Western Drought and Heat Wave

Losses, 2024 dollars

$10 billion

Losses at the time

$8.4 billion

Deaths

229

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 Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 202120 eventsDuring January, 20 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were completely-or-partially included in either Severe (D2) or Extreme (D3) Drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202119 eventsMost of South Central Texas received enough rain to bring drought relief in January.
• Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 202114 eventsDrought conditions remained unchanged across western and north central Nebraska in January. Precipitation for the month was below normal, generally west of a line from Valentine to North Platte.
• Drought in Iowa, January 1 to 31, 202113 eventsSevere drought conditions persisted in portions of western Iowa during January. Little change was noted due to locked hydrologic conditions with frozen ground, despite favorable precipitation.
• Drought in South Dakota, January 1 to 31, 202113 eventsFrozen ground provided little means for drought conditions to change, despite 100-175 percent of normal precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202112 eventsDrought conditions made another slight improvement through the month of January with several significant precipitation events. Drought levels made improvements over all of the South Plains, Rolling Plains, and extreme southern Texas Panhandle.
• Drought in Iowa, January 1 to 31, 202111 eventsFrozen ground provided little means for drought conditions to change, despite 100-150 percent of normal precipitation.
• Drought in Kansas, January 1 to 31, 20219 eventsEven though near normal precipitation was reported across Northwest Kansas in January, the D3 Extreme Drought status remained unchanged. Precipitation amounts ranged from 0.10 to 1, with the higher precipitation amounts occurring over Cheyenne and Sherman counties.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 20219 eventsThe active pattern continued to bring cold fronts through the region in early January, and rainfall continued to be confined to the coastal areas and offshore, leaving much of Deep South Texas in a continued dry pattern.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico remained largely unchanged during the month of January 2021. An active storm track during the second half of the month saw several storm systems bring beneficial rain and snow to much of western and northern New Mexico.
• Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 202121 eventsTemperatures were above normal and precipitation was below normal across much of Colorado during the month of January.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 202117 eventsMost of southern New Mexico had another month of below normal precipitation in January. All areas except along the border in Luna County, where Exceptional(D4) drought expanded, remained the same as December.
• Drought in Arizona, January 1 to 31, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during January, with the exception of western Pima County.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Nebraska, January 14 to 15, 202161 kt wind · 26 eventsIntense low pressure system brings prolonged period of strong to severe wind gusts to south central Nebraska from the early morning hours on the 14th, though the afternoon on the 15th.
• Wildfire and Heavy Snow in California, January 14 to 20, 202177 kt wind · 9 eventsA strong Santa Ana wind event was enhanced by a cut-off upper level low off the coast of Baja California on 19-20 January 2021. The placement of the upper level low allowed for moisture to surge into the deserts and mountains, leading to unique precipitation forecast challenges.
• Wildfire in Texas, January 15, 2021$100,000 · 1 eventDespite recent snowfall over the past week, fuels became receptive enough, as minimum afternoon relative humidity values dropped to near 10 percent and downsloping northwest winds increased to around 30 to 40 mph with gusts near 50 mph, to allow for a wildfire to start in the…
• Wildfire and High Wind in California, January 18 to 22, 2021$1,000 · 84 kt wind · 65 eventsA rare winter time offshore wind event affected the Greater Bay Area in mid to late January. It was unusual given the long duration and wide areal coverage as well as the time of year.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 202117 eventsDrought conditions during the month of February slightly worsened despite some modest moisture coming to the region during the middle of the month.
• Drought in Nebraska, February 1 to 28, 202115 eventsFor at least a part of February, 15 of the 24 South Central Nebraska counties were completely-or-partially included in either Severe (D2) or Extreme (D3) Drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Drought in Nebraska, February 1 to 28, 202114 eventsDrought conditions remained unchanged across far southwestern Nebraska in February. Drought conditions improved a category over the eastern Nebraska Panhandle and portions of central Nebraska during the first couple of weeks in February.
• Drought in Kansas, February 1 to 28, 202112 eventsThe February drought status remained unchanged from January. Observed precipitation ranged from 0.10-1, which was near normal for almost all of Northwest Kansas. Normal precipitation amounts range from 0.25-1.
• Drought in Iowa, February 1 to 28, 202111 eventsPrecipitation varied from 50 to 75 percent of normal in far northwest Iowa, to slightly above normal precipitation east of a line from Sioux City to Spencer.
• Drought in South Dakota, February 1 to 28, 202111 eventsPrecipitation generally varied from 50 to 75 percent of normal across southeast South Dakota.
• Drought in Texas, February 1 to 28, 20219 eventsAn ongoing lack of substantial rainfall combined with dry air and frequently low humidity across inland areas of Deep South Texas mainly west of US 77/IH-69E allowed for severe to extreme drought to continue across much of the area.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 28, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico remained largely unchanged during the month of February 2021. A very active storm track throughout the month saw several storm systems impact much of the state.
• Drought in Colorado, February 1 to 28, 202121 eventsNear to slightly below normal temperatures prevailed across much of Colorado during the month of February. Additionally, wetter than normal conditions occurred across many areas, though pockets of below normal precipitation prevailed in some spots.
• Drought in New Mexico, February 1 to 28, 202117 eventsBesides in the highest elevations of the Sacramento Mountains, below normal precipitation was experienced across the region in February. All areas of the region remained in the same drought category as what they finished January in.
• Drought in Arizona, February 1 to 28, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during February, with the exception of western Pima County.
• Drought in Montana, February 1 to 28, 20219 eventsThe seasonal weather pattern continued to steer most precipitation away from the northeast corner and the eastern edge of Montana through the month. Locations with severe drought conditions remained unchanged throughout the month.
• Wildfire in California, February 18, 2021$30,000 · 1 eventAmong a series of 4 Santa Ana wind events in mid February 2021 passing weather system caused offshore flow. Wind conditions were observed in part of the Inland Empire and surrounding foothills.
