire weather conditions to north central Kansas during the afternoon and evening hours of March 29th.
• Wildfire in Texas, April 1 to 5, 2022$500,000 · 4 eventsDry air and unusually warm temperatures produced extremely low relative humidity for several days at the end of March and beginning of April. These dry conditions combined with breezy winds to produce critical fire weather conditions.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 202248 eventsContinued dry conditions led to persistence and even expansion of severe to extreme drought during the month of April, especially across western Oklahoma and western north Texas.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202226 eventsMost of South Central Texas had another dry month in April with all but a few spots receiving less than normal rainfall.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202225 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected portions of North and Central Texas through the entire month of April.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202224 eventsThe month of April continued to see very little rainfall throughout the South Plains, Rolling Plains, and extreme southern Texas Panhandle region.
• Drought in Nebraska, April 1 to 30, 202224 eventsVery dry conditions persisted across western and north central Nebraska in April. Little to no precipitation fell during the first four weeks of April as the bulk of precipitation for the month fell on the 29th and 30th of the month.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202224 eventsThe drought persisted across much of west central Texas during April. Most areas reported severe to extreme conditions.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202224 eventsAbove normal rainfall occurred over Jim Wells and Duval counties and portions of La Salle and Webb Counties during the month of April. But this was not enough to improve severe to exceptional drought conditions over these counties.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202220 eventsLong term drought persisted and continued through April with very short to short soil moisture. Farmers either had to wait for rain or pre-water the fields to even start spring planting. With pastures and rangelands poor to very poor supplemental feeding of cattle continued.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 202241 eventsThe exceptionally dry and windy conditions felt across northern and central New Mexico during the month of March only continued and even worsened during April.
• Drought in California, April 1 to 30, 202240 eventsRainfall was slightly below normal across much of the area in April. This did not improve the long term precipitation deficit from the previous several months. As a result, nearly all of the central California Interior remained in an extreme drought at the end of April, 2022.
• Drought in Hawaii, April 1 to 30, 202222 eventsA persistent dry spell continued across most of the leeward areas in the Aloha State through April. These sections remained in the D2 or D3 category of severe or extreme drought, respectively.
• Wildfire and High Wind in New Mexico, April 5 to 30, 2022$10 million · 56 kt wind · 5 eventsA closed upper-level low pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska moved inland into the Pacific Northwest and tracked eastward over the northern Rockies on April 5, 2022.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Nebraska, April 7 to 12, 20221 death · 2 injured · 59 kt wind · 26 eventsThis Thursday marked the second straight day of intense north-northwest winds across South Central Nebraska, but overall a bit worse than the previous day, as most of the daylight hours featured relentless sustained speeds commonly 30-45 MPH and frequent gusts 50-60 MPH (with…
• Wildfire and High Wind in Colorado, April 10, 20223 injured · 74 kt wind · 7 eventsStrong winds from 58 to 74 mph developed over northeast plains of Colorado during the afternoon. Grassfires developed over Morgan County, one northwest of Wiggins and another just south of Fort Morgan. The fire near Wiggins burned at total of 40 acres.
• Wildfire and High Wind in New Mexico, April 11 to 30, 20222 deaths · 1 injured · $17 million · 70 kt wind · 27 eventsAs a storm system tracked to the north of New Mexico on April 11-12, 2022, it steered a potent polar jet over the state.
• Wildfire in Arizona, April 17 to 30, 2022$20 million · 1 eventThe Tunnel Fire started Sunday on April 17 around 4:22 PM about 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff within the Schultz Fire scar (2010). The fire burned through 19,088 acres of timber with understory (abundant brush or small trees) and cured grass.
• Heat in Arizona, April 18, 20223 deaths · 3 eventsHot temperatures in the mid to upper 90s were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona on April 18.
• Wildfire and High Wind in New Mexico, April 19 to 30, 2022$25 million · 56 kt wind · 5 eventsAs a surface high pressure developed to the east of New Mexico, it established easterly to southeasterly return flow across eastern New Mexico.
• Wildfire in Arizona, April 20 to 22, 2022$25,000 · 1 eventThe human caused Camino Fire started on April 20 near Sunizona in Cochise County as the result of a vehicle dragging tow chains along a roadway. The wildfire was driven by wind gusts to 45 mph at times and 750 acres were quickly burned before forward progression was stopped.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Nebraska, April 22 to 29, 20221 death · 5 injured · 71 kt wind · 8 eventsA significant weather system impacted the High Plains throughout the day on April 22nd and into the early morning hours of April 23rd.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in New Mexico, April 22 to 30, 2022$11 million · 81 kt wind · 51 eventsAs a very strong low pressure system tracked into California on April 22, 2022, it steered an incredibly potent upper-level jet across New Mexico. Winds at 250mb within this jet reached 90 to 100 knots while at 700mb, these westerly winds strengthened to 50 to 60 knots.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Colorado, April 22, 2022$33,000 · 78 kt wind · 6 eventsA significant weather system impacted the High Plains throughout the day on April 22nd and into the early morning hours of April 23rd.
• Wildfire and Hail in Nebraska, April 22 to 29, 20221.75 in hail · 39 eventsA strong mid-upper level trough axis made its way through the Rockies on Friday the 22nd, with a more organized circulation deepening Friday night into early Saturday morning the 23rd as it tracked into the central and northern High Plains.
• Wildfire and High Wind in South Dakota, April 23, 2022$79,000 · 63 kt wind · 23 eventsStrong low pressure developed across central South Dakota on Saturday, which moved slowly toward northern Minnesota by Sunday morning.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 30, 202219 eventsLarge ridge of high pressure kept it hot and mainly dry with very little rainfall. This led to an expansion of severe to extreme drought through the period.
• Drought in South Dakota, May 1 to 31, 2022$34 million · 17 eventsWhile temperatures were overall fairly close to normal monthly means, precipitation was mainly above normal, and significantly so north of Interstate 90, where from 125 to 200 percent of normal precipitation was observed.
• Drought in Iowa, May 1 to 31, 2022$1.7 million · 4 eventsA fairly average month for precipitation and temperature led to only spotty improvement in drought conditions.
• Drought in Nebraska, May 1 to 31, 2022$392,000 · 2 eventsA fairly average month for precipitation and temperature led to a status quo in drought conditions.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 1 to 15, 202239 eventsSevere drought persisted across much of western and central Oklahoma through the first half of the month, although much needed rains began to alleviate drought conditions over the course of the month.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202228 eventsMay was another dry month across most of South Central Texas which exacerbated the ongoing drought. In Blanco, Karnes, Kendall, and Kerr Counties the drought worsened to Exceptional (D4) drought. Hays and Williamson Counties moved into Severe (D2) drought for the first time.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202225 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected portions of North and Central Texas for the entire month of May.
• Drought in Nebraska, May 1 to 31, 202225 eventsWith the exception of southwestern Nebraska, drought conditions improved somewhat across western and north central Nebraska in May. A large portion of central and portions of north central Nebraska improved from extreme (D3) drought to severe (D2) drought.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202224 eventsSome beneficial rainfall occurred over portions of the Brush Country and Coastal Bend during the last week of the month. Drought conditions improved over these regions.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202224 eventsThe month of May saw significant improvements in drought conditions for some areas with little change or other areas. Areas across the southern South Plains and extreme southwestern Texas Panhandle mostly remained in exceptional (D4) drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202223 eventsThe drought continued and intensified across much of the area, besides Crockett County, during the month of May.
• Drought in Nebraska, May 1 to 31, 202221 eventsFor at least some portion of May 2022, 21 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were completely or partially-assigned either Severe (D2) or Extreme Drought (D3) by the U.S.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 202220 eventsSoil conditions continued to be short to very short on moisture. In turn, rangeland and pasture conditions continued in poor to very poor conditions. Winter wheat was harvested for silage with ranchers continuing to supplemental feed livestock.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, May 1 to 13, 202210 injured · $11 million · 1 eventThe Cooks Peak Fire started north of Ocate on April 17, 2022. The wildfire continued to burn during the month of May, but fortunately, firefighters were able to fully contain the Cooks Peak Fire on May 13, 2022.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 20223 injured · $100 million · 1 eventThe Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire, which were originally two separate wildfires that combined during the month of April 2022, continued to devastate the area during the month of May.
