Western Drought

Losses, 2024 dollars

$6.0 billion

Losses at the time

$4.5 billion

Deaths

0

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

• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2015$43,000 · 28 eventsSevere or greater drought conditions continued to plague central and western portions of north Texas during January of 2015.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 201527 eventsWith persistent dry conditions, drought persisted across much of western and central Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 201517 eventsThe year started off on a fairly snowy note for the Texas Panhandle, with a particularly notable heavy snow event near the end of January that brought over 1 foot of snow to the Interstate 40 corridor.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 201510 eventsSince late December 2014, drought conditions expanded by a small margin across the southeast Texas Panhandle and portions of the Rolling Plains. Severe (D2) levels grew south to northern Stonewall County and also west to include portions of King and Swisher counties.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20158 eventsJanuary was generally a wet month across South Central Texas with most areas getting normal or above rain. No county moved into a worse drought category.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20158 eventsWith persistently warm and dry conditions, drought persisted through the month.
• Drought in Kansas, January 1 to 31, 20156 eventsSevere Drought conditions persisted across Northwest Kansas south of Sherman and Thomas counties. Precipitation reports ranged from 0.02 below normal to 0.41 below normal for the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 20154 eventsMost of northeastern Oklahoma received well below normal precipitation during January 2015. A large portion of the region only received between 25 and 50 percent of normal precipitation for the month.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20154 eventsThe U.S. Drought Monitor reported drought conditions across Haskell and Throckmorton counties, the northern part of Shackelford County and the southeastern Kimble County.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 20153 eventsThe year started off on a fairly snowy note for the Oklahoma Panhandle, with decent snowfall events near the beginning and end of January. Most areas measured one half to 1 inch of liquid equivalent precipitation throughout the month.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20152 eventsEven though above average rainfall occurred over the northern portions of Goliad and Victoria Counties during the month of January, severe drought lingered over this portion of South Texas.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 13, 20151 eventAfter receiving four to six inches (150 to 200 percent of normal) of rainfall during January, Caldwell County improved to less than Severe Drought category.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 201519 eventsNew Mexico benefited from several impactful winter storms during January 2015. Precipitation was mostly above normal except for the northwest and far west.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 20153 eventsPrecipitation totals over the Gila Region for January were well above normal, but occurred late in the month. No change was noted in the drought categories during the month, but did occur with early February with the next drought update.
• Drought in Arizona, January 1 to 31, 20153 eventsExtreme drought (D3) conditions continued across far northeast Pinal and a portion of west central Graham Counties during January. Extreme southeast Pinal and southwest Graham Counties were reduced to the severe drought (D2) category early in the month.
• Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 20151 eventDrought conditions persisted across far southern Cheyenne county, mainly south of Highway 40 where Severe Drought conditions were located. Precipitation reports from COOP observers in Cheyenne county ranged 0.03 below normal to 0.43 below normal for the month.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continued in full force during the month of January, 2015. Precipitation fell on only a few days of the month, and mostly across Kern County.
• Drought in Kentucky, January 10 to 31, 201518 eventsModerate drought conditions developed across most of western Kentucky by the middle of the month. Since December 1, 2014, precipitation amounts across much of Kentucky were 3 to 5 inches below normal.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 17, 2015$100,000 · 1 eventThe large wildfire began about one mile north of McLean around 1230CST and consumed approximately six hundred and forty acres. One vacant home and one shed were completely destroyed, however there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, January 18, 20153 eventsGusty wind, warm temperatures, and low humidity combined with very dry, dormant fuels to produce conditions that promoted the spread of wildfires on the 18th. At least two major wildfires in Le Flore County burned over 240 acres.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, January 18, 20151 eventA weak surface trough and wind shift moved slowly southward across the Central Plains during the afternoon hours of the 18th. Ahead of this front, winds veered significantly, and as mixing took place during the day, stronger winds aloft mixed down to the surface.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 2015$49,000 · 31 eventsDrought conditions continued across North and Central Texas through the month of February, with thirty-two of the forty-six counties experiencing drought during the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, February 1 to 28, 201529 eventsWith persistent dry conditions, drought persisted across much of western and central Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 201511 eventsThe drought expanded from Abilene and Taylor County to the north and northeast and also across the Northwest Hill Country. Lack of appreciable rain led to this development as lake levels continue to be quite low in much of West Central Texas.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 201510 eventsFebruary was a dry month across South Central Texas with some places getting less than half an inch of rain for the month. This put Llano and Real Counties in Severe Drought category (Stage D2).
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 20158 eventsWith persistently warm and dry conditions, drought persisted through the month.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 27, 20157 eventsFollowing periodic rounds of mostly light precipitation, severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought conditions remained unchanged across the far southeast Texas Panhandle and portions of the Rolling Plains by the end of February.
• Drought in Kansas, February 1 to 28, 20156 eventsD2 Severe Drought continued across Northwest Kansas, impacting locations from Sherman to Thomas county on south. Precipitation amounts ranged from 0.22 inches below normal to 0.43 inches above normal across Northwest Kansas, with the majority of the reports above normal.
• Drought in Oklahoma, February 1 to 28, 20154 eventsAll of eastern Oklahoma experienced below normal precipitation during the month of February, despite several winter storms in the latter half of the month.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 20152 eventsBelow normal rainfall occurred over the northern portions of Goliad and Victoria Counties during the month of February. Severe drought lingered over this portion of South Texas through the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 28, 201519 eventsFebruary 2015 precipitation was a tale of two halves. The first 10 days of the month were especially dry areawide. Record warmth during the second week took a major toll on the existing and rather meager mountain snowpack.
• Drought in Arizona, February 1 to 28, 20153 eventsExtreme drought (D3) conditions continued across far northeast Pinal County and a portion of west central Graham County during February.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 3, 20152 eventsModerate to heavy rain at the very end of January into early February brought an improvement in drought conditions for the Gila Region.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 28, 20151 eventRain which fell in late January helped to improve the drought conditions over the Gila Region in February.
• Drought in California, February 1 to 28, 201511 eventsThe California drought continued in full force during the month of February, 2015. Precipitation continued to be below normal for the month with well above normal temperatures.
• Wildfire and High Wind in California, February 6 to 12, 201579 kt wind · 5 eventsA strong front pushed into the West on the 6th, bringing widespread high winds along with areas of enhanced downslope winds in the lee of the Sierra.
• Excessive Heat and Winter Weather in South Carolina, February 24, 201510 eventsA mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain pelted the Midlands and Pee Dee regions. Precipitation amounts were light with an inch or less of snow/sleet in the northern Midlands and Pee Dee with around an 1/8 inch of ice on elevated surfaces elsewhere in the Midlands.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 2015$55,000 · 24 eventsDrought conditions receded slightly from southeast to northwest, otherwise conditions remained similar to the first few months of 2015.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 201529 eventsWith persistent dry conditions, drought persisted across much of western and central Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 201518 eventsAfter a snowy start to the year, March was a dry month for most of the Texas Panhandle. Most precipitation was light and fell during only two events during the month. Most areas measured less than one half inch of liquid equivalent precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 20158 eventsThe north central part of South Central Texas missed out on the above normal precipitation much of the region had in March.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 20157 eventsWith persistently warm and dry conditions, drought persisted through the month.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 20157 eventsDrought conditions worsened from extreme (D3) to exceptional (D4) levels across the eastern half of Childress County, but remained unchanged since February over the remainder of the far southeast Texas Panhandle south into portions of the Rolling Plains where D2 (severe) and D3…
• Drought in Kansas, March 1 to 31, 20156 eventsD2 severe drought continued for locations from Sherman to Thomas county south. Precipitation during the month ranged from 0.87 inches below normal to 1.30 inches below normal across Northwest Kansas.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 20155 eventsAll of northeastern Oklahoma experienced below normal precipitation during the month of March. A large portion of the region only received between 10 and 50 percent of normal precipitation for the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, March 1 to 31, 20153 eventsAfter a snowy start to the year, March was a relatively dry month for most of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Most areas measured less than one inch of liquid equivalent precipitation for the month, with this falling during one event late in the month.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 24, 20152 eventsWell above normal rainfall during March moved De Witt and Val Verde Counties out of Severe Drought category (Stage D2). De Witt received around three times their normal precipitation and Val Verde had 150% of normal.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 25, 20152 eventsAbove normal rainfall occurred across all of South Texas except for the extreme western Brush Country during the month of March.
• Drought in New Mexico, March 1 to 31, 201516 eventsAbove normal precipitation was the rule for much of central and southern New Mexico during March 2015. Unfortunately, the northeast plains and Four Corners region fared much worse as the majority of wetting precipitation events largely missed these areas.
• Drought in Colorado, March 1 to 31, 201516 eventsSevere drought conditions developed over much of far western Colorado as the normally wet late winter and early spring period turned extremely dry.
• Drought in Arizona, March 1 to 31, 20153 eventsExtreme drought (D3) conditions continued across far northeast Pinal County and a portion of west central Graham County during March.
• Drought in California, March 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continued in full force during the month of March, 2015. The month was exceptionally warm and much drier than normal. In fact, it was the warmest March ever in Fresno and the 3rd warmest on record in Bakersfield.