• Drought in Texas, February 20 to 28, 202110 eventsPrecipitation was well below normal across south Texas during the month of February. Severe drought expanded across the eastern Brush Country to inland portions of the Coastal Bend by the end of the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, February 23 to 28, 20219 eventsSevere drought conditions developed in late February across much of north central and parts of central South Dakota.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202115 eventsDrought conditions worsened over South Texas during the month due to below normal rainfall. Exceptional drought developed over Webb County. Extreme drought conditions spread into the coastal plains during the month.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202114 eventsSome areas saw improvement in drought conditions through the month of March while other areas continued to see exceptional drought (D4) conditions.
• Drought in Kansas, March 1 to 31, 202112 eventsThe drought status for Northwest Kansas had drastic improvement due to much needed widespread rainfall. By the end of the month most of Northwest Kansas improved to D0 Abnormally Dry or D1 Moderate Drought.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 31, 202111 eventsPrecipitation was below normal across of all of South Central Texas during March. The lack of rain moved Dimmit County to Extreme (D3) Drought Category from Severe (D2) Drought and Bexar, Comal, Kendall, and Lavaca Counties to Severe (D2) from lower categories.
• Drought in South Dakota, March 1 to 31, 202111 eventsSevere drought conditions, which began in late February, continued through March and became extreme by the end of March across north central South Dakota.
• Drought in Iowa, March 1 to 31, 202110 eventsPrecipitation varied from 100 to 175 percent of normal in northwest Iowa, with soils thawing to allow some moisture entry later in the month. Only spotty and minor improvement to drought conditions occurred where precipitation was greatest near the Missouri River.
• Drought in Texas, March 1 to 22, 202110 eventsLargely rain-free conditions continued into early March for much of Deep South Texas, maintaining Severe (D2) to Extreme Drought (D3) in many areas.
• Drought in Nebraska, March 1 to 31, 20219 eventsDrought conditions improved 1 to 2 categories across western and north central Nebraska in March. March was very wet across western and north central Nebraska. North Platte tallied its second wettest March on record with 3.73 inches of precipitation.
• Drought in South Dakota, March 1 to 31, 20219 eventsPrecipitation of 125-200 percent of normal alleviated drought conditions by mid-month.
• Drought in New Mexico, March 1 to 31, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico remained largely unchanged during the month of March 2021. March was a very active month for the state which saw several high impact winter storms affect the area, particularly the northern high terrain.
• Drought in Colorado, March 1 to 31, 202121 eventsDrought conditions improved slightly across portions of southwest Colorado in response to areas of below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation during the month of March.
• Drought in New Mexico, March 1 to 31, 202117 eventsAnother month of below average precipitation for much of the area kept all areas in at least Severe(D2) drought with many areas in Exceptional(D4) drought conditions.
• Drought in Arizona, March 1 to 31, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during March, with the exception of western Pima County.
• Drought in Montana, March 1 to 31, 20219 eventsThe regional weather pattern remained relatively dry as most showers were either too light to make any impact or simply moved elsewhere. Severe and extreme drought conditions expanded from east to west.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, March 5 to 11, 20211 injured · $25,000 · 9 eventsUnseasonably warm temperatures and strong, gusty wind, combined with very low humidity and dormant, dry fine fuels to promote conditions that supported the rapid spread of wildfire across eastern Oklahoma during early March.
• Wildfire in New Jersey, March 14 to 15, 20211 injured · 1 eventHigh fire danger conditions were in place across much of the mid-Atlantic on March 14, 2021. A series of cold fronts were in the process of moving through the region, all of which were moving through without producing any precipitation.
• Drought in Texas, March 16 to 31, 202111 eventsSevere drought conditions affected parts of Central Texas for the second half of March. However, signs of improvement were seen by the end of the month after beneficial rainfall was received.
• Wildfire in Texas, March 17 to 20, 2021$25,000 · 2 eventsConditions favorable to wildfire spread - cured fuels and frequent dry fronts - were in place across much of the Deep South Texas ranch country on March 17th.
• Drought in Texas, March 23 to 31, 20219 eventsPersistent dry conditions across the Rio Grande Valley/Deep South Texas region led to further degradation of drought conditions.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Montana, March 28 to 29, 202176 kt wind · 43 eventsAn anomalously deep Pacific trough initially brought H700 (mountain top) westerly winds of 50 to 80 kts on Sunday March 28th, 2021, which eclipsed the 99th percentile of climatology over many areas during the height of the storm.
• Drought in North Dakota, April 1 to 30, 202129 eventsAfter a very wet 2019 precipitation cut off in 2020 and Western and Central North Dakota entered a drought for 2021. The D3 drought started in the northwest part of the state in March and expanded across most of western and central North Dakota by the start of April.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202115 eventsDrought conditions remained the same over South Texas during the month due to below normal rainfall. Exceptional drought continued over Webb and La Salle Counties. Extreme drought conditions continued over the rest of the Brush Country into the western Coastal Bend.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202114 eventsDrought conditions through April remained nearly the same as March on the South Plains with continued below seasonal average precipitation values. The southeastern Texas Panhandle and much of the Rolling Plains saw minor improvements in drought levels.
• Drought in South Dakota, April 1 to 30, 202112 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions continued throughout April, especially over north-central South Dakota. Temperatures started off April extraordinarily warm, with highs in the 70s and 80s.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202111 eventsA lack of substantial rainfall continued to plague Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley in early April.
• Drought in Oklahoma, April 1 to 30, 202110 eventsDrier than normal conditions during the month of April led to expanding drought across portions of southern and west-central OK.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 202110 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions affected parts of North and Central Texas. However, some improvement was seen by the end of the month after beneficial rainfall was received.