• Drought in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 202241 eventsAn exceptionally dry and windy spring season for northern and central New Mexico continued during the month of May which saw significantly worsening drought conditions.
• Drought in California, May 1 to 31, 202240 eventsMay 2022 will go on record as an exceptionally dry month across central California. By the end of the month, nearly all of our area was in an extreme or exceptional drought as most of our area has received less than a third of normal precipitation since July 1, 2020.
• Drought in Hawaii, May 1 to 31, 202221 eventsLittle rainfall continued to affect parts of the Aloha State in May. The areas included landed in the D2 category of severe drought, or worse, through the month.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Michigan, May 9, 2022$303,000 · 55 kt wind · 8 eventsA potent low pressure system lifting north through Ontario brought a strong low-level jet max across Upper Michigan resulting in widespread damaging winds and sporadic power outages over much of west and central Upper Michigan on the 9th.
• Wildfire in California, May 11 to 17, 2022$60 million · 1 eventThe Coastal Fire began on May 11th, with the cause currently unknown. Up to 20 homes were destroyed as the fire burned into Laguna Niguel, each of which were valued between $2-5 million. Evacuation orders and care shelters were set up, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
• Heat in Arizona, May 14 to 18, 20225 deaths · 5 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure over the Desert Southwest allowed high temperatures to climb upwards of 10 degrees above normal during the middle part of May. High temperatures in Phoenix topped out in the 102 to 105 degree range during this time.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 16 to 31, 202222 eventsContinued rainfall helped lessen or remove drought conditions across central Oklahoma, though drought remained across much of western Oklahoma.
• Heat in California, May 16, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Death Valley of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Arizona, May 18, 20221 death · 1 eventHot temperatures in the mid to upper 90s were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona on May 18. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one elderly individual found outdoors in Saint David.
• Heat in Nevada, May 19 to 20, 20222 deaths · 1 eventTwo people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Heat in California, May 25, 202218 eventsA strong upper ridge built into California on May 24 and 25 resulting in a period of summer like temperatures for three days between May 24 and May 26.
• Heat in Arizona, May 26, 20227 deaths · 4 eventsHot temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona on May 26-27. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for seven individuals.
• Heat in Arizona, May 27 to 28, 20224 deaths · 3 eventsA ridge of high pressure built in across the western United States for the end of May, allowing temperatures to climb several degrees above normal in Phoenix. At Phoenix Sky Harbor, temperatures peaked on the 27th at 106 degrees.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202218 eventsSevere to extreme drought continued and intensified for coastal counties of SE Texas through the month of June.
• Drought in South Dakota, June 1 to 30, 2022$101 million · 12 eventsWell-below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to steady to worsening drought conditions in areas near the Missouri River, while some areas to the north received periodic rains to help alleviate drought conditions.
• Drought in Iowa, June 1 to 30, 2022$7.6 million · 2 eventsWell-below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to worsening drought conditions.
• Drought in Nebraska, June 1 to 30, 2022$904,000 · 2 eventsWell-below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to worsening drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202231 eventsJune was another month with below normal precipitation across South Central Texas and the drought continued to worsen. Atascosa and Edwards Counties moved from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought. Comal, De Witt, Gonzales, and Guadalupe moved from Severe (D2) to D3.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202224 eventsThe drought persisted across much of West Central Texas during the month of June.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202223 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected much of North and Central Texas for the entire month of June.
• Drought in Oklahoma, June 1 to 15, 202223 eventsDrought continued to improve over the course of the month as the area saw beneficial rainfall to end the month of May and into the month of June.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202222 eventsSignificant improvements in long term drought conditions during the month of May were rolled back during June. A portion of Lubbock and Hockley Counties remained in moderate (D1) drought conditions from abundant rainfall through May.
• Drought in Nebraska, June 1 to 30, 202220 eventsWith the exception of southwestern Nebraska, drought conditions improved some across the Nebraska Sandhills in June. A large portion of the central Sandhills improved from severe (D2) to moderate (D1) drought in June. Across southwestern Nebraska, drought expanded in June.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202220 eventsSome conditions improved in drought especially in the eastern combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle while the far west stayed in extreme to exceptional drought. Soil moisture remained poor to very poor in the west while conditions improved in the east.
• Drought in Texas, June 1 to 30, 202219 eventsGenerally dry conditions persisted across south Texas during the month of June with well below normal rainfall received except for a few isolated spots in the Victoria Crossroads.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 202241 eventsAfter months of exceptionally dry, windy conditions that only worsened drought conditions across northern and central New Mexico, the month of June finally saw improvement thanks to an early onset of the monsoon season.
• Drought in California, June 1 to 30, 202240 eventsJune 2022 was yet another dry month across central California. Scattered showers and thunderstorms did impact the area between the 22nd and the 25th. Otherwise dry weather prevailed across the area.
• Drought in Hawaii, June 1 to 30, 202219 eventsDry conditions persisted over much of the Aloha State. The areas described remained in the D2 category of severe drought, or worse, through June.
• Excessive Heat in Colorado, June 1, 20221 death · 1 eventA ridge of high pressure dominated the Four Corners region. This resulted in scorching heat and dry weather across much of western Colorado. Conditions were exceptionally dry which translated to minimum humidities in the single digits to low teens in the lower valleys.
• Heat in California, June 2, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Death Valley of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Nevada, June 2, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Nevada, June 6 to 8, 20223 deaths · 1 eventThree people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 6 to 12, 202236 deaths · 34 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure built in across the Southwest heading into the middle part of June, bringing excessive heat conditions to the region.
• Wildfire and Heat in California, June 9 to 19, 20223 injured · 8 eventsMultiple days of excessive heat occurred across inland areas for several days June 9-13. Multiple wildfires were reported during this time frame, including fires near Wrightwood, Oceanside and along the US-Mexico border.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 9 to 12, 202211 deaths · 8 eventsVery hot temperatures 7 to 10 degrees above normal were experienced in the lower elevations of Pima, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee and southeast Pinal counties June 9-12, with high temperatures equaling or exceeding established records in several locations.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, June 9 to 16, 2022$250,000 · 1 eventThe Cerro Bandera fire began on private land within the El Malpais National Monument near Highway 53 in Cibola County. Dry and windy conditions allowed the fire to spread quickly. Four structures, including one home, were lost during the fire.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, June 9 to 12, 202212 deaths · 5 eventsBuilding high pressure pushed temperatures close to records over much of the Mojave Desert. Twelve people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes during and shortly after the heat wave.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, June 10 to 11, 202225 eventsA large area of high pressure strengthened over the area between June 9 and June 11. This resulted in temperatures rising to well above normal readings by June 10 with some locations approaching record highs.
• Heat in Texas, June 11 to 13, 202221 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure built into the region on June 11th, and lingered over the area through the 13th.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Texas, June 11 to 13, 20224 injured · 71 eventsThe summer heat started a little early with Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings during the June 11-13th period. Maximum heat indices exceeded 105 across just about all of North and Central Texas.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 11 to 24, 2022$500,000 · 2 eventsThe lightning caused Contreras Fire started on June 11 in the Baboquivari Mountains on Tohono O'odham tribal lands within Pima County. Gusty winds helped the fire grow rapidly in dry fuels and rugged terrain.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Mississippi, June 12 to 18, 20221 death · 38 eventsA large upper ridge prevailed across the region from mid-June through the end of the month resulting in very hot and humid conditions across the Mid-South. The heat was most intense on June 12th and 13th.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Tennessee, June 12 to 17, 202247 eventsA large upper ridge prevailed across the region from mid-June through the end of the month resulting in very hot and humid conditions across the Mid-South. The heat was most intense on June 12th and 13th.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, June 12 to 16, 202222 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure developed across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, producing a record-breaking early season heat wave. Low temperatures in the lower 80's were observed in several locations, setting monthly records.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arkansas, June 12 to 18, 202220 eventsA large upper ridge prevailed across the region from mid-June through the end of the month resulting in very hot and humid conditions across the Mid-South. The heat was most intense on June 12th and 13th.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, June 12 to 16, 202219 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure developed across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, producing a record-breaking early season heat wave.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, June 12, 20229 injured · 25 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the south central United States during mid June.