• Drought in California, March 1 to 31, 20158 eventsAn extremely dry March followed a below normal February for most areas. This continued the 4th consecutive year of drought for the region. Mountain snowfall was very limited for the month.
• Drought in Texas, March 3 to 31, 201513 eventsThe West Central Texas drought continues to expand especially across areas along and north of Interstate 20 and the Northwest Hill Country because of the lack of heavier rain. Lake levels remain low in these areas.
• Wildfire in Kansas, March 12, 2015$50,000 · 1 eventA large grass became out of control and burned down several oil storage tanks.
• Drought in Utah, March 15 to 31, 20156 eventsAn early month storm brought the bulk of precipitation to eastern Utah in March, then conditions turned very dry.
• Wildfire in South Carolina, March 17 to 18, 20151 injured · 1 eventA small wildfire developed following a prescribed burn in the afternoon hours. Conditions were warm and dry and the wildfire developed overnight. The wildfire spread toward a residential area.
• Wildfire and Damaging Wind in Nebraska, March 28 to 29, 2015$1,000 · 52 kt wind · 4 eventsIsolated thunderstorms formed on the evening of March 28th across the eastern Nebraska Panhandle. As they moved east, they produced a downburst over portions of Garden County which led to damage.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Montana, March 28 to 31, 20152 deaths · 64 kt wind · 19 eventsA strong upper level disturbance and associated cold front moved rapidly across the Northern Rockies on Saturday March 28th. The system produced widespread severe wind, with peak wind gusts ranging from 60 to 70 mph, along with critical fire weather conditions.
• Wildfire in Utah, March 31, 2015$20,000 · 1 eventA small wildfire occurred in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, when grassland near the Jordan River caught fire. This fire threatened homes and caused some local damage.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 2015$43,000 · 25 eventsDrought conditions continued across portions of North and Central Texas through the month of April, with twenty-six of the forty-six counties experiencing drought during the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 201532 eventsWith persistent dry conditions, drought persisted with some improvement across much of western and central Oklahoma.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 201519 eventsThe dry spring pattern continued into the first half of April for the Texas Panhandle. There were a few scattered rain events early in the month, though most areas measured less than 0.25 inches of rain through April 15th.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 201510 eventsThe drought that has plagued parts of West Central Texas since the fall of 2010 has shown signs of improvement this month across a large part of the area. Several rounds of thunderstorms alleviated the intensity and the coverage of the drought.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 20158 eventsWith persistently warm and dry conditions, drought persisted through the month.
• Drought in Kansas, April 1 to 30, 20156 eventsD2 severe drought conditions continued for locations in Sherman and Thomas counties south despite above normal rainfall being reported across many of the affected counties.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 20155 eventsAll of northeastern Oklahoma experienced below normal precipitation during the month of April. A large portion of the region only received between 25 and 75 percent of normal precipitation for the month.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 28, 20154 eventsWell above normal rainfall during April moved Edwards, Kendall, Medina, and Real Counties out of Severe Drought category (Stage D2). Rainfall in these counties ranged from 150% to 300% of normal.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 20154 eventsMost of Bandera County received 150% to 200% of normal rainfall in April and this was enough to move them from Extreme (Stage D3) drought category to Severe (Stage D2).
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 20153 eventsThe dry spring pattern continued into the first half of April for the Oklahoma Panhandle. There were a few scattered rain events early in the month, though most areas measured less than 0.10 inches of rain through April 15th.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 20153 eventsDrought conditions continued to improve over the entire region through the month of April. Childress, Cottle, and King Counties all remained in D2 (Severe) or greater. Only a sliver of D4 (exceptional) drought remained over Cottle County.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 201516 eventsDry, windy and warm conditions dominated the first 10 days of April 2015. An impressive rain event then unfolded across the southeast third of the state on the 12th and 13th. Numerous one to two inch rainfall amounts were reported across Lincoln, Chaves and Roosevelt counties.
• Drought and Dense Smoke in Colorado, April 1 to 30, 201516 eventsA series of storms crossed over the region during the latter half of April and cut into the precipitation deficit over portions of western Colorado by the end of the month.
• Drought in Utah, April 1 to 30, 20155 eventsDuring the first half of April little to no precipitation fell across eastern Utah. However, by the third week of April the storm track became more favorable for precipitation in eastern Utah and many locations received above normal precipitation by month's end.
• Drought in Arizona, April 1 to 30, 20153 eventsExtreme drought (D3) conditions across far northeast Pinal County and a portion of west central Graham County were reduced to the severe (D2) category by the end of April.
• Drought in California, April 1 to 30, 201511 eventsThe California drought continued in full force during the month of April, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. While there was some precipitation in April, it was not uniformly distributed.
• Drought in California, April 1 to 30, 20157 eventsThe long term drought continues as April was yet another below normal month for precipitation for much of the area. There was some mountain snowfall, but this did little to improve the snow pack, which remained at the lowest levels on record.
• Wildfire in South Dakota, April 1, 20151 eventA fire was sparked in Potter county north of Gettysburg by a farmer working the field. A rock striking a planting disc on an air seeder started it. With very strong northwest winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity, the fire quickly grew and spread southeast.
• Wildfire in South Dakota, April 1, 20151 eventStrong northwest winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity brought on another large fire in Edmunds county. The fire began eight miles south of Craven corner on 363rd avenue just north of Edmunds county road 24.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, April 4, 20152 injured · $5,000 · 1 eventGusty northwest wind of 15 to 30 mph in association with passage of a weak cold front stirred to life a controlled burn west of Byron around 1620MST on Saturday, April 4.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 6 to 7, 20151 death · 3 injured · $4,000 · 5 eventsThe combination of gusty south to southwest winds and drying conditions led to several wildfires across Eastern Pennsylvania on the 6th and resulted in one fatality, a couple of injuries and minor property damage.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, April 6, 20152 injured · $5,000 · 1 eventThe combination of gusty south to southwest winds and drying conditions helped complicate the battling of a wildfire that occurred in Tewksbury Township (Hunterdon County) on the 6th.
• Wildfire in North Carolina, April 6 to 16, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventDry fuels contributed to a fire that started in the Compass Pointe Division in Brunswick County.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, April 8 to 9, 2015$30,000 · 1 eventA fire blackened about 250 acres of sugar cane in Pukalani on the Valley Isle of Maui. The cane was one week away from being harvested. The fire did not threaten any structures, and no injuries were reported. Fire officials believe the blaze was intentionally set.
• Wildfire in Minnesota, April 11, 2015$100,000 · 1 eventA wildfire started near mile marker 88 on Highway 210 east of Aldrich in Bartlett Township. Two buildings were destroyed, one being a house. No one was injured in the fire.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 12, 20151 injured · 2 eventsNearly a dozen brush fires occurred in Chester County on the 12th as an unseasonably dry April continued. They were reported from Oxford eastward to West Chester. The largest wildfire occurred in West Fallowfield Township. One person was injured.
• Wildfire in North Dakota, April 12 to 14, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventAn abandoned campfire developed into a large wildfire in southwest Burleigh County, south of Bismarck, by the afternoon of April 13th, which led to the evacuation of approximately 20 residences. It is believed that the fire initially started on April 12th.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, April 13, 20151 injured · $57,000 · 1 eventAn April 13th wildfire near Necedah (Juneau County) burned over 300 acres before being extinguished by the Wisconsin DNR and four local fire departments. The fire was likely started by a passing train and then spread quickly by winds that gusted close to 30 mph.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, April 18 to 20, 20153 eventsA wildfire consumed about 300 acres of forest around Blue Mountain in Lehigh and Carbon Counties from the afternoon of the 18th into the morning of the 20th.
• Drought in Minnesota, April 28 to 30, 20156 eventsSevere drought conditions developed over portions of northeastern Minnesota.
• Drought in Minnesota, April 28 to 30, 201521 eventsPrecipitation amounts from the fall of 2014 going into the winter and spring of 2015 were below normal. For Fargo, ND, the precipitation total for September 2014 through March 2015 was 5.01 inches. Normal precipitation for this period is 9.16 inches.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 1 to 31, 201533 eventsWith record rains occurring through the month of May, drought was completely eradicated.
• Drought in Minnesota, May 1 to 19, 201521 eventsDry conditions continued from late April into early May, resulting a D2 drought designation on the U. S. Drought Monitor. Then a rapid switch from dry to wet occurred. From May 10th through the end of the month, consistent bouts of one to three inch rainfalls occurred.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 31, 20158 eventsWith record rainfall throughout the month of May, drought was completely eradicated throughout western north Texas.
• Drought in Minnesota, May 1 to 18, 20156 eventsSevere drought conditions (D2) continued over portions of northern Minnesota. Improvement to moderate drought conditions (D1) occurred at mid month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, May 1 to 27, 20154 eventsWidespread and locally heavy rainfall occurred across all of eastern Oklahoma during May 2015. As a result, severe drought (D2) to extreme drought (D3) conditions had been eliminated across Tulsa, Washington, Pawnee, and Osage Counties during the month.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 26, 20154 eventsBandera, Gillespie, Kerr, and Llano Counties received 200% to 400% of normal rainfall in May and moved out of Severe Drought category (Stage D2). These were the last four counties in South Central Texas remaining in at least Stage D2.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 25, 20151 eventAn exceptionally wet and cool May allowed further easing of the long-term drought across the far northern Rolling Plains, specifically eastern Cottle County where a sliver of D2 drought conditions ended after additional soaking rains in late May.