• Drought in Iowa, April 1 to 30, 20219 eventsPrecipitation just a little below normal along with cooler than normal temperatures were enough to spur some minor improvement in drought conditions across portions of northwest Iowa.
• Drought in Texas, April 1 to 30, 20218 eventsApril brought much above normal precipitation to most of the eastern half of South Central Texas. Some places had more than three times normal.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico remained largely unchanged during the month of April 2021. The month of April was one that was mainly defined by dry and windy conditions for New Mexico with high fire danger noted over several days.
• Drought in Colorado, April 1 to 30, 202121 eventsDrought conditions worsened slightly across portions of northwest Colorado in response to areas of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation during the month of April.
• Drought in New Mexico, April 1 to 30, 202117 eventsAnother dry month for most of the the region except for some above normal precipitation totals in the higher elevations. No change was noted in drought categories from how March ended.
• Drought in Arizona, April 1 to 30, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during April, with the exception of western Pima County.
• Drought in Montana, April 1 to 30, 202113 eventsEven though a few light rain showers occurred in the month of April, the continued lack of significant precipitation throughout the month enabled the drought across the region to worsen and spread westward through most of northeast Montana.
• Excessive Heat and Wildfire in California, April 1 to 4, 20211 death · 1 injured · $3.0 million · 11 eventsAn area of upper-level high pressure centered over the southwestern U.S. led to well-above average temperatures across Southern California, as well as elevated thunderstorm convection. Fog along the coast caused travel disruptions.
• Drought in California, April 1 to 30, 202112 eventsPortions of Fresno, Tulare and Kern Counties continued to be classified as being in an extreme drought for consecutive months due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Wildfire in Wisconsin, April 4, 2021$60,000 · 1 eventA wildfire in the Necedah Wildlife Refuge (Juneau County) burned 257 acres on April 4th. The fire was started in the late morning by a passing train. Most of the land that was burned was classified by the Wisconsin DNR as non-timbered marsh, bog or lowland brush.
• Wildfire in Nevada, April 7, 2021$200,000 · 1 eventA prescribed burn lost containment due to breezy conditions on April 10th leading to the Lamoille Fire. The fire went on to burn 26 acres and damaged utility polls and knocked out power to civilians for 3 days.
• Wildfire in Arizona, April 8 to 11, 2021$2.0 million · 1 eventThe human caused Margo Fire started on April 8th in the San Pedro River bed near Dudleyville. The fire was spread by gusty winds which led to the evacuation of over 200 of the town's residents.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, April 10 to 22, 2021$70,000 · 1 eventSeveral days of dry conditions and strong winds in the area resulted in critical fire weather conditions and high fire danger. On April 10, 2021, the 140 Fire started in the Rio Chama bosque off of U.S. County Road 140 near Abiquiu.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Washington, April 18 to 19, 2021$45,000 · 60 kt wind · 5 eventsA robust cold front, accompanied by strong north to northeast winds, passed through eastern Washington on April 18th. Evening winds reached gusts in the range of 40-60 mph.
• Drought in Texas, April 20 to 30, 20218 eventsA few rounds of rain and isolated thunderstorms associated with a late-season cold front dropped bands of 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain in Hidalgo/Willacy, and northeast Brooks to northern Kenedy, on April 17th/18th.
• Wildfire in Idaho, April 21 to 25, 2021$200,000 · 1 eventA wildfire began on April 21st near Firth and strong southwest winds grew the fire from 100 acres on the 21st to 1,200 acres on the 22nd. Winds shifted to the northwest during the evening of the 22nd and the fire ran a different direction.
• Wildfire in New Mexico, April 24 to 26, 20212 injured · $50,000 · 1 eventSeveral days of very dry conditions along with strong winds resulted in critical fire weather conditions across east central New Mexico. On April 24, 2021, the Paradise Loop Fire started near Edgewood.
• Excessive Heat and Astronomical Low Tide in California, April 28 to 30, 20219 eventsAn area of upper-level high pressure centered over Southern California brought record-breaking heat across the region April 29th and 30th.
• Drought in Iowa, May 1 to 31, 2021$167,000 · 9 eventsTemperatures near normal and precipitation between 75 and 100 percent of normal across Northwest Iowa led to no change in drought status.
• Drought in South Dakota, May 1 to 31, 2021$58,000 · 2 eventsTemperatures near normal and precipitation between 75 and 100 percent of normal across Northwest Iowa led to no change in drought status.
• Drought in North Dakota, May 1 to 31, 202136 eventsMay started with a D3 drought over all of western and central North Dakota. Of the 36 NWS Bismarck forecast area counties, 34 were entirely in D3 with only the eastern parts of LaMoure and Dickey counties still in D2.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 26, 202117 eventsDrought conditions initially degraded after a dry start to May, but quickly improved after a series of heavy rain events in mid to late May.
• Drought in South Dakota, May 1 to 31, 202112 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions continued across north central South Dakota extending towards the James Valley and into parts of central South Dakota. Temperatures were near normal but precipitation was near to around 2 inches below normal across the area.
• Drought in Texas, May 1 to 17, 202110 eventsDespite a few rounds of precipitation occurring across the Rio Grande Valley/Deep South Texas region in mid-to-late April, many areas stricken by Extreme to Exceptional drought missed out on these rain chances.
• Drought in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico finally started to improve during the month of May 2021. The last couple weeks of May were unusually active for the area with many days defined by widespread thunderstorms especially across the eastern half of the area.
• Drought in Colorado, May 1 to 31, 202121 eventsDrought conditions worsened slightly across portions of northwest Colorado in response to areas of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation during the month of May. Conditions improved slightly across portions of southwest Colorado.
• Drought in New Mexico, May 1 to 31, 202117 eventsVery little to no precipitation fell across southern New Mexico in May which kept all areas in Severe(D2) to Exceptional(D4) drought.