• Heat in Tennessee, June 13 to 16, 202215 injured · 1 eventThe combination of high temperatures in the upper 90s and dew points in the mid to upper 70s led to heat indices in the 105 to 110 degree range across the western half of Middle Tennessee from June 13 through June 16.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Illinois, June 13 to 15, 20221 death · 22 eventsHot and humid conditions developed across northern Illinois during the afternoon of June 13th and continued through the afternoon of June 15th. High temperatures reached the middle to upper 90s on all three days. Midway Airport reached 100 degrees on June 14th and June 15th.
• Drought in Iowa, June 14 to 30, 2022$2.1 million · 4 eventsWell-below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to worsening drought conditions.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Wisconsin, June 14 to 15, 20222 deaths · 20 eventsPersistent southwest winds brought hot and humid conditions to southern WI. Heat index values well over 100 degrees occurred. Cooling centers were opened in some communities. Two heat related fatalities occurred in Milwaukee.
• Heat in Arizona, June 15, 20221 death · 1 eventHot temperatures around 5 degrees above normal were experienced in southeast Cochise County on June 15. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 16 to 17, 20229 deaths · 6 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure was centered over the Central Plains during the middle part of the month with the Desert Southwest feeling its influence. This brought excessive heat conditions to the region with temperatures in Phoenix peaking at 113 on the 16th.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, June 16, 20221 death · 8 eventsVery hot temperatures 7 to 10 degrees above normal were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona June 16, with high temperatures near record levels.
• Excessive Heat in Pennsylvania, June 16, 20221 death · 1 eventA baby died in a car in Upper Saint Clair after being left in a hot car for several hours.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in New Mexico, June 16 to 21, 2022$150,000 · 64 kt wind · 5 eventsAs an area of high pressure centered itself to the east of New Mexico, this aided in the development of a monsoon moisture plume across Arizona and western New Mexico on June 16, 2022.
• Heat in Texas, June 18, 202221 eventsAn upper level ridge centered over the mid and lower Mississippi Valley on June 18th resulted in abnormally hot temperatures across much of the Four State Region, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to near 100 degrees across East Texas.
• Excessive Heat in Minnesota, June 19 to 20, 202236 eventsA dome of high pressure built across the Upper Midwest during the late weekend of June 19th. Heat indices surpassed 100 degrees in several areas of the Twin Cities, and across west central Minnesota where the index approached 105 degrees for several hours on Sunday.
• Drought in Iowa, June 21 to 30, 2022$1.3 million · 2 eventsWell-below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures contributed to worsening drought conditions.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Wisconsin, June 21, 202220 eventsBreezy southwest winds ahead of an approaching cold front brought a hot and humid air mass into southern WI. Maximum heat index values reached the lower 100's.
• Heat in Arizona, June 21 to 26, 202213 deaths · 6 eventsDuring the latter part of June, the Southwest was under the influence of a strong ridge of high pressure centered over the southern Plains. This allowed temperatures to climb slightly above seasonal normal values between the 21st through the 26th.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 22 to 23, 20223 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal were experienced in the western two thirds of Pima County on June 22 and 23.
• Heat in Kentucky, June 22, 202222 eventsHeat indices peaked around 105 degrees during the afternoon. Some specific peak heat index values included 105 degrees at Henderson, 106 at Owensboro, 104 at Hopkinsville, 109 at Princeton and Murray, and 103 at Paducah.
• Heat in Texas, June 23 to 24, 202218 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure built back in over much of the Four State Region before expanding back west into Central Texas on June 22nd-26th, with the strong subsidence beneath the ridge resulting in afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower 100s…
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Texas, June 23 to 25, 20222 injured · 27 eventsAmbient temperatures at or above 103 along with heat indices at or above 105 were felt across most of North and Central Texas Thursday June 23 through Saturday June 25.
• Heat in Nevada, June 24 to 25, 20222 deaths · 1 eventTwo people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Drought in Tennessee, June 25 to 30, 202219 eventsLack of rainfall across the region during June 2022 led to moderate drought conditions developing across western parts of Middle Tennessee by the end of the month, with drought conditions worst in the counties along the Tennessee River and around the Nashville metro.
• Heat in California, June 25 to 27, 202221 eventsA large area of high pressure centered over the Great Basin between June 25 and June 27 provided for a period of much above normal temperatures across the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills, Sierra foothills and the Kern River Valley.
• Heat in Mississippi, June 26, 202219 eventsAn upper-level ridge of high pressure parked over the Mid-South resulted in very hot and humid conditions during much of the month of June.
• Excessive Heat in Alabama, June 27, 20221 death · 1 eventA six-month old female infant died after being left in a vehicle. Although limited details are available, it is assumed that the infant was left inside the vehicle sometime on the 26th when temperatures were in the lower to middle 90s.
• Heat in Texas, June 27, 202253 deaths · 1 eventTemperatures were unusually hot on the 27th with high temperatures in the San Antonio area ranging from 100-103 degrees (the normal high is 93). Sixty-seven people were found in a tractor-trailer on the southwest side of San Antonio.
• Heat in Arizona, June 28 to 30, 20229 deaths · 6 eventsFor the end of June, a strong ridge of high pressure set up across the western United States, becoming centered over the Great Basin.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202219 eventsContinued dry conditions led to continuing severe to extreme drought over portions of Southeast Texas.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 1 to 31, 2022$135 million · 6 eventsAbove-normal temperatures with below-normal precipitation led to the stagnation or slight worsening of severe to extreme drought conditions across southeast South Dakota.
• Drought in Iowa, July 1 to 31, 2022$30 million · 8 eventsNear to slightly above-normal temperatures along with below-normal precipitation led to stagnation or slight worsening of severe to extreme drought conditions across northwest Iowa.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 1 to 31, 2022$7.5 million · 2 eventsAbove-normal temperatures and well below-normal precipitation led to the persistence of extreme drought conditions across northeast Nebraska.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 1 to 15, 202234 eventsHot and dry conditions allowed for drought to rapidly expand during the month of July, encompassing most of the western two thirds of Oklahoma by the end of the month.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202233 eventsJuly was another month with below normal precipitation across nearly all of South Central Texas and the drought continued to worsen. Bexar, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kinney, Maverick, Uvalde, Wilson, and Zavala Counties moved from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.
• Drought in Missouri, July 1 to 31, 202232 eventsLimited rainfall during the month of June continued into July allowing for the development of Extreme Drought (D3) across portions of southern Missouri.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202228 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected much of North and Central Texas for the entire month of July. Conditions worsened throughout the month after little rainfall was received.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202224 eventsRainfall deficits continued to deepen throughout July as heat ramped up due to the lack of moisture. Extreme drought (D3) conditions grew to include all but portions of the western South Plains where earlier spring rains were limiting drought conditions to severe (D2) levels.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202224 eventsThe drought intensified across much of west central Texas during July.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 1 to 31, 202223 eventsSignificant highlights include the expansion of D3 (extreme drought) across southwest Nebraska, continuation of D3 in far north central Nebraska, and a westward expansion of D2 (severe drought) in the Sandhills.
• Drought in Tennessee, July 1 to 31, 202223 eventsLack of rainfall across the region during June 2022 led to moderate to severe drought conditions developing across western and southern Middle Tennessee throughout the month of July 2022. Drought conditions were worst in the counties along the Tennessee River.
• Drought in Texas, July 1 to 31, 202223 eventsAbove normal temperatures and well below normal rainfall occurred across south Texas during the month of July. Extreme drought spread across the coastal plains and over much of the Brush Country by the end of the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, July 1 to 31, 202241 eventsThe North American Monsoon arrived early this year and stayed active throughout all of the month of July 2022 across northern and central New Mexico.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 202240 eventsCentral California remained abnormally dry in July 2022. Scattered showers and thunderstorms did impact the area between the 26th and the 31st. Otherwise dry weather prevailed across the area.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 1 to 31, 202222 eventsVery dry conditions persisted over portions of six islands through July. All these areas were in the D2 to D4 categories, severe to exceptional drought, according the Drought Monitor.