• Drought in Colorado, May 1 to 31, 201514 eventsA series of Pacific storms moved across the region in May and occasionally absorbed remnants of tropical moisture which produced significant precipitation over the area. As a result, drought conditions across western Colorado improved dramatically by the end of the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 20158 eventsMay 2015 was a very wet month for many areas of New Mexico, particularly the eastern plains where record or near-record rainfall was observed. Most areas experienced precipitation totals that were 200-400 percent of normal.
• Drought in Utah, May 1 to 26, 20152 eventsA series of Pacific storms moved across the region in May and occasionally absorbed remnants of tropical moisture which produced significant precipitation over the area. As a result, drought conditions in northeast Utah improved dramatically by the end of the month.
• Drought in California, May 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continued in full force during the month of May, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. While there was some precipitation in May, it was not uniformly distributed.
• Drought in California, May 1 to 31, 20158 eventsThe long term drought continues as May was yet another below normal month for precipitation for much of the area. There was some mountain precipitation in the form of rain, but much of it was focused along and east of the crest.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, May 2, 2015$150,000 · 1 eventA small central Wisconsin wildfire destroyed six buildings southeast of Necedah (Juneau County) on May 2nd. Dry conditions across central Wisconsin helped to fuel the fire that started on a warm afternoon. The fire destroyed three houses and three outbuildings.
• Wildfire in Pennsylvania, May 3 to 6, 20151 eventA wildfire started in Kidder Township in Carbon County around Noon EDT on the 3rd between the Francis E. Walker Dam and Jack Frost Ski Area.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, May 3 to 4, 20152 eventsTwo days of unseasonably dry and warm weather contributed to the spread of wildfires in Burlington and Ocean Counties on the 3rd and 4th. Fighting the wildfires was further complicated on the 4th by gusty southwest winds.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, May 7 to 8, 20151 eventA large wildfire consumed 710 acres of forest within Shamong Township in Burlington County on the 7th and 8th. The wildfire started about 1 p.m. EDT on the 7th near the intersection of U.S. Route 206 and Quaker Bridge Road in Shamong Township.
• Wildfire in California, May 7, 2015$30,000 · 1 eventStrong winds spread a vegetation fire in Yucca Valley to a house.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, May 12, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventA wildfire destroyed a home on Doremus Lane in Montague Township in Sussex County on the 12th. The wildfire started shortly after 530 p.m. EDT on the 12th.
• Wildfire in Arizona, May 20 to 23, 20151 eventDry fuels, complex terrain and gusty winds allowed a wildfire to spread quickly before becoming contained a few days later in southeast Pima County.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, May 25, 20151 eventA wildfire consumed 25 acres of woodland in Jackson Township (Ocean County) before it was contained. The wildfire broke out on the afternoon of the 25th along Reed Road in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 20157 eventsJune 2015 continued to be very active across the state, especially the northeast plateau and portions of the lower Rio Grande valley and eastern plains.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 20151 eventAn area of Western Grant County remained in Severe(D2) drought during the month of June.
• Drought in California, June 1 to 30, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of June, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. While there was some precipitation in June, it was not uniformly distributed.
• Drought in California, June 1 to 30, 20157 eventsThe long term drought continued through June with yet another below normal month for precipitation for much of the area. There was some mountain rain, but much of it was focused along and east of the crest.
• Heat in Oklahoma, June 5 to 9, 201510 injured · 5 eventsWith high pressure in place, heat indices ranged from 92 to 96 degrees between the 5th and the 9th. The Emergency Medical Services Authority reported ten calls for heat related injuries over this period.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, June 5 to 11, 20151 eventA blaze charred 400 acres of dry brush along Pokii Ridge, upslope from Kokee Road, on Kauai. It did not threaten any homes, cause any serious damage, or result in any significant injuries. The cause of the fire was unknown.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 6 to 30, 20151 eventThe Horse Tank Fire was started by lightning on Saturday, June 6, 2015, approximately six miles north of Strawberry, AZ. The last update was on July 8th when the fire was 3,603 Acres.
• Heat in Oregon, June 7 to 9, 20151 death · 1 injured · 1 eventAn unseasonably strong upper level ridge of high pressure resulted in hot temperatures early in June where high temperatures were around 20 degrees higher than the seasonal normals.
• Heat in Washington, June 7 to 9, 20151 death · 1 injured · 1 eventAn unseasonably strong upper level ridge of high pressure resulted in hot temperatures early in June where high temperatures were around 20 degrees higher than the seasonal normals.
• Heat in Texas, June 7, 20151 death · 1 eventAn elderly man passed away in Jack County after suffering heat stroke and dehydration.
• Heat in Missouri, June 10 to 11, 20151 death · 1 eventStarting in the early afternoon of June 10 temperatures reached well into the 90s, with heat indices generally reaching the upper 90s to middle 100s. An elderly woman died as a direct cause of the heat.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 10 to 30, 20151 eventThe Buckskin fire was initiated by lightning at around 2315 PST on 06/10/2015. As of 06/18/2015, the fire was 2400 acres and was 5% contained. 3.4 million dollars had been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Heat in New Jersey, June 12, 20155 eventsAn unseasonably hot and humid air mass caused high temperatures to reach the lower to mid 90s in southwest New Jersey on the 12th. Combined with relatively high dew points, peak hourly heat index values reached the upper 90s.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, June 12, 20151 eventAn unseasonably hot and humid air mass caused high temperatures to reach the mid 90s in Philadelphia on Friday the 12th. Combined with relatively high dew points, the peak hourly heat index reached 99 degrees at the Philadelphia International Airport.
• Heat in South Carolina, June 14 to 26, 201510 eventsHigh pressure aloft with westerly flow, combined with surface high pressure and southwesterly flow, led to a prolonged period of high heat and humidity for the entire southeastern US.
• Heat in North Carolina, June 14 to 26, 20159 eventsHigh pressure aloft with westerly flow, combined with surface high pressure and southwesterly flow, led to a prolonged period of high heat and humidity for the entire southeastern US.
• Wildfire in Alaska, June 14 to 29, 20158 injured · $1.1 million · 2 eventsIn mid June, high pressure extending across the Interior and Southwest Alaska caused dangerous fire weather conditions.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, June 16, 20151 death · 1 eventAnother hot middle of the June day in Philadelphia claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman on the 16th. The high temperature in the city that day was 91 degrees.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 17 to 27, 2015$150,000 · 1 eventHigh pressure created hot and dry conditions in eastern Pinal County. Localized terrain-driven winds allowed a human caused fire to spread through the dry Gila River channel near the community of Kearny.
• Wildfire in California, June 17 to 30, 2015$900,000 · 1 eventThe Lake Fire began on June 17th around 1440 PST on Jenks Lake Road West near Camp de Benneville Pines in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains. The fire burned rapidly south and east near Highway 38 south of Big Bear toward the Morongo Valley in heavy timber.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, June 19 to 30, 20152 deaths · 17 injured · 1 eventTemperatures in Las Vegas reached Excessive Heat Warning criteria on five non-consecutive days between June 19th through June 30th, and were just below criteria for the remainder of the period.
• Heat in Maryland, June 21, 20151 death · 1 injured · 1 eventWarm air and moisture advection ahead of an approaching cold front combined with produce heat indices in the 90s.
• Wildfire in Alaska, June 22, 2015$1.0 million · 1 eventThe Rex Complex Wildfire destroyed 6 homes and 2 other structures on Monday June 22nd roughly eight miles southwest of the town of Anderson. The wildfire also led to the evacuation of 25 residents.
• Heat in New Jersey, June 23, 201530 injured · 7 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather occurred across southern New Jersey on the 23rd with high temperatures reaching into the lower to mid 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100F.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, June 23, 20155 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather occurred across southeast Pennsylvania on the 23rd with high temperatures reaching into the lower to mid 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100F.
• Heat in Maryland, June 23, 20155 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather occurred across the Eastern Shore on the 23rd with high temperatures reaching the lower and mid 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100F.
• Heat in Delaware, June 23, 20153 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather occurred across Delaware on the 23rd with high temperatures reaching into the lower to mid 90s and afternoon heat indices of around 100F.
• Drought in Hawaii, June 23 to 30, 20152 eventsLeeward areas of Kauai and Maui were added to the US Drought Monitor map at the severe level, the D2 category. Rainfall has been very low in these areas over the past several months.