• Drought in Montana, May 1 to 31, 202115 eventsA few helpful snow and rain showers brought a little relief to some areas through the month, but were not enough to weaken the drought's hold across the region. Overall, precipitation amounts remained below normal.
• Drought in Arizona, May 1 to 31, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during May, with the exception of western Pima County. Rain for the month totaled less than 0.10 inch in most areas with spotty amounts of 0.25 to 0.50 inch on May 20-21.
• Drought in California, May 1 to 31, 202121 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in an extreme or exceptional drought by the end of May, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, May 1 to 31, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Heat in Arizona, May 5 to 8, 20212 deaths · 2 eventsHigh pressure over the Desert Southwest in early May allowed for temperatures to climb to around 100 , which is about 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
• Heat in Arizona, May 6, 20211 death · 1 eventHot temperatures were experienced on May 6 with high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s in southern Cochise County. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one female found north of the International Border west of Douglas.
• Wildfire in Florida, May 9, 2021$810,000 · 1 eventA 89 acre wildfire destroyed three homes and two vehicles in Port Saint Lucie.
• Heat in Arizona, May 12 to 16, 20215 deaths · 4 eventsHigh pressure over the Southwest allowed for temperatures across the Phoenix area to warm up above 100 , which is about 7-10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
• Heat in Arizona, May 13, 20211 death · 1 eventHot temperatures were experienced on May 13 with high temperatures in the upper 90s on the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one male found in the desert west of Sells.
• Wildfire and Hail in New Mexico, May 16 to 17, 2021$300,000 · 0.88 in hail · 2 eventsSurface moisture continued to move into eastern New Mexico due to southeasterly winds. With sufficient atmospheric instability, this led to another day of afternoon thunderstorms across the east on May 16, 2021.
• Excessive Heat in California, May 30 to 31, 20219 eventsThe first major heat event of the year brought widespread moderate to high heat risk Memorial Day weekend to Northern California. Some Valley locations reached over 100 degrees for the first time this year.
• Heat in California, May 31, 202111 eventsA very strong upper ridge built inland into California during the Memorial Day holiday weekend resulting in temperatures rising to near record levels across the San Joaquin Valley and the West Side Hills by Memorial Day (May 31).
• Drought in South Dakota, June 1 to 30, 2021$17 million · 13 eventsRapid degradation in drought status occurred in June as temperatures averaged 5 to 6 degrees above normal and precipitation varied between 25 and 50 percent of normal.
• Drought in Iowa, June 1 to 30, 2021$3.1 million · 9 eventsTemperatures averaged 4 to 6 degrees above normal, and precipitation varied between 25 and 75 percent of normal across Northwest Iowa during June. This led to no improvement in drought status.
• Drought in North Dakota, June 1 to 30, 202136 eventsJune started with a D3 to D4 drought over almost all of western and central North Dakota. Of the 36 NWS Bismarck forecast area counties, 31 were almost entirely in D3 or D4, with the exceptions being parts of Stark, Hettinger, Stutsman, LaMoure and Dickey counties in D2.
• Drought in South Dakota, June 1 to 30, 202123 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions continued from May into June, and expanded across the area through the month of June due to much above average temperatures and much below average rainfall.
• Drought in Illinois, June 1 to 30, 20219 eventsSevere drought conditions continued across far northeast Illinois through much of June. During the middle of June, extreme drought conditions developed over Boone, McHenry, Lake, northwest Cook, northern Kane and northeast DeKalb Counties.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 202141 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico continued to improve during the month of June 2021. An early start to the monsoon season led to many days characterized by widespread thunderstorms, especially across the eastern half of the area.
• Drought in Colorado, June 1 to 30, 202121 eventsDrought conditions worsened slightly across portions of west-central Colorado in response to areas of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation during the month of June. Conditions improved slightly across portions of southwest Colorado.
• Drought in New Mexico, June 1 to 30, 202117 eventsAreas of far southwest New Mexico continued to remain dry in June, but the Sacramento Mountains and parts of south-central New Mexico did receive above normal precipitation. There was some improvement to drought conditions in these areas with above normal rainfall.
• Drought in Montana, June 1 to 30, 202115 eventsWith a persistent ridge of high pressure impacting most of the region for most of the month, most storm systems were directed away from northeast Montana, but a few helpful storms brought some slight relief to limited areas.
• Drought in Arizona, June 1 to 30, 202114 eventsThe exceptional (D4) and extreme (D3) drought categories continued across a large part of southeast Arizona during June, with the exception of western Pima County. Most areas only tallied 0.5 or less for the month, which is close to normal.
• Drought in California, June 1 to 30, 202121 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior continued to be classified as being in an extreme or exceptional drought by the end of June, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, June 1 to 30, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Heat in California, June 1 to 4, 202113 eventsThe strong upper ridge which built inland into California during the Memorial Day holiday weekend remained in place over the region on June 1 and June 2 resulting in temperatures approaching record levels across the San Joaquin Valley, the West Side Hills and the southern Sierra…
• Heat in Arizona, June 1, 20211 death · 1 eventHigh pressure over the western United States led to temperatures warming several degrees above normal into the low 100s. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, one fatality occurred due to the heat.
• Heat in Arizona, June 2, 20212 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures around 100 degrees were experienced on June 2 on the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two males found in the desert.
• Wildfire in Arizona, June 4 to 30, 2021$8.0 million · 1 eventPersistent extreme to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state combined with increasing heat going into the summer months promoted a favorable environment for wildfires.
• Heat in Arizona, June 5 to 7, 20215 deaths · 3 eventsStrengthening high pressure centered over the Great Basin led to temperatures warming upwards of 5-7 degrees above normal for Phoenix. The warmest temperatures during this time peaked at 108 degrees in Phoenix on the 5th.
• Heat in Arizona, June 6 to 7, 20213 deaths · 3 eventsHot temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 degrees were experienced on June 6-7 in the lower elevations of southern Pima County.