• Heat in Arizona, July 1, 20224 deaths · 3 eventsHot temperatures 5 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona July 18.
• Heat in Arizona, July 1 to 5, 202218 deaths · 5 eventsWeak ridging during the start of July led to temperatures climbing slightly above normal. Temperatures at Phoenix Sky Harbor saw readings climb up to 109 degrees on the 3rd.
• Heat in Nevada, July 3 to 8, 20227 deaths · 1 eventSeven people died in the Las Vegas area of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 4 to 8, 20222 deaths · 11 eventsA prolonged heat wave gripped southeast Missouri for several days. From the 4th to the 8th, peak afternoon heat indices ranged from 103 to 119 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, July 4 to 8, 202223 injured · 22 eventsA prolonged heat wave gripped most of western Kentucky for several days. From the 4th to the 8th, peak afternoon heat indices ranged from 103 to 119 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Tennessee, July 4 to 9, 202256 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the region. Hot and humid conditions developed in early July and continued for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Mississippi, July 4 to 9, 202244 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the region. Hot and humid conditions developed in early July and continued for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arkansas, July 4 to 9, 202225 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the region. Hot and humid conditions developed in early July and continued for much of the month.
• Heat in Texas, July 4 to 8, 202221 eventsAn expansive upper level ridge spanning much of the Southern U.S. in early July led to consecutive days of abnormally hot temperatures across all of the Four State Region, with daytime temperatures climbing into the mid and upper 90s to lower 100s each afternoon.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 4 to 8, 202219 eventsA prolonged heat wave gripped most of southern Illinois for several days. From the 4th to the 8th, peak afternoon heat indices ranged from 105 to 120 degrees.
• Heat in Illinois, July 5, 202220 eventsHot and humid conditions developed across most of northern Illinois during the afternoon of July 5th. High temperatures were in the mid 90s and afternoon peak heat indices were in the 105 to 110 degree range.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Texas, July 6 to 31, 202234 injured · 100 eventsAn exceptionally hot summer really got going during the early to middle part of July as triple digit heat became the norm.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 6 to 8, 202219 injured · 23 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the south central United States during early July.
• Heat in Arizona, July 6 to 7, 20224 deaths · 3 eventsHigh pressure centered over the central CONUS retrograded westward during the 6-7th time frame, leading to temperatures in Phoenix topping out at 107 degrees each day.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, July 8 to 13, 202255 deaths · 37 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure became situated over the Four Corners region, leading to dangerous temperatures as well as excessive heat conditions at times across the Phoenix area.
• Heat in Arizona, July 8 to 9, 20222 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures 5 to 7 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona July 8 and 9.
• Heat in Texas, July 8 to 12, 202226 eventsHot temperatures and high humidity continued into the second week of July with a more widespread heat episode occurring on the 10th and 11th across south Texas.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, July 10 to 11, 20225 deaths · 5 eventsVery hot temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal were experienced across the western deserts of southeast Arizona on July 10 and 11.
• Heat in Nevada, July 10 to 13, 20225 deaths · 2 eventsFive people died of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Louisiana, July 11 to 13, 20221 death · 17 eventsA persistent upper level ridge spanning much of the Southern U.S. in mid July maintained hot temperatures across parts of the Four State Region from July 11th through the 13th, with daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower and middle 100s.
• Heat in California, July 11, 202220 eventsA large area of high pressure centered over the Great Basin on July 11 and July 12 provided for a period of dangerous heat across the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills, Sierra foothills and the Kern River Valley during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Florida, July 11, 20221 death · 1 eventTemperatures across South Florida were in the lower 90s with relative humidity values over 50%. This led to high heat index values and contributed to the death of a child who was left in a car during the afternoon.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, July 14 to 18, 202264 deaths · 20 eventsA strong upper level ridge situated over the Desert Southwest led to well above normal temperatures along with excessive heat conditions at times. Temperatures during this time at Phoenix Sky Harbor peaked on the 16th at 114 degrees.
• Heat in Arizona, July 14, 20222 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures 5 to 7 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona July 14. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individual found outdoors in Tucson.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, July 14, 2022$100,000 · 1 eventThe 720 wildfire burned roughly 10,000 acres to the west of the town of Hitchcock on the 14th. 3 houses and 2 barns were destroyed, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
• Wildfire in Texas, July 14 to 31, 20222 injured · $5,000 · 8 eventsOngoing drought conditions, continued drying fuels, and very hot temperatures contributed to several large grass and wildfires around the middle of the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 16 to 31, 202248 eventsHot and dry conditions allowed for drought to rapidly expand during the month of July, encompassing most of the western two thirds of Oklahoma by the end of the month.
• Heat in Louisiana, July 16 to 18, 20221 death · 17 eventsA persistent upper level ridge spanning much of the Southern U.S. in mid July maintained hot temperatures across all of the Four State Region from July 16th through the 18th, with daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower and middle 100s.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Mississippi, July 16 to 21, 202236 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arkansas, July 16 to 21, 202224 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Heat in Texas, July 16 to 18, 202221 eventsA persistent upper level ridge spanning much of the Southern U.S. in mid July maintained hot temperatures across all of the Four State Region from July 16th through the 18th, with daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower and middle 100s.
• Heat in California, July 16 to 20, 202219 eventsA large area of high pressure centered near the four corners area built westward into California and strengthened over the area providing for a period of dangerous heat over the San Joaquin Valley, lower Sierra foothills and the Kern River Valley during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Arizona, July 17 to 18, 20226 deaths · 4 eventsHot temperatures 5 to 7 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona July 17 and 18.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Tennessee, July 17 to 21, 202247 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, July 17 to 20, 202246 eventsAnother round of Excessive Heat plagued the region with ambient temperatures near or above 105 degrees and/or heat index values near or above 110 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Utah, July 17, 20221 death · 2 eventsA ridge of high pressure dominated the Four Corners region. This resulted in scorching heat and dry weather across southeast Utah. Conditions were exceptionally dry which translated to minimum humidities in the single digits to low teens.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 18 to 22, 2022$460,000 · 1 eventA thunderstorm passed South of Chelan, WA and started the Stayman wildfire. The fired burned around 1200 acres and lasted from July 18 to July 22.
• Heat in Nevada, July 18 to 20, 20223 deaths · 1 eventThree people died in the Las Vegas area of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat in South Dakota, July 18, 202218 eventsHot temperatures in the 90s and lower 100s, along with dew point temperatures in the 60s and lower 70s, produced heat indices of 100 to near 110 degrees during the afternoon of July 18th. Some activities were postponed or canceled due to the heat.
• Drought in Oklahoma, July 19 to 31, 202225 eventsA prolonged period of unseasonably dry weather with very few rain events, combined with unseasonably hot weather, resulted in severe drought (D2) conditions developing by the end of July across all of eastern Oklahoma.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, July 19 to 23, 202281 deaths · 35 eventsAn anomalously strong ridge of high pressure over the Desert Southwest persisted into the latter part of July, leading to temperatures in excess of 110 degrees in Phoenix most days during this time.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 19 to 21, 202229 injured · 25 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the southern United States during mid July.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, July 19 to 20, 202221 eventsA strengthening upper level ridge spanning much of the Southern U.S. in mid July led to excessively hot temperatures across all of the Four State Region from July 19th through the 20th, with daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower and middle 100s.