• Heat in Alabama, June 23, 20154 eventsTemperatures in the mid to upper 90s combined with dew points in the lower 70s to produce a three hour period of heat index values of 105 degrees in far northwest Alabama.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, June 26 to 28, 20152 deaths · 2 injured · 2 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure resulted in hot temperatures across Northwest Oregon. Afternoon temperatures peaked in the low 90s to the low 100s which are around 20 degrees warmer than the seasonal normals.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, June 26 to 28, 20151 death · 1 injured · 1 eventA strong upper level ridge of high pressure resulted in hot temperatures across Southwest Washington. Afternoon temperatures peaked in the low to mid 90s which are around 20 degrees warmer than the seasonal normals.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 26 to 30, 20151 eventThe Bunker Hill Complex fire was initiated by lightning at around 1800 PST on 06/26/2015. As of 07/01/2015, the fire was 362 acres and was 50% contained. 1.6 million dollars have been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 28 to 29, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire ignited at 230 PM near Wenatchee, WA Sunday Evening June 28, 2015. This urban interface fire expanded to 3000 acres and destroyed 28 structures (homes and business buildings).
• Wildfire in Washington, June 28 to 30, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire burned 2,950 acres and destroyed 29 residences, 1 outbuilding and 3 commercial businesses. Four minor injuries were reported on the fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventThis fire 26 miles south of Brewster Washington burned 2,424 acres and cost $175,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Oregon, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventLightning caused Corner Creek Fire is burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville. The Corner Creek Fire has burned 12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Prineville District, and private lands.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 29 to 30, 20151 eventThe Granite fire was caused by lightning on Monday June 29,2015 at approximately 8 PM PDT. The origin was in heavy timber 6 miles northeast of Nordman, Idaho. The fire burned 207 acres as of July 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, June 30, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 6 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 2,100 acres and cots $200,000 to suppress/contain.
• Heat in Nevada, July 1 to 4, 201513 deaths · 1 eventTemperatures finally fell below Excessive Heat Warning levels on July 1st; however, 13 people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes during the first four days of the month.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of July, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. July was a good month for precipitation as there were multiple monsoonal and tropical influxes of moisture into the area.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 20158 eventsThe long term drought continued through July. While quite a few mountain locations received greater than normal precipitation due to moisture from the monsoon and from ex-hurricane Dolores, this made little impact on the drought overall.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 20, 20151 eventLightning caused Corner Creek Fire is burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville. The Corner Creek Fire has burned 12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Prineville District, and private lands.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 10, 20151 eventLightning caused Sugarloaf Fire is now at 5,057 acres and 65% contained. Most of the active fire is on the northeast edge, where burnout operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested areas are requiring extensive mop up.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 6, 20151 eventThe Sleepy Hollow Fire burned 2,950 acres and destroyed 29 residences, 1 outbuilding and 3 commercial businesses. Four minor injuries were reported on the fire.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 1 to 19, 20151 eventThe Granite fire was caused by lightning on Monday June 29,2015 at approximately 8 PM PDT. The origin was in heavy timber 6 miles northeast of Nordman, Idaho. The fire burned 207 acres as of July 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 10, 20151 eventThe Bunker Hill Complex fire was initiated by lightning at around 1800 PST on 06/26/2015. As of 07/10/2015, which was the date of the last report, the fire was 388 acres and was 100% contained. 5.0 million dollars were spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 1 to 6, 20151 eventThe Buckskin fire was initiated by lightning at around 2315 PST on 06/10/2015. As of 07/06/2015, the last report on the fire, the fire was 5345 acres and was 60% contained. 8.2 million dollars had been spent in firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 2, 20151 eventThis fire 26 miles south of Brewster Washington burned 2,424 acres and cost $175,000 to contain/suppress.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 1 to 31, 20152 eventsLow precipitation continued to adversely affect parts of Kauai and Maui. The D2 category of severe drought persisted through July.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 1 to 9, 20151 eventThe fire began on afternoon of July 1,2015 with a point of origin 21 miles south of Republic, WA on highway 21. The fire burned 2,250 acres as of July 9,2015.
• Heat in Oregon, July 1 to 5, 20151 death · 2 injured · 3 eventsA strong upper ridge over the region resulted in hot weather for the Willamette Valley where temperatures peaked 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above the seasonal normal.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 2 to 3, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined cause originated 7 miles northwest of Othello, WA. It burned 840 acres and cost $150,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 2 to 23, 20151 eventThe Newby Lake Fire started by lightning on Thursday July 2,2015 at approximately 1 PM PDT with an origin near 12 miles NW of Loomis, WA. THis fire burned 5,065 acres as of July 23rd.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 3 to 10, 20151 eventThe Williams fire started Friday July 3,2015 at approximately 2:50 PM from a cause that is still under investigation. The origin was located approximately 2 miles north of Colville, WA and east of Williams Lake Road. It burned 332 acres.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 3 to 12, 20151 eventThe 231 fire cause is under investigation. It started Friday July 3,2015 at approximately 3 PM PDT seven miles south of Springdale, Washington. It burned 1,138 acres as of July 12,2015.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 4 to 10, 20151 eventA fire charred almost 200 acres of brush in North Kona in a leeward section of the Big Island of Hawaii. Some residents of Wainani Estates and Kona Acres, very close to the burn area, helped battle the blaze near their homes with garden hoses.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 13, 20152 eventsThis wildfire of undetermined origin started 2 miles north of Quincy, WA. It burned 1,796 acres and cost $100,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 5 to 10, 20151 eventThis fire 6 miles NE of Anatone, WA burned 9,859 acres and cost $750,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, July 5 to 17, 20151 eventThe cause of the Cape Horn fire is still under investigation. Media reports have speculated it may have been started by a signal flare that was fired by a boater in distress and the wind blew the flare into the timber.
• Heat in Nevada, July 7, 20151 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 10, 20151 death · 1 eventExcessive heat caused one fatality in the first part of July.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 10 to 15, 20151 eventLightning was the ignition that started the Douglas County Complex of fires. The time of origin was Friday July 10,2015 at approximately 6 PM. The origin location was 17 miles northeast of Waterville, WA and 10 miles southeast of Waterville, WA.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 12 to 14, 201550 injured · 23 eventsThe first excessive heat event of the summer produced max heat index values around 110 with high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 12 to 14, 201511 eventsExcessive heat hit the region with max Heat Index readings peaking around 110 with high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 12 to 13, 20156 eventsExcessive heat hit parts of West Central and South Central IL The high Heat Index was around 110 with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 12 to 13, 20156 eventsThe first heat event of the summer for Northeast MO produced heat index readings around 110 with high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s.
• Heat in Texas, July 13 to 30, 201521 eventsHeat index values reached or exceeded 105 degrees across all of Northeast Texas from the middle to the end of the month of July. Dewpoint temperatures remained high during the hot afternoons as a result of the excessive soil moisture from spring rainfall.
• Heat in Louisiana, July 13 to 30, 201517 eventsHeat index values reached or exceeded 105 degrees across all of Northwest Louisiana from the middle to the end of the month of July. Dewpoint temperatures remained high during the hot afternoons as a result of the excessive soil moisture from spring rainfall.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 13 to 30, 20159 eventsHeat index values reached or exceeded 105 degrees across all of Southwest Arkansas from the middle to the end of the month of July. Dewpoint temperatures remained high during the hot afternoons as a result of the excessive soil moisture from spring rainfall.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 13 to 30, 20151 eventHeat index values reached or exceeded 105 degrees across McCurtain county in Southeast Oklahoma from the middle to the end of the month of July. Dewpoint temperatures remained high during the hot afternoons as a result of the excessive soil moisture from spring rainfall.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 13 to 21, 201534 injured · 1 eventWith high pressure in place, heat indices ranged from 100 to 107 degrees between the 13th and the 21st. The Emergency Medical Services Authority reported 34 calls for heat related injuries over this period.
• Heat in Illinois, July 13, 20151 death · 1 eventA 78 year-old woman from Shumway in Effingham County died as a result of heat stroke on July 13th.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 13, 201522 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices around 105 degrees.
• Heat in Illinois, July 13, 201519 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices around 105 degrees.
• Heat in Missouri, July 13, 201511 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices around 105 degrees. Observed peak heat index readings at the bigger cities included 108 at Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and Doniphan.
• Heat in Indiana, July 13, 20156 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices around 105 degrees. The observed peak heat index reading at Evansville was 105.
• Heat in Texas, July 13, 20151 death · 1 eventA male construction worker died after a full day of outdoor activity during a day with high temperatures in the 90s.
• Heat in Nevada, July 14 to 15, 20153 deaths · 1 eventThree people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 14, 201517 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over northern Texas promoted strong subsidence across eastern Oklahoma on July 14th.
• Heat in Indiana, July 14, 20153 eventsFrom the city of Evansville east along the Ohio River, afternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices near 105 degrees. The peak heat index was 105 at Evansville.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 14, 20153 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over northern Texas promoted strong subsidence across west central Arkansas on July 14th.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 14, 201522 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices from 105 to 113 degrees.
• Heat in Missouri, July 14, 201511 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices from 105 to 110 degrees. Peak heat indices at selected cities included 105 at Cape Girardeau and 109 at Poplar Bluff and Doniphan.