• Heat in New York, June 7, 202112 eventsAn area of high pressure across the western Atlantic Ocean advected in a hot and humid air mass into the region on Monday, June 7, 2021.
• Drought in South Dakota, June 8 to 30, 2021$12 million · 11 eventsRapid degradation in drought status occurred in June as temperatures averaged 5 to 6 degrees above normal and precipitation varied between 25 and 50 percent of normal.
• Drought in Minnesota, June 8 to 30, 2021$704,000 · 4 eventsTemperatures averaged 5 to 6 degrees above normal, and precipitation varied between 25 and 50 percent of normal during June. This led to degradation in drought status over much of southwest Minnesota.
• Drought in Nebraska, June 8 to 30, 2021$100,000 · 1 eventTemperatures averaged 5 to 6 degrees above normal, and precipitation varied between 25 and 50 percent of normal across northeast Nebraska during June.
• Heat in Arizona, June 10, 20211 death · 1 eventHot temperatures topping out from 95 to 100 degrees were experienced on June 10 in mid slope areas of Santa Cruz County. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one male found in the Patagonia Mountains.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Wyoming, June 11 to 17, 202119 eventsA strong ridge parked over the northern Rockies and brought very hot temperatures to much of western and central Wyoming.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, June 12 to 20, 202160 deaths · 34 eventsA strong upper level ridge strengthened over the Desert Southwest during the middle part of June with the center of high pressure becoming focused over the Four Corners region. As a result, temperatures warmed up well above normal reaching excessive heat conditions.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 12 to 20, 202116 deaths · 10 eventsVery hot temperatures were experienced in much of southeast Arizona from June 12-20 with high temperatures exceeding established records in many locations. A number of heat-related deaths were reported of persons found in desert.
• Excessive Heat and Wildfire in California, June 13 to 21, 20213 deaths · 3 injured · $1.0 million · 51 kt wind · 13 eventsA long lasting heat wave occurred across Southern California from June 14th through the 20th, where many daily records were broken. A wildfire also broke out in the Riverside County Mountains on the 13th, which led to damages and road closures.
• Heat in Louisiana, June 14, 202112 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure anchored from the Four Corners Region north through the Plains into the Southern Canadian provinces, expanded east into the Lower Mississippi Valley on June 14th.
• Excessive Heat in California, June 14 to 20, 202111 eventsA strong upper level ridge strengthened over the Desert Southwest during the middle part of June, leading to excessive heat conditions across southeast California.
• Heat in Texas, June 14, 20219 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure anchored from the Four Corners Region north through the Plains into the Southern Canadian provinces, expanded east into the Lower Mississippi Valley on June 14th.
• Wildfire in Montana, June 14 to 24, 20215 injured · 1 eventThe Deep Creek Fire began on June 13, 2021, likely due to a tree falling on a power line. While occasional critical fire weather conditions helped the blaze to grow and spread, the fire was 95% contained on June 24th.
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 14 to 15, 2021$310,000 · 1 eventA human caused wildfire was started about 5 miles south of American Falls and spread rapidly on June 14th. It was noticed at about 3:30 PM. Two homes were destroyed by the fire.
• Excessive Heat in Utah, June 14 to 20, 202114 eventsA widespread heatwave brought several days of excessively hot temperatures across the state.
• Drought in Minnesota, June 15 to 30, 2021$190,000 · 3 eventsPersistent below normal precipitation since February 2021 allowed severe drought conditions to develop across parts of southeast Minnesota, including Mower, Fillmore and Houston Counties. These conditions continued into July 2021 for Mower County.
• Drought in Iowa, June 15 to 30, 20218 eventsPersistent below normal precipitation since February 2021 allowed severe drought conditions to develop across most of northeast Iowa. These conditions continued into July 2021 for Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Floyd, Chickasaw and Fayette Counties.
• Drought in Iowa, June 15 to 30, 202124 eventsPersistent below normal precipitation along with above normal temperatures during June led to the expansion of severe drought across much of northern and central Iowa. Stream-flows fell to well below normal in these areas with stress to crops developing.
• Excessive Heat in California, June 15 to 20, 202117 eventsA large upper ridge which was centered over the four corners area built westward and strengthened over central California between June 15 and June 18 resulting in dangerously hot daytime temperatures becoming prevalent over the Kern County Deserts by June 15 and over the Lake…
• Wildfire in Idaho, June 15 to 17, 2021$22,000 · 1 eventThe North Monument Fire was detected at 4 pm on the 15th and burned about 7 miles west of Arco. US 20/26/93 were temporarily closed due to the fire. Three power poles were destroyed. Some power outages reported at Craters of the Moon National Monument.
• Excessive Heat in California, June 16 to 20, 202111 eventsHigh pressure originating from the Desert Southwest built westward into California resulting in very hot daytime temperatures across the region and warm overnight low temperatures, particularly in the thermal belts.
• Wildfire and Heat in California, June 17 to 30, 20211 death · 5 eventsStrong high pressure over the Four Corners brought a hot and dry air mass to the Central Coast and Bay Area in mid June. Hot daytime temperatures for multiple days in the triple digits resulted in record breaking heat for the interior portion of the region.
• Heat and Damaging Winds in New York, June 21, 2021$20,000 · 50 kt wind · 55 eventsA lifting warm front across the region brought a hot and humid air mass into the region, leading to maximum heat indices reaching 95 to 98 degrees across some valley locations of eastern New York.