• Heat in New York, July 20 to 24, 202226 eventsA prolonged period of hot and humid weather occurred across eastern New York during the second half of July. Both the Albany and Poughkeepsie climate sites had a stretch of six consecutive days with high temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above spanning July 19 to July 24.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, July 20, 202222 eventsHeat indices topped 110 degrees across most of western Kentucky in the afternoon. Peak heat indices ranged from 109 at Marion to 113 at Paducah and 115 at Henderson. A hot and humid southwest wind flow ahead of a cold front brought temperatures up to the mid 90's.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 20, 202219 eventsHeat indices topped 110 degrees across most of southern Illinois in the afternoon. Peak heat indices ranged from 110 at Metropolis to 114 at Carbondale and 116 at Carmi. Along the Interstate 64 corridor, heat indices were a bit lower. Mount Vernon peaked at 109 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, July 21 to 22, 20223 deaths · 6 eventsStrong high pressure building overhead brought record hot temperatures to portions of the Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Tennessee, July 21 to 28, 202261 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Mississippi, July 21 to 28, 202240 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arkansas, July 21 to 28, 202222 eventsUpper-level high pressure continued over the region. Hot and humid conditions prevailed for much of the month.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 22 to 24, 202222 eventsAnother period of hazardous heat occurred across western Kentucky. Heat indices peaked around 105 degrees along and north of a line from Madisonville to Paducah on the 22nd. Heat indices peaked around 105 degrees everywhere on the 23rd and 24th.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 22 to 24, 202219 eventsAnother period of excessive heat occurred across southern Illinois. Heat indices peaked around 110 degrees on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. The peak heat index at Carbondale was 108 on the 22nd, 105 on the 23rd, and 107 on the 24th.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 24 to 28, 202220 injured · 24 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere restrengthened over the southern United States during late July.
• Heat in Texas, July 24 to 29, 202221 eventsAn expansive upper level ridge centered over the Southern Plains eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley in late July led to consecutive days of abnormally hot temperatures across all of the Four State Region, with daytime temperatures climbing into the upper 90s to lower…
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, July 25 to 30, 202216 deaths · 2 eventsA prolonged heatwave developed as strong high pressure formed over the Pacific Northwest. This event was most notable by it's duration. High temperatures around 100 degrees persisted for a week for much of the northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, except the coast.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 26 to 31, 2022$53 million · 2 eventsAbove-normal temperatures with precipitation from 50 to 90 percent of normal, led to the development of severe drought conditions in parts of southeast South Dakota.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, July 26 to 31, 202219 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure built across the Pacific Northwest at the end of July, making for well-above normal temperatures for most of Western Washington.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, July 30 to 31, 2022$250,000 · 1 eventThe Carter Canyon Fire (initially named Cedar Canyon Fire) ignited on July 30th potentially from multiple lightning strikes in the area near the Wildcat Hills south of Scottsbluff.
• Heat in Nevada, July 31, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in the Las Vegas area of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Georgia, July 31, 20222 deaths · 1 eventAbove normal temperatures and elevated dew points resulted in a period of very warm and humid conditions across southeast Georgia in late July. The Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport (KTBR) observed max heat index values in the upper 90s during the late July period.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 2022$108 million · 24 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions over all of south Texas improved to moderate drought or abnormally dry as above normal precipitation occurred during the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 2022$84 million · 12 eventsTemperatures were generally slightly above normal during August. However, precipitation ranged between 25 to 75 percent of normal across most of southeast South Dakota, with very localized amounts from 100 to 200 percent of normal.
• Drought in Iowa, August 1 to 31, 2022$25 million · 8 eventsWhile temperatures remained largely near normal during August, precipitation continued to be as much as 50 percent below normal.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 2022$12 million · 2 eventsPrecipitation averaged from near normal in the vicinity of the Missouri River, to 50 to 75 percent of normal toward southern Dixon County, while temperatures were generally near normal.
• Drought in Missouri, August 1 to 31, 2022$2.2 million · 30 eventsDrought conditions improved over most of the Missouri Ozarks during the month, thanks to periods of heavy rainfall from early August to late August.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 202247 eventsDrought persisted and remained largely unchanged through the month of August as hot temperatures and only sporadic rainfall were observed.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 202235 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected much of North and Central Texas for the entire month of August. Some improvement was seen by the end of the month after beneficial rainfall was received during the second half of August.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 202231 eventsSevere to exceptional drought continued through early August, with some relief over all but western zones later in the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, August 1 to 31, 202225 eventsIsolated rainfall events across eastern Oklahoma during the month resulted in below normal precipitation across much of the region. Much of northeastern Oklahoma only received between 10 and 25 percent of normal average rainfall amounts for the month.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 202224 eventsThe most significant improvement to long term drought conditions for the duration of this drought occurred during the month of August.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 202224 eventsThe drought intensified across west central Texas during the month of August. The extreme/exceptional conditions expanded to cover 79 percent of the area.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 202223 eventsDrought severity worsened across most of western and north central Nebraska in August. Severe (D2) drought conditions expanded to all of the central and eastern Sandhills by the end of the month.
• Drought in Texas, August 1 to 31, 202220 eventsSeveral heavy rain episodes during August led to above normal precipitation across South Central Texas. Much of the western half of the area received three to four times their normal. The result was improvement on the drought in all but two counties.
• Drought in Kansas, August 1 to 31, 202220 eventsA prolonged period of extremely dry weather led to drought conditions worsening during the month of August 2022. The hardest hit areas were across southern Kansas, where some locations experienced some of the driest summers on record.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, August 1 to 4, 2022$250,000 · 1 eventThe Carter Canyon Fire (initially named Cedar Canyon Fire) ignited on July 30th potentially from multiple lightning strikes in the area near the Wildcat Hills south of Scottsbluff.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 31, 202233 eventsThanks to one of the more active monsoon seasons in recent years, a very active pattern throughout the month of August contributed to continued improvement in New Mexico drought conditions.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20224 deaths · 2 eventsThe McKinney Wildfire started around 1415 PDT on 07/29/22. The cause remains under investigation. Initially, it spread slowly, but winds from nearby thunderstorms caused it to spread rapidly on 07/30/22.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 202240 eventsCentral California remained abnormally dry in August 2022. Scattered showers and thunderstorms did impact the area between the 1st and the 5th with some flooding being reported on the 1st and the 4th. Otherwise dry weather prevailed across the area.
• Drought in Hawaii, August 1 to 31, 202224 eventsDry conditions persisted across much of the Aloha State through August.
• Heat in Arizona, August 1 to 3, 202212 deaths · 6 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure with a 594 dm 500 mb high centered near the Four Corners led to slightly above normal temperatures during the beginning of August. Highs at Phoenix Sky Harbor peaked at 107 degrees on the 2nd, while lows were in the mid to upper 80s each morning.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 31, 20221 death · 1 eventThe Big Swamp Wildfire was started by lightning at 1630 PST on 08/01/22. As of 0530 PST on 09/01/22, the fire covered 110 acres and was 97 percent contained. 0 structures were lost, and 2.1 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 2 to 11, 2022$1.1 million · 3 eventsHot, dry, and breezy weather made favorable conditions for wildfire spread.
• Excessive Heat in Minnesota, August 2, 202232 eventsThis heat event was more pronounced than the previous one in June. Dew points pooled ahead of a frontal boundary Tuesday afternoon, August 2nd.
• Heat in Texas, August 3 to 5, 202246 eventsThe summer heat continued in early August and the last Heat Advisory was issued in August 3rd-5th for temperatures near 105 degrees and heat index values over 105 degrees.
• Heat in Texas, August 3, 202221 eventsAn upper ridge was anchored over the Southern Plains on August 3rd, resulting in very hot and humid conditions in place across all of the Four State Region.
• Heat in Nevada, August 4, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Heat in New York, August 4 to 9, 202229 eventsA dome of high pressure brought a stretch of hot and humid weather resulting in multiple days of heat indices between 95F and 104F degrees across eastern New York between August 4-9, 2022.
• Wildfire and Astronomical Low Tide in Washington, August 4 to 6, 2022$1.9 million · 2 eventsFire started from farm equipment working and field and quickly spread in the dry grasses by 25 MPH winds.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 4 to 7, 20221 injured · $240,000 · 1 eventThe fire started when a combine caught fire at the intersection of Ridpath and Little Goose Dam Roads South of Hay.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 5, 20224 injured · 14 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the southern United States during early August.
• Heat in Arizona, August 6 to 8, 20226 deaths · 5 eventsA ridge of high pressure centered over the Southwest led to slightly above normal temperatures with highs in Phoenix during this time peaking at 108 degrees on the 6th. Morning temperatures provided limited relief from the heat with lows in the mid to upper 80s.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 7 to 15, 2022$200,000 · 1 eventFire burned about 400 acres south of Lake Somerville. At least two homes were destroyed.