• Heat in Illinois, July 14, 20157 eventsSouth of a line from Carbondale to Harrisburg, afternoon temperatures in the lower to mid 90's combined with oppressive humidity levels to create heat indices from 105 to around 110 degrees. Peak heat indices at selected cities included 106 at Cairo and 112 at Metropolis.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Alabama, July 14, 20155 eventsTemperatures warmed into the middle to upper 90s during the afternoon of the 14th.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 17 to 19, 201511 injured · 5 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 17 to 18, 20157 eventsThe heat index ranged form 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 17 to 19, 20156 eventsThe heat index ranged fro 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 17 to 19, 20156 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 17 to 18, 20154 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 17 to 18, 20153 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Wildfire in California, July 17, 2015$500,000 · 1 eventThe North fire began along Interstate 15 at the Cajon Summit in the early afternoon of the 17th. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the Baldy Mesa area between Phelan and Hesperia.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, July 17 to 18, 20151 eventA fire blackened about 200 acres of brush south of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, on Parker Ranch Land. The blaze did not threaten any structures or endangered plant life. Its cause was unknown. No serious property damage or injuries were reported.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 18 to 19, 201522 eventsA two-day period of oppressive heat and humidity occurred in advance of a cold front. The cold front moved southeast from the central Plains on the 18th to central Missouri and Illinois on the 19th.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 18 to 19, 20157 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Heat in Indiana, July 18, 20156 eventsOppressive heat and humidity occurred in advance of a cold front over the central Plains. Afternoon temperatures in the mid 90's, combined with oppressive humidity, produced heat index values from 105 to 110 degrees. The peak heat index at the Evansville airport was 106 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 18 to 19, 20156 eventsThe heat index ranged from 105 - 110 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s.
• Heat in Illinois, July 18 to 19, 201519 eventsA two-day period of oppressive heat and humidity occurred in advance of a cold front. The cold front moved southeast from the central Plains on the 18th to central Missouri and Illinois on the 19th.
• Excessive Heat in Texas, July 18 to 19, 20152 deaths · 2 eventsA 2 year old girl died from severe hyperthermia after being left in a car in northeast Dallas on July 18. The following day, a Haltom City man died from heat stroke after working at a construction site in Melissa, TX.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Pennsylvania, July 19 to 20, 20152 deaths · 11 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather affected most of Eastern Pennsylvania on the 19th and 20th except for the Poconos. High temperatures both days reached into the lower to mid 90s. The 19th was slightly hotter overall and had some of the highest heat indices of the summer.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in New Jersey, July 19 to 20, 201521 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather affected most of New Jersey on the 19th and 20th. High temperatures in most areas reached into the lower to mid 90s both days. The 19th was slightly hotter and more humid overall.
• Heat in Maryland, July 19, 20155 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather affected the Eastern Shore on the 19th and 20th. High temperatures both days reached into the lower to mid 90s.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Delaware, July 19 to 20, 20154 eventsUnseasonably hot and humid weather affected Delaware on the 19th and 20th. High temperatures both days reached into the lower to mid 90s. The 19th was hotter and more humid overall with afternoon heat index values of around 105F.
• Heat in Missouri, July 19, 201511 eventsOppressive heat and humidity occurred in advance of a cold front over central Missouri. Afternoon temperatures in the mid 90's, combined with oppressive humidity, produced heat index values from 105 to 110 degrees.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 23, 20151 eventThis wildfire cause remains under investigation. It originated 7 miles southwest of George, WA. It burned 900 acres and cost $200,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 31, 20151 eventThe Blue Creek Fire started on Monday, July 20 at approximately 1230 in the afternoon. It is burning 8 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington in grass, brush and timber. It is estimated to be 6,004 acres and is 95% contained. Acreage remains unchanged.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 20 to 31, 20151 eventThe time of origin of the North Boulder 2 fire is July 20,2015 at approximately 2 pm PDT. It has burned 280 acres as of July 31,2015. The ignition was caused by lightning.
• Wildfire in California, July 21 to 26, 20151 eventThe Tulare Lightning Complex began on July 21, 2015 and was contained on July 26, 2015. The fire was located 1 mile South of Springville and burned 446 acres. There were no structures lost and no fatalities. The cost of containment was $1.2 million.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 21 to 31, 20151 eventThe Reynolds Creek Fire began around 3:45 pm on Tuesday, July 21. It was in an area approximately six miles east of Logan Pass and four miles west of the Saint Mary Visitor Center.
• Wildfire in California, July 22 to 30, 20151 injured · $25,000 · 2 eventsBreezy southwest winds combined with dry fuels to intensify the development of wildfires, including the Kyburz and Wragg Fires.
• Heat in Texas, July 22, 20151 death · 1 eventA homeless man died as an indirect result of the summer heat.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 23 to 27, 20151 eventThis Fire started July 23rd between Addy and Gifford, Washington.
• Heat in Oklahoma, July 23 to 31, 201559 injured · 1 eventWith high pressure in place, heat indices ranged from 98 to 107 degrees between the 23rd and the 31st. The Emergency Medical Services Authority reported 59 calls for heat related injuries over this period. This heat event continued into August through the 5th.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 24 to 25, 201518 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over southwestern Oklahoma promoted strong subsidence across eastern Oklahoma on July 24th and 25th.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 24, 20151 death · 1 eventExcessive heat continued for portions of the area through the month. Another fatality was caused by excessive heat in Hot Springs.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 25 to 29, 201518 eventsAn upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during the late July time frame. The ridge brought above normal temperatures to the area.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 25 to 29, 20155 eventsA hot and humid air mass produced Heat Index values around 110 degrees with high temperatures in the middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 25, 20153 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over southwestern Oklahoma promoted strong subsidence across west central Arkansas on July 25th.
• Heat in Missouri, July 25, 201511 eventsAfternoon temperatures in the lower 90's combined with high humidity produced heat index values in the 105 to 110 degree range. The peak heat index was 106 at Cape Girardeau and 108 at Poplar Bluff.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 25, 20158 eventsA hot and very humid air mass produced Heat Index values around 105 with high temperatures in the lower 90s.
• Wildfire in California, July 25 to 31, 20152 eventsThe Willow Fire began on July 25, 2015 and continued to burn for the remainder of July and into August. It was human caused and was located 2 miles west of Wishon, CA. It burned 3383 acres as of July 31.
• Wildfire in California, July 25 to 31, 20156 injured · 1 eventA wildfire started in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Steep Hollow Creek in the You Bet area, west of Alta, CA on July 25th at approximately 2:37 pm. The fire was not fully contained until August 10th. The cause is still under investigation.
• Heat in Nevada, July 26 to 28, 20153 deaths · 1 eventThree people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 27 to 29, 201531 injured · 7 eventsA hot and humid air mass produced Heat Index values around 110 degrees with high temperatures in the middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 27 to 29, 201513 eventsA hot and humid air mass produced Heat Index values from 105 to 110 degrees with high temperatures in the middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 27 to 29, 201511 eventsA hot and humid air mass produced Heat Index values from 105 - 110 degrees with high temperatures in the middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 27 to 29, 20155 eventsA hot and humid air mass produced Heat Index values from 105 - 110 degrees with high temperatures in the middle 90s.
• Excessive Heat in Kentucky, July 27 to 29, 201522 eventsAfternoon heat indices peaked from around 105 to 115 degrees on three consecutive days. On the 27th, heat indices topped out around 105. The peak heat index on the following two days was around 110.
• Excessive Heat in Illinois, July 27 to 29, 201519 eventsHeat indices peaked around 110 degrees on three consecutive afternoons across much of southern Illinois. Places north of a line from Carbondale to Harrisburg peaked around 110 on only two afternoons, which were the 28th and 29th.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 27 to 29, 201511 eventsHeat indices topped 110 degrees for three consecutive afternoons. The peak heat index during the three-day period was 112 degrees at Cape Girardeau and 111 at Poplar Bluff. A 500 mb high over the southern Plains built slowly east and northeast into the Mid-Mississippi Valley.
• Wildfire in California, July 27 to 31, 2015$500,000 · 2 eventsDry northwest winds enhanced wildfires, including the Rocky Fire in Lake County and a property damaging grass fire in Elverta, in northern Sacramento County.
• Excessive Heat in Tennessee, July 28 to 29, 20152 deaths · 10 eventsAn upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during the late July time frame. The ridge brought above normal temperatures to the area.
• Excessive Heat in Indiana, July 28 to 29, 20156 injured · 6 eventsHeat indices peaked around 110 degrees on two consecutive afternoons. The maximum observed heat index at the Evansville airport was 110 degrees on the 29th.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Oregon, July 28 to 30, 20153 eventsA strong upper level ridge resulted in excessively warm temperatures the last week in July where the high temperatures were 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the seasonal normal.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 28 to 31, 20151 eventThe Cable Crossing Wildfire was started by unknown causes at around 1430 PST on 07/28/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 1110 acres and was 15 percent contained. 1.0 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Texas, July 30, 20151 eventVery dry conditions and hot temperatures for the last three weeks of July followed a very wet spring. The abundant fuels quickly dried and began to fuel wildfires. A wildfire burned about 550 acres near Mason.