• Drought in Minnesota, June 22 to 30, 2021$270,000 · 2 eventsTemperatures averaged 5 to 6 degrees above normal, and precipitation varied between 25 and 50 percent of normal during June. This led to degradation in drought status over much of southwest Minnesota.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, June 25 to 30, 202117 deaths · 12 eventsAn amplified upper level ridge situated over the West Coast allowed for temperatures to warm up above normal and even briefly reach excessive heat conditions across parts of the lower deserts.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, June 25 to 30, 20212 deaths · 13 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure and a surface thermal trough brought several days of record high temperatures across the PacNW, with many locations in the lower and higher elevations experiencing extreme heat risk during this event.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, June 25 to 30, 20212 deaths · 7 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure and a surface thermal trough brought several days of record high temperatures across the PacNW, with many locations in the lower and higher elevations experiencing extreme heat risk during this event.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, June 26 to 29, 2021118 deaths · $100,000 · 12 eventsA high pressure heat dome over the region led to stretch of extreme heat, shattering records from June 26 through June 29. All time max temperatures were broken by 8 to 10 degrees.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, June 26 to 29, 20215 deaths · 5 eventsA high pressure heat dome over the region led to stretch of extreme heat, shattering records from June 26 through June 29.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, June 26 to 30, 20218 eventsA historic heat wave affected the Pacific Northwest during this interval. It was caused by a strong upper level ridge that created dry and stable conditions over the area with strong subsidence.
• Excessive Heat in Washington, June 26 to 30, 202110 eventsA strong dome of hot high pressure over the Inland Northwest pushed afternoon high temperatures into record territory. In late June 2021, a long-lived heatwave broke many daily, monthly, and all time maximum high and low temperature records at several stations.
• Heat in Washington, June 26 to 30, 202116 eventsA 600dm ridge of high pressure centered over the Desert Southwest in mid-June retrograded over to the West Coast/East-Central Pacific Ocean by the start of the 3rd week of June.
• Heat in New York, June 27 to 30, 202118 eventsA hot and humid airmass developed over eastern New York on the 27th and persisted through the 30th. Heat indices of 95 to 105 degrees were common, with the highest values on the 28th and 29th.
• Heat in Arizona, June 27, 20213 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures in the 100s occurred on June 27 on the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for three persons found in the desert.
• Excessive Heat in California, June 27 to 28, 202111 eventsAn amplified upper level ridge over the West Coast led to excessive heat conditions across southeast California in late June.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, June 27 to 29, 202111 eventsA strengthening ridge along with an offshore flow pattern brought a short lived return of dangerous heat the area as much of the San Joaquin Valley exceeded 105 F on June 27 while portions of the Kern County Deserts exceeded 110 F.
• Excessive Heat in New Jersey, June 29 to 30, 20219 eventsA multi-day excessive heat event occurred across much of the mid-Atlantic near the end of June 2021. High temperatures in the mid to locally upper 90s combined with dew points in the upper 60s to near 70 caused heat index values to reach 105 to 110 over much of the region.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 1 to 31, 2021$58 million · 24 eventsTemperatures were near to around two degrees above normal during the month, while precipitation was spotty, and generally varied from 50 to 100 percent of normal for most areas. Parts of far southeast South Dakota received near 150 percent of normal precipitation.
• Drought in Iowa, July 1 to 31, 2021$3.5 million · 9 eventsTemperatures and precipitation averaged fairly close to normal during July, although slightly above normal precipitation (100-150 percent of normal) in the far northwest allowed for easing of drought conditions.
• Drought in Minnesota, July 1 to 31, 2021$1.6 million · 5 eventsTemperatures averaged fairly close to normal during July, but precipitation from 50 to 100 percent of normal allowed for expansion and degradation of drought conditions across southwest Minnesota.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 1 to 31, 2021$308,000 · 1 eventTemperatures and precipitation averaged fairly close to normal during July.
• Drought in North Dakota, July 1 to 31, 202136 eventsJuly started with a D3 to D4 drought over most of western and central North Dakota. The exceptions were parts of the James River Valley, a large portion of southwest North Dakota, and a small portion of Northwest North Dakota. Most of the exception areas were in a D2 drought.
• Drought in South Dakota, July 1 to 31, 202126 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions continued from June into July across most of the area. Extreme Drought/D3 expanded some across portions of central and into northeast South Dakota throughout the month.
• Drought in Iowa, July 1 to 31, 202117 eventsWhile temperatures were largely near normal in July, continued below normal precipitation allowed drought to persist in these areas.
• Wildfire in Utah, July 1 to 2, 2021$1.5 million · 1 eventAn abandoned campfire started a wildfire 14 miles southeast of Moab.
• Wildfire in Colorado, July 1 to 9, 2021$500,000 · 1 eventMultiple lightning strikes caused a wildfire in a remote area, 23 miles south of Rangely.
• Drought in New Mexico, July 1 to 31, 202138 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico continued to improve during the month of July 2021. A very active monsoon pattern led to daily rounds of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms across the area.
• Wildfire in Arizona, July 1 to 10, 2021$50,000 · 1 eventThe lightning caused Bottom Fire started June 28 in the Gila River Valley on San Carlos Apache tribal lands within Graham County. The fire quickly grew to around 3000 acres by the end of the month due to daily bouts of gusty thunderstorm outflow winds.
• Drought in Colorado, July 1 to 31, 202121 eventsA prolonged monsoon pattern persisted across much of the region the last couple of weeks of July. This led to cooler and unsettled conditions and brought some much needed precipitation to the Western Slope.
• Drought in New Mexico, July 1 to 31, 202117 eventsNear to above average rainfall helped to improve drought conditions over most of southern New Mexico, especially closer to the Texas border region and the Sacramento Mountains.
• Drought in Montana, July 1 to 31, 202116 eventsThe weather pattern through this mid-summer period continued to favor a strong ridge of hot high pressure over the western United States, and directed most storm systems well away from northeast Montana locations.
• Drought in Arizona, July 1 to 31, 202114 eventsA wet July caused the exceptional (D4) drought category and extreme (D3) drought category to cease across nearly all of southeast Arizona, with exceptional drought only remaining in far southeast Cochise County by the end of the month.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 202121 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in an exceptional drought by the end of July, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit. As of July 31, 2021, the impacted area has received less than 50% of normal precipitation since July 1, 2020.