• Heat in Oregon, August 7 to 8, 20221 death · 4 eventsStrong high pressure expanded into the region bringing a very warm air mass. High temperatures peaked near 100 degrees on the 7th in portions of the Willamette Valley and through the Columbia River Gorge.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 8 to 11, 2022$3.1 million · 1 eventA human caused wildfire near Williams Lake, WA.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 8 to 21, 2022$1.5 million · 1 eventThe fire started 8 miles southeast of Waterville.
• Heat in Arizona, August 10 to 13, 20227 deaths · 6 eventsHigh pressure centered over the Central Rockies resulted in near to slightly above normal temperatures in Phoenix. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 7 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this time.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 11 to 31, 2022$15 million · 1 eventLightning started the Irving Peak Wildfire in the Cascades.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 11 to 31, 2022$19 million · 1 eventLightning started the White River Wildfire in the Cascades.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, August 12, 20221 death · 1 eventTemperatures in the lower 90s and heat index in the upper 90s led to a fatality.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 12 to 31, 2022$2.0 million · 1 eventLighting started the Thor Fire burning approximately 5 miles east of Sullivan Lake in heavy timber and steep terrain.
• Heat in Nevada, August 14, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 14 to 31, 2022$200,000 · 1 eventThe Blackburn fire was started from suspected lightning and discovered on August 14.
• Heat in Arizona, August 16, 20222 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures 2 to 4 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona July 14. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individual found indoors in Tucson.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 16, 20221 death · 1 eventAfternoon temperatures climbed to near 102 degrees in Fort Smith during the afternoon of the 16th, and the heat index was near 105 degrees. A young boy was reportedly left in a vehicle in the driveway of a home, where he died in the heat.
• Heat in California, August 16 to 20, 202221 eventsA large area of high pressure which prevailed over the area between August 16 and August 20 provided for much warmer than normal temperatures across the area with dangerous heat prevailing during the daytime across the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills, lower Sierra foothills…
• Heat in Arizona, August 16 to 18, 20228 deaths · 7 eventsAn upper level ridge over the western CONUS led to temperatures near to slightly above normal across Phoenix. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 8 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this time.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 17 to 31, 20221 death · 1 eventThe Rum Creek Wildfire was started by lightning around 1700 PST on 08/17/22. As of 0530 PST on 09/01/22, the fire covered 14940 acres and was 1 percent contained. 3 structures were lost, and 14.6 million dollars had been spent on firefighting activities.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 18 to 22, 2022$985,000 · 1 eventWagner Road Fire started on Thursday, August 18th by undetermined cause.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 18 to 31, 2022$100,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Bear Gulch Wildfire on August 18.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 21 to 31, 2022$190,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Parks Wildfire on August 21. It was added to the NW Pasayten Complex on September 6.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 21 to 31, 2022$800,000 · 1 eventSuspected lightning started the Columbus Fire.
• Heat in Nevada, August 22, 20221 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Heat in Arizona, August 23 to 28, 20227 deaths · 7 eventsUpper level ridging over the Desert Southwest resulted in near to slightly above normal temperatures across the Phoenix metro. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 7 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this time.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 25 to 31, 2022$300,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Alligator Wildfire in North Ferry County on August 25.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, August 29 to 31, 20229 deaths · 18 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure over the western CONUS resulted in excessive heat conditions across the Phoenix area for the end of August.
• Heat in Arizona, August 29 to 30, 20222 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures 2 to 5 degrees above normal were experienced across parts of southeast Arizona August 29 and 30. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert of Santa Cruz County.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, August 30 to 31, 20221 death · 7 eventsHigh pressure building over the Desert Southwest brought widespread excessive heat conditions. The episode continued into September.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, August 31, 202225 eventsA large area of high pressure that was centered over the Great Basin area built westward into California on August 31st and brought a period of hot and dry weather to the area which prevailed across the area through much of early September.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 30, 2022$17 million · 10 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Iowa, September 1 to 30, 2022$9.2 million · 8 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 30, 2022$4.7 million · 2 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 202249 eventsBelow normal rainfall led to drought persisting or worsening across much of the area during the month of September.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 30, 202226 eventsAbnormally dry and warm conditions continued across western and north central Nebraska in September. Drought conditions intensified over all of western and north central Nebraska with the exception of Sheridan county.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 202225 eventsAnother dry and unseasonably warm month occurred across eastern Oklahoma in September. All of eastern Oklahoma experienced below average rainfall for the month, and a large portion of the area received less than 10 percent of monthly average precipitation amounts.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 202224 eventsAfter beneficial rain in August, dry weather returned in September. Most of South Central Texas had below normal precipitation and drought conditions worsened or remained the same. Guadalupe and Hays Counties worsened from Extreme (D3) category to Exceptional (D4) category.
• Drought in Kansas, September 1 to 30, 202223 eventsA prolonged period of extremely dry weather, led to the drought continuing across the region for the month of September 2022.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 202221 eventsThe drought weakened across west central Texas during the month of September.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 202219 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions impacted much of Central Texas and portions of North Texas for the entire month of September.
• Drought in Iowa, September 1 to 30, 202218 eventsLimited rainfall continued across much of Iowa in September with expanding drought conditions over much of the state. Severe drought conditions persisted in northwest and north central Iowa with some expansion of Extreme drought late in the month.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, September 1 to 7, 202225 deaths · 16 eventsAn anomalously strong ridge of high pressure, with 500 mb heights around 594 dm, was parked over the western CONUS for the start of September. This resulted in well above normal temperatures as well as excessive heat conditions at times.
• Drought in New Mexico, September 1 to 30, 202225 eventsThe very active monsoon pattern over the past couple of months showed no signs of slowing during the month of September which contributed to the continued improvement in New Mexico drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 2022$100,000 · 1 eventThe Ross Fark wildfire began in Camas County August 14th and spread into Blaine and Custer Counties in late August into early September. It was timber litter, timber and short grass that fueled the fire.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, September 1 to 4, 20228 deaths · 7 eventsThis is the second of three entries documenting the long-duration excessive heat episode which lasted from August 30th through September 8th.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 2022$34 million · 1 eventLightning started the Irving Peak and White River Fires in the Cascades. Their proximity to each other allowed them to be combined into one incident.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 2022$800,000 · 1 eventSuspected lightning started the Columbus Fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 2022$200,000 · 1 eventThe Blackburn fire was started from suspected lightning and discovered on August 14.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 29, 2022$190,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Parks Wildfire on August 21. It was added to the NW Pasayten Complex on September 6.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 2022$100,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Bear Gulch Wildfire on August 18.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 202240 eventsCentral California remained abnormally dry in September 2022. A record setting heat wave on the first nine days of the month made the ongoing drought conditions worse as the intense heat continued to dry out the soil.
• Excessive Heat in California, September 1 to 9, 202228 eventsA large area of high pressure that was centered over the Great Basin area built westward into California on August 31st and brought a period of hot and dry weather to the area which prevailed across the area through much of early September.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 2022$75,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Caledonia Wildfire on September 1.
• Drought in Hawaii, September 1 to 30, 202225 eventsDry conditions persisted over many areas in the Aloha State in September.
• Heat in Minnesota, September 1, 202214 injured · 1 eventA high school cross country meet was held near Stewartville (Olmsted County) on September 1st. Fourteen runners needed treatment for heat exhaustion with four of them transported to a hospital for additional aid.
• Heat in Arizona, September 2, 20221 death · 1 eventHot temperatures 3 to 5 degrees above normal were experienced in Pima County on September 2. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual in Green Valley.
• Wildfire in California, September 2 to 13, 20222 deaths · 1 eventThe Mill Fire started in the town of Weed at 1249 PDT on 09/02/22. The cause was under investigation. The fire spread rapidly in the town. As of the last report at 0530 PST on 9/13/22, the fire covered 3935 acres and was 100 percent contained.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 3 to 11, 2022$2.1 million · 1 eventLightning started the Prospect Fire on September 3.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Montana, September 3 to 21, 202270 kt wind · 35 eventsStrong upper-level ridging persisted and was the dominated weather feature for several days. Record breaking high temperatures, near single digit RH, and strong winds gusts have led to a Red Flag Warning throughout the 4 days.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 4 to 12, 2022$1.8 million · 1 eventSeven Bays fire started on September 4 by an undetermined factor.