• Wildfire in Oregon, July 30 to 31, 20151 eventThe Stouts Wildfire was started by someone mowing dry grass at around 1200 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 6489 acres and was 0 percent contained. 605,000 dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, July 30 to 31, 20151 death · 1 eventThe Frog Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1645 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/01/2015, the fire covered 1000 acres and was 10 percent contained. 400,000 dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 31, 2015$800,000 · 1 eventThe Deckerville Fire in rural western Mason County destroyed 8 homes, according to media reports. The weather was particularly hot and dry, with temperatures in the 90s and RH values below 20 percent.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 18, 20151 eventMonsoon moisture over the Gila was able to bring the western areas out of Severe(D2) drought and into Moderate(D1) conditions.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of August, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. Neither, Fresno or Bakersfield received any precipitation during the month of August. The U.S.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 20158 eventsThe long term drought continued through August with little change. Without a snow pack for late spring/early summer, reservoirs across the area by the end of the month were continuing to drop well below normal levels.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20152 eventsThe Rough Fire was started by lightning on July 31, 2015 in the Kings River Drainage, 5 miles north of Hume Lake and 2.5 miles southwest of Spanish Mountain. The fire burned actively through August and continued into September. As of September 2, it had burned 79,963 acres.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 25, 20152 eventsContinued drought, with periods of heat, and low humidity continued to enhance wildfire danger through much of August, especially in the Coastal Range.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 11, 20152 eventsThe Willow Fire began on July 25, 2015 and was contained on August 11, 2015. It was human caused and was located 2 miles west of Wishon, CA, in the Sierra National Forest. It burned 5702 acres. There were no structures lost and no fatalities.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 20, 20151 eventThe Cable Crossing Wildfire was started by unknown causes at around 1430 PST on 07/28/2015. As of the last report at 0330 PST on 08/20/2015, the fire covered 1857 acres and was 90 percent contained. 9.5 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 7, 20151 eventThe Frog Wildfire was started by lightning at around 1645 PST on 07/30/2015. As of 0330 PST on 08/07/2015, the fire covered 4782 acres and was 100 percent contained. 3.9 million dollars had been spent on firefighting efforts.
• Wildfire in California, August 1 to 31, 20151 eventThe Cabin fire was started by lightning on July 19, 2015 and continued to burn through then entire month of August. The fire was 96% contained as of September 1, and was burning into the footprint of the 2011 Lion Fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 4, 20151 eventThe Blue Creek Fire started on Monday, July 20 at approximately 1230 in the afternoon. It is burning 8 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington in grass, brush and timber. It is estimated to be 6,004 acres and is 95% contained. Acreage remains unchanged.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 31, 20151 eventThis lightning caused complex of wildfires burned 65,587 acres and cost over $34 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 1 mile northeast of Sprague, WA. It burned 1,500 acres and cost $150,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 15 miles north of Reardan, WA. It burned 432 acres and cost $420,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 4, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined origin started 11 miles south of Clarkston, WA. It burned 399 acres and cost $50,000 to contain/suppress.
• Drought in Hawaii, August 1 to 31, 20153 eventsPortions of Kauai and Maui remained in the severe drought category, or D2, through August, though enough rain fell to push these areas into D1 after the first week in September.
• Heat in Oklahoma, August 1 to 5, 201513 injured · 1 eventWith high pressure in place, heat indices ranged from 92 to 106 degrees between the 1st and the 5th. The Emergency Medical Services Authority reported 13 calls for heat related injuries over this period. This heat event is a continuation from July.
• Heat in Arizona, August 1, 20152 deaths · 1 eventA couple died of heat-related causes in their van after it became stuck on a dirt road in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The time of death is unknown.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 1 to 6, 20151 injured · 1 eventTwo fires in central Oahu near Wahiawa scorched about 500 acres of brush. The blazes forced the evacuation of some buildings on a Navy installation and around 100 homes for a time. Schools in the area were closed for a couple of days because of smoke.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, August 2 to 14, 20151 eventThe fire started along the Tongue River Canyon Trail, one mile up the canyon from the trailhead, located on the Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Management area around 4 pm MDT on August 2nd. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation but is believed to be human caused.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 2 to 17, 20151 eventThe DL Potter Mountain Complex wildfire consisted of eight fires initiated by dry lightning at around 1630 PST on 08/02/2015. As of the last report on 08/17/2015, the fire covered 357 acres and was 100% contained. 1.9 million dollars were spent on firefighting efforts.
• Heat in Kansas, August 3, 20151 death · 1 eventWhile conditions were not particularly hot, they were slightly above average for the mid to late summer. A 15 year old boy was out riding his bike near Osawatomie when he complained to his friend of being too hot, so he turned around to go home.
• Heat in Texas, August 5 to 12, 201521 eventsOppressive heat from July continued into the early portion of August across Northeast Texas. Triple digit temperatures with Heat Index values at or near 105 degrees were common.
• Heat in Louisiana, August 5 to 12, 201517 eventsOppressive heat from July continued into the early portion of August across Northwest Louisiana. Triple digit temperatures with Heat Index values at or near 105 degrees were common.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 5 to 12, 20159 eventsOppressive heat from July continued into the early portion of August across Southwest Arkansas. Triple digit temperatures with Heat Index values at or near 105 degrees were common.
• Heat in Nevada, August 5 to 6, 20153 deaths · 1 eventThree people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Texas, August 6, 20151 death · 1 eventA four month old boy died after being left in a car on a hot day in Austin. The temperature at the time was 97 degrees and the heat index was 104.
• Heat in Texas, August 6, 20151 injured · 1 eventA high school football player in Hunt County suffered a heat stroke during afternoon practice in triple digit heat.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 7 to 9, 201522 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over the south central United States promoted strong subsidence across eastern Oklahoma for several days in early August.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, August 7 to 8, 20153 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere centered over the south central United States promoted strong subsidence across western Arkansas for several days in early August.
• Heat in Arizona, August 8, 20151 injured · 1 eventOne person was treated for heat exhaustion.
• Wildfire in Arizona, August 8 to 17, 2015$400,000 · 1 eventThe Az-Cra-Willow wildfire burned 6,780 acres in the Mohave Valley/Willow Valley area. Eleven structures and seven RVs were damaged or destroyed.
• Wildfire in Hawaii, August 8 to 10, 20151 eventA fire blackened nearly 5000 acres of brush near Kawaihae in the leeward section of the Big island of Hawaii. The blaze threatened two neighborhoods, and several homes were evacuated for a day.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, August 9, 20154 eventsAn upper ridge of high pressure moved over the Mid-South during the early August time frame. The ridge brought above normal temperatures to the area.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 10 to 16, 2015$500,000 · 1 eventThe Brown Ranch Fire burned 17831 acres in Edwards County. The fire started on August 10 and was 100% contained on August 16. Three homes were destroyed by the fire and at least another 40 were evacuated.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires near Kamiah, Idaho burned over 70,000 acres. Fires included in the Clearwater-Municipal Complex include:|Lawyer 2 at 41,195 acres, Municipal at 1,770 acres, Fisher at 18,889 acres, Lolo 2 at 6,200 acres, and Old Greer at 73 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20151 eventThe Grizzly Complex consists of several lightning-caused fires that were started during lightning storms on August 10 and August 22, 2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 10 to 11, 20151 eventThis fire of undetermined cause started 11 miles south of Creston, WA. It burned 542 acres and cost $40,000 to contain/suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 10 to 31, 20151 death · 1 injured · $8.5 million · 1 eventThe Clearwater-Municipal consists of a group of fires in Clearwater, Idaho and Lewis Counties in northern Idaho. The fires, started by lightning, have been burning since approximately 1:15 pm on August 10th.
• Drought in Texas, August 11 to 31, 201512 eventsDespite a very wet spring...flash drought conditions developed across portions of Northeast Texas by the middle of August and continued through the end of the month. These counties were classified at being under D2 - Severe Drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, August 11 to 31, 2015$5,000 · 2 eventsDrought conditions returned to the southwest counties of the region after a few months of below normal rainfall.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 11 to 13, 20151 eventThe La Bandera Fire burned 866 acres in Dimmit County. The fire started on August 11 and was 100% contained on August 13. Three homes were threatened by the fire and were all saved.
• Heat in Nevada, August 11, 20151 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 11 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 76,512 acres and cost over $37 million to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 11 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires was composed of four separate fires...the Marble Creek, Breezy Crater, and the Pretty fires. This complex of fires burned 4,695 acres.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Idaho, August 11, 201552 kt wind · 3 eventsSevere thunderstorms continued across parts of Southwest Idaho on the 11th.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 12 to 20, 20155 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 12 through the 16th. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through mid August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 13 to 31, 20152 eventsThis human cause wildfire burned 218,138 acres and cost over $44 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, August 13 to 31, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 14 to 20, 20151 eventThe West Fire burned 3000 acres in Val Verde County. The fire started on August 14 and was 100% contained on August 20. One structure was threatened by the fire and was saved.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20154 eventsThis complex of wildfires ignition cause remains undetermined. The complex of wildfires originated Friday August 14,2015 and burned over 88,985 acres and cost over $21 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20153 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires which started Friday August 14th and have burned 133,707 acres as of September 20th. This complex included the Twisp river fire which resulted in 3 firefighter fatalities on August 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20151 eventThis human caused wildfire burned 63,972 acres and cost over $22 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 14 to 31, 20151 eventThe Colville complex of wildfires consisted of three fires. Those three fires were the Marble Valley, Graves Mountain, and the Gold Hill Fire. Those fires burned 11,522 acres and cost well over one million dollars to contain/suppress.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, August 14 to 16, 201548 injured · 4 eventsStrong high pressure of 5980 meters at 500 mb persisted over the Four Corners area and brought record high temperatures to the lower deserts of southeast Arizona including Tucson.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, August 16 to 17, 20152 deaths · 1 eventLas Vegas reached Excessive Heat criteria two days in a row. Two people died a few days later of heat-related causes.