• Drought in California, July 1 to 31, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 1 to 31, 202111 eventsDry conditions continued through July. Areas on the Big Island, Molokai, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Lanai fell into the the Drought Monitor categories of D2, severe drought, or D3, extreme drought.
• Heat in Arizona, July 1 to 5, 202114 deaths · 5 eventsUpper level ridging over much of the western United States led to deadly heat at the beginning of July. Temperatures at Phoenix Sky Harbor during this time peaked at 107 degrees, which is normal for this time of year.
• Drought in Minnesota, July 6 to 31, 2021$12 million · 3 eventsTemperatures averaged fairly close to normal during July, but precipitation from 50 to 75 percent of normal allowed for the expansion and degradation of drought conditions across southwest Minnesota.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, July 6 to 11, 202149 deaths · 23 eventsStrong high pressure encompassing the Desert Southwest led to above normal temperatures, with excessive heat conditions occurring across the Phoenix area between the 9th and 11th.
• Heat and Damaging Winds in New York, July 6, 202150 kt wind · 26 eventsStrong to severe thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, July 6th, 2021, as an upper level disturbance tracked through the region. Several downed trees and wires resulted from the strongest storms. More than 35,000 customers lost power.
• Heat and Damaging Winds in Connecticut, July 6, 202150 kt wind · 12 eventsStrong to severe thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, July 6th, 2021, as an upper level disturbance tracked through the region. Several downed trees and wires resulted from the strongest storms. More than 25,000 customers lost power.
• Heat in Arizona, July 6, 20214 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures around 105 degrees on the Tohono O'odham Nation and 110 in western Pima County were experienced on July 6. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for four males found in the desert.
• Heat and Damaging Winds in New York, July 7, 202178 kt wind · 25 eventsStrong to severe thunderstorms developed along a stalled frontal boundary during the afternoon hours of Wednesday, July 7th, 2021. Several reports of downed trees and wires resulted from the severe storms.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, July 7 to 13, 202121 eventsA large upper high pressure ridge built into central California between July 7 and July 9 and remained over the region through July 13 before shifting east and allowing for moderating temperatures across the area by July 14.
• Excessive Heat in California, July 9 to 12, 20219 eventsStrong high pressure over the Desert Southwest led to excessive heat conditions across southeast California.
• Excessive Heat in California, July 9 to 12, 202112 eventsHigh pressure originating from the four-corners region built westward into California resulting in very hot daytime temperatures and warm overnight low temperatures across interior Northern California. High to very high heat risk impacted the region with a several day heatwave.
• Heat in Arizona, July 10, 20212 deaths · 2 eventsHot temperatures around 100 degrees in southern Cochise County were experienced on July 6. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two males found in the desert.
• Wildfire in California, July 13 to 31, 20211 death · 3 injured · 1 eventThe Dixie Fire started under drought conditions with hot weather, strong winds, and exceptionally dry vegetation in the area.
• Wildfire in Washington, July 13 to 25, 20211 injured · $5,000 · 1 eventHot temperatures, with very low relative humidity and dry fuels, provided dangerous conditions for rapid fire spread. There were wind gusts to 25 mph recorded at the Wenatchee Airport the day of fire ignition.
• Wildfire in Montana, July 16 to 20, 20211 death · 1 injured · 1 eventThe Harris Wildfire north of Joliet, which was caused by lightning, burned around 2600 acres.|Road closures consisted of Coal Creek Road from Highway 212 to Bellion Road, all of Bellion Road and both entrances of Farewell Road. Multiple agencies responded to the fire.
• Heat in Arizona, July 18 to 23, 202130 deaths · 14 eventsThe strong monsoon high centered over the Four Corners led to temperatures approaching 110 degrees at times in Phoenix. Temperatures most nights were 3-4 degrees above normal as lows remained in the upper 80s.
• Drought in Hawaii, July 20 to 31, 202110 eventsDry conditions expanded to more areas in Hawaii. Portions of Oahu and Maui that had not been included in the D2 status of severe drought earlier in the month worsened as July waned into its third week.
• Heat in Arizona, July 21, 20212 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures of 100 to 105 degrees on the Tohono O'odham Nation were experienced on July 21.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, July 24 to 31, 202145 injured · 16 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the south central United States during late July.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 24 to 31, 202122 eventsUpper-level high pressure parked over the region resulting in a period of unseasonably hot weather across the Mid-South during the end of July. High temperatures combined with high humidity to produce afternoon heat index values of 105 degrees or higher.
• Heat in Tennessee, July 24 to 31, 202121 eventsUpper-level high pressure parked over the region resulting in a period of unseasonably hot weather across the Mid-South during the end of July. High temperatures combined with high humidity to produce afternoon heat index values of 105 degrees or higher.
• Heat in Arkansas, July 24 to 30, 202110 eventsUpper-level high pressure parked over the region resulting in a period of unseasonably hot weather across the Mid-South during the end of July. High temperatures combined with high humidity to produce afternoon heat index values of 105 degrees or higher.
• Heat in Louisiana, July 25 to 30, 202111 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast into portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley from July 25th through the end of the month, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s…
• Heat in Arkansas, July 25 to 31, 20219 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast into portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley from July 25th through the end of the month, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s…
• Heat in Texas, July 25 to 26, 202122 eventsThe typical summertime upper level ridge built in across the region, resulting in Heat Index values between 105-110 degrees across mainly the northeastern half of the CWA.
• Heat in Texas, July 26 to 31, 202112 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast into portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley from July 26th through the end of the month, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s…
• Drought in Iowa, July 27 to 31, 2021$644,000 · 2 eventsTemperatures and precipitation averaged fairly close to normal during July, but this was enough to allow drought conditions to worsen to severe levels at the end of the month.