• Heat in California, September 4 to 10, 20224 deaths · 64 injured · 25 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure encompassed the Western CONUS from September 1st through 8th, leading to anomalously hot temperatures along the California coast, and even more extreme temperatures in interior valleys and all mountain zones, where very hot daytime temperatures…
• Excessive Heat in California, September 4 to 9, 20221 death · 1 injured · 12 eventsStrong high pressure over interior northern California brought widespread high to very high heat risk to the region. Triple-digit high temperatures were observed across most of the Central Valley, Delta, and foothills through the first 9 days of September.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, September 5 to 8, 20222 deaths · 7 eventsThis is the third and final entry documenting the long-duration excessive heat episode which began on August 30th. The first two entries covered August 30-31 and September 1-4.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 5 to 29, 2022$190,000 · 1 eventLightning started several wildfires in the Northwest Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake on September 5.
• Heat in Arizona, September 5 to 6, 20222 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures 4 to 6 degrees above normal were experienced across Pima County on September 5 and 6.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, September 5, 20221 death · 1 eventStrong high pressure over the region resulted in extreme temperatures. An Excessive Heat Warning conditions were met in the Phoenix area from the 4th through the 7th for temperatures reaching upwards of 105-110 degrees.
• Wildfire in California, September 5 to 17, 20222 deaths · 3 injured · 1 eventThe Fairview Fire began burning around 3:37 PM PDT on September 5th at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Bautista Road in Hemet. Evacuation orders were quickly put in place and then expanded several hours later.
• Excessive Heat in Idaho, September 6 to 7, 20221 death · 1 eventAn anomalously high upper level ridge stayed over the region for several days in early September. This led to 2 consecutive days of record high temperatures in the region, with many stations recording triple digit temperatures.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 9 to 30, 2022$115 million · 1 eventThe Minnow Ridge Wildfire was started on September 9 by undetermined means.
• Wildfire in Oregon, September 9 to 10, 2022$500,000 · 1 eventA strong east wind event brought critical fire weather conditions and above normal temperatures to western Oregon. High pressure developed over eastern Washington and Oregon, spilling across the Cascades to the lowlands of western Oregon.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 13 to 30, 2022$34 million · 3 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Heat in Arizona, September 19, 20221 death · 1 eventA broad ridge of high pressure centered over the Southern Plains led to temperatures climbing slightly above normal in Phoenix on the 19th. The high temperature in Phoenix on the 19th topped out at 104 degrees.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 20 to 30, 2022$31 million · 4 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 20 to 30, 2022$25 million · 5 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Heat in Arizona, September 23 to 27, 20224 deaths · 3 eventsAn amplified ridge of high pressure became situated over the western CONUS, leading to above normal temperatures in Phoenix going into the end of September. Temperatures during this time topped out between 101-105 degrees.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 27 to 30, 2022$6.1 million · 2 eventsA persistence of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation maintained or worsened long-term drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, September 27, 20221 death · 8 injured · 1 eventThe Billings Fire burned during the afternoon of the 27th and was relatively small, only burning roughly 25 acres adjacent to Interstate 35. However, smoke from the fire led to near-zero visibility and caused a multiple car pileup on the interstate.
• Drought in Missouri, October 1 to 31, 2022$580,000 · 25 eventsDrought conditions saw some improvements across portions of the southwest Missouri Ozarks during the month of October. By the last week of October, the US Drought Monitor had designated around 84 percent of the area as being in moderate drought (D1) to significant drought (D4).
• Drought in Minnesota, October 1 to 31, 2022$988,000 · 5 eventsWhile temperatures were much closer to normal in October, precipitation was generally less than 25 percent of normal, leading to the worsening of long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 202248 eventsA lack of significant rainfall during the month of October led to persistent drought across the area, with most of the region experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions with pockets of exceptional drought.
• Drought in Nebraska, October 1 to 31, 202227 eventsAbnormally dry and warm conditions continued across western and north central Nebraska in October. Drought conditions deteriorated across all of western and north central Nebraska.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 202225 eventsSeveral widespread, heavy rain events during October helped ease the drought across much of far eastern Oklahoma during the month.
• Drought in Kansas, October 1 to 31, 202224 eventsDrought conditions continued to worsen across the region as rainfall remained below seasonal normals. Exceptional drought (D4) spread further north over most of southern Kansas during the month of October.
• Drought in Iowa, October 1 to 31, 202223 eventsThe overall trends of drier than normal conditions persisted for October over much of Iowa. While there was some scattered rainfall, the overall amounts remained mostly below normal for the month.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 202223 eventsRainfall was a bit of a mixed bag in October. A swath of the central part of the area had 10-50% of normal. The area along the Rio Grande had 100-200% of normal. The rest of the area was in between.
• Drought in Kentucky, October 1 to 31, 202222 eventsDrought conditions gradually expanded and intensified across western Kentucky through the last week of the month. The drought severity was greatest in the westernmost counties from Paducah and Mayfield westward, where it became extreme.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 202220 eventsThe drought remained across much of west central Texas during the month of October.
• Drought in South Dakota, October 1 to 31, 202220 eventsWhile temperatures were much closer to normal in October, precipitation was generally less than 25 percent of normal, leading to the maintenance of long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Illinois, October 1 to 31, 202219 eventsDrought conditions gradually worsened through the last week of the month. The drought severity was greatest in the southernmost three counties from Cairo to Metropolis, where it became extreme.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 202218 eventsSevere to exceptional drought conditions affected portions of Central Texas and the Red River for the entire month.
• Drought in Nebraska, October 1 to 31, 202218 eventsDuring at least some portion of October 2022, at least parts of 21 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were assigned Severe Drought (D2) by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), with parts of four northeastern counties in worse off Extreme Drought (D3).
• Drought in New Mexico, October 1 to 31, 202218 eventsA very active weather pattern continued through October 2022 with several widespread rainfall events leading to near-record wet conditions in some areas for the month of October.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 31, 2022$115 million · 1 eventThe Minnow Ridge Wildfire was started on September 9 by undetermined means.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 31, 2022$34 million · 1 eventLightning started the Irving Peak and White River Fires in the Cascades. Their proximity to each other allowed them to be combined into one incident.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 26, 2022$15 million · 1 eventThe Kootenai River Complex was formed on September 2. It consisted of the Eneas Peak, Katka, Russell Mountain, Scotch Creek, and Trout Fires. It was activity until October 26.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 31, 2022$900,000 · 1 eventSuspected lightning started the Columbus Fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 31, 2022$100,000 · 1 eventLightning started the Bear Gulch Wildfire on August 18.
• Drought in California, October 1 to 31, 202240 eventsCentral California remained abnormally dry in October 2022. By the end of the month, nearly all of our area remained in an extreme or exceptional drought as most of our area has received less than a third of normal precipitation since July 1, 2020.
• Drought in Hawaii, October 1 to 31, 202220 eventsDry conditions persisted over many areas in the Aloha State in October, maintaining another period of D2, severe drought.
• Wildfire in Nebraska, October 2 to 11, 20221 death · $3.0 million · 1 eventFire initiated in north central portions of the Nebraska National Forest during the afternoon of October 2nd. Aided by strong southerly winds and dry relative humidity, the fire quickly spread to the north and north northeast consuming around 19000 acres of timber and grassland.
• Drought in Minnesota, October 11 to 31, 2022$2.6 million · 2 eventsWhile temperatures were much closer to normal in October, precipitation was generally less than 25 percent of normal, leading to the maintenance of long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Iowa, October 11 to 31, 2022$295,000 · 1 eventWhile temperatures were much closer to normal in October, precipitation was generally less than 25 percent of normal, leading to the maintenance of long-term drought conditions.