• Drought in Texas, August 18 to 31, 20156 eventsDespite a very wet spring...flash drought conditions developed across portions of Northeast Texas during the middle of August with some counties continuing through the end of the month. These counties were classified at being under D2 - Severe Drought conditions.
• Drought in Texas, August 18 to 31, 20153 eventsDrought conditions returned to the southeast counties of the region after a few months of below normal rainfall.
• Drought in Arkansas, August 18 to 24, 20152 eventsDespite a very wet spring...flash drought conditions developed across portions of Southwest Arkansas during the middle of August. These counties were classified at being under D2 - Severe Drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 18 to 31, 20151 eventThis complex of lightning caused wildfires burned 26,068 acres and cots over $25 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 19 to 25, 20153 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 19 through the 22nd. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through late August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Washington, August 21, 201552 kt wind · 3 eventsA strong cold front passage on Friday August 21st brought windy conditions and resulted in substantial blowing dust.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 23 to 27, 20151 eventThe MK Fire burned 1300 acres in Kerr County. The fire started on August 23 and was 100% contained on August 27. Eight homes were threatened by the fire and were all saved.
• Heat in Texas, August 23, 20151 death · 1 eventA 5-year-old boy died inside a hot car during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Nevada, August 24, 20151 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Drought in Texas, August 25 to 31, 201510 eventsDrought conditions returned across parts of the region after a few months of below normal rainfall.
• Drought in Louisiana, August 25 to 31, 20159 eventsDespite a very wet spring...flash drought conditions developed across portions of Northwest Louisiana during late August and continued through the end of the month. |These parishes were classified at being under D2 - Severe Drought conditions.
• Wildfire in Texas, August 26 to 31, 20155 eventsSeveral large wildfires broke out from August 24 through the 28th. As the rains ended in early July, hardly any rain fell through late August. Plenty of the vegetation that blossomed from the wet spring, quickly dried, and fueled the wildfires.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Alaska, August 27 to 31, 201565 kt wind · 3 eventsLow pressure caused unseasonably strong gap winds throughout Southcentral Alaska. Due to the unseasonable nature, core partners agreed that there was a concern for impacts with leaves still on the trees.
• Heat in Nevada, August 27, 20151 death · 1 eventA boy died in Las Vegas after being left in a vehicle.
• Wildfire in Montana, August 28 to 29, 2015$10,000 · 1 eventAn approaching cold front brought hot, dry and breezy conditions to the fire on August 28th and 29th. The cold front eventually moved through during the afternoon of August 29th and brought gusty winds to the wildfire.
• Drought in Texas, August 31, 20153 eventsAfter two months with less than 50 percent of normal rainfall, Bastrop, Blanco, and Caldwell Counties entered Severe Drought category (Stage D2). All three counties had burn bans in effect at the end of the month.
• Drought in Mississippi, September 1 to 30, 2015$5.6 million · 14 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Central Mississippi during the summer months with severe to extreme drought conditions developing over the area by September.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 2015$19,000 · 26 eventsBelow-normal rainfall in September led to worsening drought conditions across the region. Though area reservoirs remained in good condition, drying soil and vegetation began to take its toll, particularly across the eastern half of north Texas.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 201519 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Northeast Texas, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 201514 eventsAfter a long period of little rain, flash drought (D0-D2) began to creep back into southeast Oklahoma. This event continues into October.
• Drought in Texas, September 1 to 30, 201511 eventsMost of South Central Texas had less than normal precipitation in September with many counties getting less than 25% of normal.
• Drought in Louisiana, September 1 to 30, 201510 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Northwest Louisiana, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015.
• Drought in Arkansas, September 1 to 30, 20155 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Southwest Arkansas, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015. As a result, D2 Severe Drought conditions began to materialize in September, 2015 across portions of Little River, Miller, Lafayette, Columbia and Union Counties.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 1 to 30, 20152 eventsVery hot and dry conditions prevailed across much of southeastern Oklahoma during the months of July, August, and September 2015.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of September, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. Fresno received 0.12 inch of rainfall while Bakersfield only received a trace of precipitation during the month of September. The U.S.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 20157 eventsThe long term drought continued through September with little change. Reservoirs across the area were continuing to drop well below normal levels. All major reservoirs across the state were less that 40% of capacity.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 19, 20154 eventsThis complex of wildfires ignition cause remains undetermined. The complex of wildfires originated Friday August 14,2015 and burned over 88,985 acres and cost over $21 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20153 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires which started Friday August 14th and have burned 133,707 acres as of September 20th. This complex included the Twisp river fire which resulted in 3 firefighter fatalities on August 19,2015.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 20, 20152 eventsThis human cause wildfire burned 218,138 acres and cost over $44 million dollars to suppress.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 7, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires near Kamiah, Idaho burned over 70,000 acres. Fires included in the Clearwater-Municipal Complex include: |Lawyer 2 at 41,195 acres, Municipal at 1,770 acres, Fisher at 18,889 acres, Lolo 2 at 6,200 acres, and Old Greer at 73 acres.
• Wildfire in California, September 1 to 30, 20152 eventsThe Rough Fire was started by lightning on July 31, 2015 in the Kings River Drainage, 5 miles north of Hume Lake and 2.5 miles southwest of Spanish Mountain. The fire burned actively through August and September. As of September 30, it had burned 151,623 acres.
• Drought in Hawaii, September 1 to 7, 20153 eventsSevere drought, D2 category in the Drought Monitor, held on through the first week of September in parts of Kauai and Maui.
• Heat in Pennsylvania, September 2 to 3, 20151 death · 1 eventA run of six consecutive days with high temperatures of 90 degrees or higher in Philadelphia caused the death of a 68-year-old man within the city on the 2nd. The high temperature that day was 93 degrees.
• Heat in Nevada, September 3 to 8, 20152 deaths · 1 eventTwo people died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Heat in Arkansas, September 5, 2015325 injured · 1 eventHot weather, with temperatures near 90 and heat index values in the lower to middle 90s, contributed to over 325 heat-related incidents at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football game. Ten of these heat victims were transported to the local hospital.
• Excessive Heat in Georgia, September 5, 20151 death · 1 eventA broad, persistent upper-level ridge of high pressure resulted in warm afternoon temperatures across northwest Georgia. An infant left inside of a vehicle for several hours died of hyperthermia in Walker County.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 6 to 8, 2015$5,000 · 2 eventsDry vegetation resulting from summer drought across north and central Texas led to a few grass fires across the region.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, September 7 to 9, 20152 eventsA wildfire consumed 1,012 acres of woodland along the Burlington and Ocean County borders from September 7th through the 9th. The wildfire coincided with the last run of 90 degree weather in the state for the year.
• Drought in Louisiana, September 8 to 30, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventVery dry conditions occurred over Northeast Louisiana during the summer months with severe drought conditions developing over the area by September.
• Drought in Louisiana, September 8 to 30, 20157 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Northwest Louisiana, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015.
• Heat in Texas, September 8, 20151 death · 1 eventA four month old boy died after being left in a car during the early afternoon hours of September 8th. The temperature was around 90 degrees with heat index value around 100 degrees.
• Wildfire in California, September 9 to 30, 20156 deaths · 5 injured · 2 eventsExtreme fire behavior with winds and very dry fuels combining to enhance rapidly moving fires which destroyed hundreds of homes and caused multiple deaths in the Valley and Butte Fires.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, September 12, 20152 deaths · 1 eventAbove normal temperatures continued through early September, culminating in Las Vegas reaching Excessive Heat Warning criteria on the 12th. Two people died a few days later from heat-related causes.
• Drought in Mississippi, September 15 to 30, 2015$3.2 million · 8 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Central Mississippi during the summer months with severe drought conditions developing over the area by September.
• Drought in Louisiana, September 15 to 30, 2015$800,000 · 4 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Northeast Louisiana during the summer months with severe drought conditions developing over the area by September.
• Drought in Arkansas, September 15 to 30, 2015$400,000 · 2 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over southeast Arkansas during the summer months with drought conditions developing over the area by late summer.
• Drought in Texas, September 15 to 30, 20157 eventsAfter a long period of little rain, flash drought (D0-D2) began to creep back into western north Texas. This event continues into October.
• Drought in Texas, September 15 to 30, 20152 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Northeast Texas, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015. As a result, D2 Severe Drought conditions began to materialize on September 15th, 2015 across portions of Gregg and Smith Counties.
• Drought in Louisiana, September 22 to 30, 2015$200,000 · 1 eventVery dry conditions occurred over Northeast Louisiana during the summer months with severe drought conditions developing over the area by September.
• Drought in Arkansas, September 22 to 30, 20154 eventsDespite a very wet spring across Southwest Arkansas, appreciable rainfall ended in early July, 2015. As a result, D2 Severe Drought conditions began to materialize in September, 2015 across portions of Sevier, Howard, Hempstead and Nevada Counties.
• Drought in New Jersey, September 23 to 30, 20159 eventsAfter a wet start to the meteorological summer in June, the weather became progressively drier as the summer progressed into September, especially in the northeast part of the state. The United States Drought Monitor reached moderate levels in that part of the state.
• Heat in California, September 23, 20151 injured · 1 eventOne person suffered from heat exhaustion in Death Valley National Park.
• Heat in Nevada, September 25 to 26, 20152 injured · 2 eventsTwo people suffered from heat exhaustion in the Las Vegas area.
• Wildfire in Texas, September 26 to 30, 20152 eventsA very dry and hot summer with very little precipitation and abundant fuels from the spring continued to result in ideal conditions for wildfires across portions of West Central Texas. Two large wildfires developed in Sutton and Coleman Counties.
• Heat in Nevada, September 30, 20151 death · 1 eventOne man died in Las Vegas of heat-related causes.
• Drought in New Jersey, October 1 to 31, 201510 eventsWhile precipitation amounts returned to closer to normal during the month of October, the United States Drought Monitor continued moderate drought levels in the northeast part of New Jersey.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 2015$74,000 · 34 eventsDrought conditions continued across much of North and Central Texas.
• Drought in Mississippi, October 1 to 27, 2015$26,000 · 22 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Central Mississippi during the summer months with severe to extreme drought conditions developing over the area by September and continuing into October.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 31, 201521 eventsDrought conditions continued to worsen across Northeast Texas during the first half of October with D2 Severe Drought conditions noted across virtually all of Northeast Texas.
• Drought in Louisiana, October 1 to 27, 2015$15,000 · 9 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Northeast Louisiana during the summer months with drought conditions developing over the area by late summer and continuing into October.
• Drought in Louisiana, October 1 to 31, 201517 eventsDrought conditions continued to deteriorate across Northwest Louisiana during the first half of October with much of Northern Louisiana being classified as either D2 Severe Drought status or D3 Extreme Drought status.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 28, 201516 eventsSevere drought expanded across southern Oklahoma during the first half of the month. Toward the end of the month, several heavy rain events came through bringing drought levels back down to moderate. This event is a continuation from September.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 27, 201511 eventsSouth Central Texas had several very heavy rain events and much of the region received five to 20 inches of rain during the month. This was two to four times normal rainfall in many places.
• Drought in Arkansas, October 1 to 31, 20159 eventsDrought conditions continued to worsen across Southwest Arkansas during the first half of October With D2 Severe Drought conditions noted across Sevier, Howard, Hempstead and Nevada Counties.
• Drought in Texas, October 1 to 28, 20158 eventsSevere drought expanded and intensified across western north Texas, reaching extreme drought by mid month. Toward the end of the month, several heavy rain events came through bringing drought levels back down to moderate. This event is a continuation from September.
• Drought in Arkansas, October 1 to 27, 2015$2,000 · 2 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over southeast Arkansas during the summer months with drought conditions developing over the area by late summer and continuing into October.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 20, 20152 eventsRainfall during the first couple weeks of October 2015 was light and scattered, resulting in amounts generally less than half an inch across the region through mid-month.
• Drought in California, October 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of September, 2015. Temperatures continued to average above normal. Fresno received 0.49 inch of rainfall while Bakersfield only received 0.14 of precipitation during the month of October. The U.S.
• Drought in California, October 1 to 31, 20158 eventsThe long term drought continued through October with little change. Reservoirs across the area were continuing to drop well below normal levels. All major reservoirs across the state were less that 40% of capacity.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 5, 20152 eventsThis complex of lightning caused wildfires originated on Thursday August 13,2015. It has burned 15,744 acres.
• Drought in Mississippi, October 1 to 31, 20152 eventsAbnormally dry conditions during the latter part of the summer into the early part of fall led to moderate(D2) drought conditions over portions of Northwest Mississippi during the early to middle part of October.
• Drought in Mississippi, October 6 to 27, 2015$11,000 · 11 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Central Mississippi during the summer months with severe to extreme drought conditions developing over the area by September and continuing into October.
• Wildfire and High Wind in North Dakota, October 11 to 12, 2015$750,000 · 65 kt wind · 37 eventsDeep low pressure moved across southern Canada sweeping a strong cold front through the region. Strong west to northwest winds developed in the afternoon of October 11 along and behind the front.
• Wildfire in Wyoming, October 11 to 16, 20152 injured · $5.0 million · 1 eventThe Cole Creek Wildfire spread rapidly in windy, dry, and warm conditions on Sunday, October 11. The fire carried quickly through grassy fuels and caused the evacuation of several neighborhoods in the vicinity of Coal Creek Road northeast of Casper.
• Wildfire in Louisiana, October 12 to 15, 2015$175,000 · 2 eventsWith D4 Exceptional Drought conditions ongoing across Bienville Parish during the middle of October, the wildfire danger was very high. An isolated thunderstorm moved across the area on the evening of Monday, October 12th between 9 and 10 pm.
• Drought in Texas, October 13 to 25, 2015$9,000 · 9 eventsDrought conditions returned to western portions of the region after several months of below normal rainfall.
• Drought in Mississippi, October 13 to 27, 2015$7,000 · 7 eventsVery dry conditions occurred over Central Mississippi during the summer months with severe to extreme drought conditions developing over the area by September and continuing into October.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 14 to 19, 20153 eventsA long period of dry hot weather and abundant fuels created the conditions for three large wildfires.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 14 to 23, 2015$50,000 · 3 eventsDry weather in the middle part of the month of October allowed for conditions to be ripe for wildfires to begin. Several fires occurred in the western half of north Texas.
• Drought in Arkansas, October 15 to 31, 20152 eventsAbnormally dry conditions during the latter part of the summer into the early part of fall led to moderate(D2) drought conditions over portions of Eastern Arkansas during the middle part of October.
• Drought in Mississippi, October 15 to 29, 20152 eventsAbnormally dry conditions during the latter part of the summer into the early part of fall led to moderate(D2) drought conditions over portions of Northwest Mississippi during the early to middle part of October.
• Wildfire in Louisiana, October 15 to 16, 2015$400,000 · 1 eventWith D4 Exceptional Drought conditions ongoing across Red River Parish during the middle of October, the wildfire danger was very high. A wildfire began in the Martin Community during the afternoon of October 15th and quickly spread to near 500 acres.
• Drought in Texas, October 20 to 25, 2015$3,000 · 3 eventsDrought conditions returned to western portions of the region after several months of below normal rainfall.
• Drought in New Jersey, November 1 to 30, 201510 eventsAfter a return to closer to normal precipitation in October, the month of November proved to be drier than normal across much of New Jersey, and the United States Drought Monitor continued abnormally dry to moderate drought levels in northern to northeast New Jersey.
• Drought in Arkansas, November 1 to 12, 20152 eventsAbnormally dry conditions during the latter part of the summer into the early part of fall led to moderate(D2) drought conditions over portions of Eastern Arkansas during the early part of November.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of November, 2015. Fresno received 1.74 inch of rainfall while Bakersfield only received 0.61 of precipitation during the month of November.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 20155 eventsThe long term drought continued through November. Widespread precipitation returned to the area with several events, but reservoirs across the area continued to drop well below normal levels. All major reservoirs across the state were 30% or less of capacity.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, November 11, 2015$550,000 · 4 eventsStrong westerly wind gusting up to 55 mph behind a pacific cold front, combined with unseasonably warm conditions and low relative humidity, promoted the rapid spread of wildfire across northeastern Oklahoma during the afternoon and evening hours of November 11th.
• Drought in New Jersey, December 1 to 31, 201510 eventsAfter a drier than normal November and a dry first half of December across much of New Jersey, the United States Drought Monitor continued abnormally dry to moderate drought levels in northern to northeast New Jersey.
• Drought in California, December 1 to 31, 201511 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of December, 2015. Fresno received 2.97 inch of rainfall while Bakersfield only received 0.58 of precipitation during the month of December.
• Drought in California, December 1 to 27, 20155 eventsThe long term drought continued through December, though there was near normal precipitation in the mountains and above normal snow pack by the end of the month. Reservoirs across the area began to slowly fill but continued to be well below normal levels.
• Wildfire in Texas, December 20 to 21, 20151 injured · 1 eventThe Sunday Evening wildfire began around 1912CST about four miles southeast of Pringle Texas in the central Texas Panhandle or just east of County Road 12 and State Highway 207 and was moving in a northeasterly direction.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 201611 eventsThe California drought continues in full force during the month of January, 2016. Fresno received 4.42 inch of rainfall while Bakersfield only received 1.95 of precipitation during the month.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 20166 eventsThe long term drought continued through January, though precipitation amounts for the month were much better than in recent years, about 150-200% of normal. This built an above normal snow pack for the northern Sierra and southern Cascades by the end of the month.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2015Tornadoes in 2015

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.