• Drought in Iowa, October 18 to 31, 2022$6.1 million · 2 eventsWhile temperatures were much closer to normal in October, precipitation was generally less than 25 percent of normal, leading to the maintenance of long-term drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Missouri, October 22, 20221 injured · $200,000 · 1 eventOn the afternoon of October 22nd many wildfires burned across the region, especially across central Missouri where temperatures reached the mid 80s, winds gusted out of the south southwest to 35 mph, and relative humidity was as low as 25 percent.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Kansas, October 23, 202260 kt wind · 22 eventsA strong low level jet from the southwest across the CWA prevailed ahead of cold front that tightened the pressure gradient significantly 9-10 mb from north to south. Wind gusts up to 60 to 70 mph were reported with a number of wildfires that sparked during the afternoon hours.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Nebraska, October 23 to 24, 2022$830,000 · 56 kt wind · 5 eventsThis Sunday afternoon-evening featured one of the most concerning fire weather setups of the fall 2022 season within South Central Nebraska, and unfortunately, it came to fruition in the form of several wind-driven wildfires, a couple of which were fairly sizable (several…
• Drought in Florida, November 1 to 30, 202218 eventsD2 drought covered much of the area in northwest Florida from Tallahassee westward during the entire month of November and continued into December.
• Drought in Missouri, November 1 to 30, 2022350 injured · $13 million · 24 eventsExtreme (D3) Drought conditions continued across portions of southwestern Missouri. Drought conditions saw some improvements across portions of the southwest Missouri Ozarks during the month of November.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 15, 202248 eventsWidespread and severe drought persisted through much of the month. Heavy rainfall occurred across portions of southeast Oklahoma early in the month that helped alleviate drought across this area by the late month.
• Drought in Nebraska, November 1 to 30, 202227 eventsDry conditions continued across western and north central Nebraska in November. By the end of the month, exceptional (D4) drought conditions had expanded into most of Brown, northern Rock and southeastern Cherry County.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 30, 202225 eventsSeveral widespread rain events, and even a winter event, during November helped to continue to ease the drought across portions of far eastern and southeastern Oklahoma during the month.
• Drought in Tennessee, November 1 to 30, 202223 eventsWith much of the month of November 2022 remaining abnormally dry, drought conditions across Middle Tennessee worsened. By the end of November, 100 percent of Middle Tennessee was in at least moderate drought with about 34 percent in severe drought.
• Drought in Kansas, November 1 to 30, 202222 eventsDrought conditions continued across the region as rainfall remained below seasonal normals. There is some small improvement to the drought during the first week of the month, due to some areas receiving over 2 inches of rainfall.
• Drought in Kentucky, November 1 to 30, 202222 eventsDrought conditions remained unchanged or improved slightly during the month. The drought severity improved from extreme to severe in the westernmost counties from Paducah and Mayfield westward.
• Drought in Nebraska, November 1 to 30, 202221 eventsThroughout November 2022, at least portions of 21 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were assigned at least Severe Drought (D2) by the U.S.
• Drought in South Dakota, November 1 to 30, 202220 eventsLong-term drought status was largely unchanged with a continuation of well-below normal precipitation across the region.
• Drought in Texas, November 1 to 30, 202220 eventsThe drought remained across much of west central Texas during the month of November. The drought decreased in intensity during the last few days of November.
• Drought in Illinois, November 1 to 30, 202219 eventsSevere to extreme drought persisted over much of southern Illinois through November. The drought severity was greatest in the southernmost three counties from Cairo to Metropolis, where it remained extreme.
• Drought in Louisiana, November 1 to 25, 202219 eventsFor much of September and October, many locations did not measure much more than 1 inch of rainfall, which is quite non-typical from a climatology perspective. These conditions resulted in D2 drought, which carried over into November for portions of southeast Louisiana.
• Drought in Iowa, November 1 to 8, 202218 eventsSevere drought conditions were common to start the month across much of central and southern Iowa.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 202240 eventsAlthough a significant winter storm impacted central California between November 7 and November 9, the interior remained abnormally dry in November 2022 as most of the area had slightly below normal precipitation totals for the month.
• Drought in Hawaii, November 1 to 30, 202218 eventsLimited summer and autumn rainfall continued to maintain drought conditions over portion of Maui and Hawaii Counties through the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 16 to 30, 202247 eventsWidespread and severe drought persisted through much of the month. Heavy rainfall occurred across portions of southeast Oklahoma early in the month that helped alleviate drought across this area by the late month.
• Drought in Florida, December 1 to 31, 202226 eventsD2 drought conditions were present across portions of the Florida panhandle and big bend through December and into January.
• Drought in Kansas, December 1 to 31, 2022$45 million · 3 eventsExceptional (D4) Drought conditions improved across portions of southeastern Kansas. Drought conditions continued over most of southeastern Kansas during the month despite some rainfall.
• Drought in Missouri, December 1 to 31, 2022$12 million · 7 eventsDrought conditions saw improvements across portions of the southwest Missouri Ozarks during the month of December. By the last week of December, the US Drought Monitor had designated around 23 percent of the area as being in moderate drought (D1) to significant drought (D4).
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 202247 eventsWidespread, severe drought continued to persist through the month. Episodes of rainfall across much of the area helped improve conditions some, most notably across eastern Oklahoma. However, large expanses of extreme and exceptional drought remained by the end of the month.
• Drought in Nebraska, December 1 to 31, 202227 eventsA couple of potent weather systems brought decent precipitation to western and north central Nebraska in December. Rain and snow was reported with a system on December 13th with a second system bringing precipitation to the region December 29th.
• Drought in Kansas, December 1 to 31, 202224 eventsDrought conditions continued across the region as rainfall remained below seasonal normals. Exceptional drought (D4) or Extreme drought (D3) remained over most of southern Kansas during the month of December 2022.
• Drought in Kentucky, December 1 to 19, 202222 eventsDrought conditions improved significantly across western Kentucky during the month. The drought was no longer categorized as severe by the end of the month. Most crops had been harvested, so agricultural impacts were limited.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 202222 eventsA number of precipitation events, a couple producing widespread and heavy rainfall, occurred during December. Precipitation ranged from 1.5 inches to 6 inches across the region.
• Drought in Nebraska, December 1 to 31, 202221 eventsThroughout December 2022, at least portions of 21 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties continued to be assigned at least Severe Drought (D2) by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), with parts of 11 counties assigned worse-off Extreme Drought (D3).
• Drought in Tennessee, December 1 to 13, 202220 eventsAfter drought conditions worsened during an abnormally dry fall, a more active pattern set up during the end of November and into early December. This led to rapidly improving drought conditions, and by December 13th, only far northwest Stewart County was in moderate drought.
• Drought in South Dakota, December 1 to 31, 202220 eventsLong-term drought status improved slightly in some areas, but was largely unchanged across southeast South Dakota given frozen ground conditions. Many areas received double to triple the amount of normal precipitation for the month.
• Drought in Illinois, December 1 to 19, 202219 eventsDrought conditions improved significantly across southern Illinois during the month. The drought was no longer categorized as severe by the end of the month. Most crops had been harvested, so agricultural impacts were limited.
• Drought in California, December 1 to 31, 202231 eventsDespite the abundant rainfall and replenishing higher elevation snowpack received across the area in December, a long term precipitation deficit has resulted in continuing drought conditions across the central California Interior.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Kansas, December 2, 20221 death · $208,000 · 65 kt wind · 24 eventsIn the latter half of the morning on December 2nd, strong, dry southwesterly winds began picking up dirt and dust in Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Kansas, December 2, 2022$2,000 · 58 kt wind · 26 eventsA strong cold front pushed through the CWA late afternoon and into the evening hours. Gusty southwest winds up to 40-50 mph ahead of it with gusts out of the northwest up to 60 mph behind the front.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 202346 eventsDespite intermittent periods of precipitation throughout the month, widespread severe to exceptional drought conditions persisted across much of western, northern, central, and southern Oklahoma.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 202326 eventsPrecipitation across western and north central was well above normal for January and led to improvement in drought conditions across portions of north central, central and southwestern Nebraska.
• Drought in Kansas, January 1 to 31, 202323 eventsDrought conditions continued across the region as rainfall remained below seasonal normals. Exceptional drought (D4) or Extreme drought (D3) remained over most of southern Kansas during the month of January 2023.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 202321 eventsFor at least part of January 2023, portions of 21 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties continued to be assigned at least Severe Drought (D2) by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), with portions of 11 counties assigned worse-off Extreme Drought (D3).

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2022Tornadoes in 2022

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.