• Drought in Nebraska, July 27 to 31, 2021$23,000 · 1 eventTemperatures and precipitation averaged fairly close to normal during July, but warmer and dry streak the last half of the month allowed expansion of severe drought conditions.
• Excessive Heat in Kansas, July 27 to 31, 202110 eventsTemperatures and humidity rose at the end of July to produce heat indices ranging from 105 to 113. The highest values were generally across southern Kansas.
• Heat in Arizona, July 27 to 30, 20217 deaths · 5 eventsAn upper level ridge situated over much of the western United States at the end of July led to heat that resulted in several fatalities. One of these fatalities included a woman visiting from Boston who died after becoming overheated while hiking on Camelback Mountain.
• Heat in Kentucky, July 29, 202122 eventsThe combination of high temperatures in the lower to mid 90's and high humidity resulted in potentially hazardous heat indices. The peak heat index ranged from 106 to 111 degrees across western Kentucky.
• Heat in Illinois, July 29, 202119 eventsThe combination of high temperatures in the lower 90's and high humidity resulted in potentially hazardous heat indices. The peak heat index ranged from 106 to 110 degrees across most of southern Illinois, except locally 115 degrees around Mount Vernon.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, July 29, 202111 eventsThe combination of high temperatures in the lower to mid 90's and high humidity resulted in potentially dangerous heat indices. The peak heat index ranged from 110 to 114 degrees across most of southeast Missouri, except locally 106 to 109 degrees from Doniphan to Poplar Bluff.
• Heat in Texas, July 29 to 31, 202140 eventsAfter a brief reprieve, the summertime upper level ridge built back across the region, resulting in Heat Index values between 105-110 degrees across most of North and Central Texas.
• Excessive Heat in Mississippi, July 29 to 31, 202116 eventsUpper-level ridging strengthened over the Mid-South late in July as dewpoints surged to near 80 degrees across parts of the region. High temperatures combined with the high dewpoints to produce heat index values of 110 degrees or higher.
• Excessive Heat in Arkansas, July 29 to 31, 202110 eventsUpper-level ridging strengthened over the Mid-South late in July as dewpoints surged to near 80 degrees across parts of the region. High temperatures combined with the high dewpoints to produce heat index values of 110 degrees or higher.
• Excessive Heat in Louisiana, July 30 to 31, 202111 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast into portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley from July 30th through the end of the month, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s…
• Excessive Heat in Tennessee, July 30 to 31, 20219 eventsUpper-level ridging strengthened over the Mid-South late in July as dewpoints surged to near 80 degrees across parts of the region. High temperatures combined with the high dewpoints to produce heat index values of 110 degrees or higher.
• Heat in Mississippi, July 30 to 31, 20219 eventsUpper-level high pressure parked over the region resulting in a period of unseasonably hot weather across the Mid-South during the end of July. High temperatures combined with high humidity to produce afternoon heat index values of 105 degrees or higher.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 2021$19 million · 24 eventsTemperatures were slightly above normal and precipitation mainly below normal during the month. Some improvement in drought conditions were observed by month's end across portions of Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 1 to 31, 2021$5.7 million · 8 eventsTemperatures were slightly above normal during the month. The spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, with more widespread heavier amounts toward the end of the month, defined drought trends. Overall, conditions improved by month's end.
• Drought in Iowa, August 1 to 31, 2021$2.1 million · 9 eventsTemperatures were slightly above normal during the month. The spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, with more widespread heavier amounts toward the end of the month, defined drought trends. Overall, conditions improved by month's end for many locations.
• Drought in Nebraska, August 1 to 31, 2021$286,000 · 2 eventsTemperatures were slightly above normal during the month. The spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, with more widespread heavier amounts toward the end of the month, defined drought trends. Overall, conditions improved somewhat by month's end.
• Drought in North Dakota, August 1 to 31, 202136 eventsAugust continued with D3 to D4 drought over most of western and central North Dakota, for at least part of the month. Parts of counties had more significant rain and saw the drought severity lessen to D2.
• Drought in South Dakota, August 1 to 31, 202126 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions continued leading into August with a slight expansion of D3 (Extreme) early in the month. Severe to extreme drought conditions covered roughly 80 percent of the region.
• Heat in Texas, August 1, 202121 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley through August 1st, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s.
• Drought in Minnesota, August 1 to 31, 202114 eventsRainfall remained below normal for most of northeastern Minnesota through the month of August keeping much of the region in D2 Severe Drought or higher.
• Drought in Iowa, August 1 to 31, 202113 eventsThis area started in moderate drought to begin the month and quickly deteriorated to severe conditions for the rest of the month. Generous rainfall at the end of the month saw many of these locations improve to moderate drought on August 31st.
• Heat in Louisiana, August 1, 202113 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley through August 1st, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s.
• Drought in Iowa, August 1 to 31, 20219 eventsSevere drought conditions persisted for the month of August with widespread heat and below normal rainfall for much of August. A generous widespread rainfall late in the month helped to improve conditions on August 31st.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 1, 20219 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was anchored from Nebraska/Kansas southeast across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley through August 1st, resulting in very hot temperatures across the Ark-La-Tex as readings climbed into the mid and upper 90s.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, August 1 to 6, 202125 deaths · 31 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure over the Desert Southwest resulted in excessive heat conditions as temperatures climbed well above normal. The hottest day in Phoenix occurred on the 4th with a high of 115 degrees.
• Wildfire in Colorado, August 1 to 31, 2021$250,000 · 1 eventA lightning strike ignited a wildfire 20 miles south of Steamboat Springs.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 31, 202134 eventsDrought conditions across northern and central New Mexico continued to improve during the month of August 2021. A very active monsoon season continued with daily rounds of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms across the area.
• Drought in Montana, August 1 to 31, 202129 eventsThe lack of any significant precipitation during the normally wet months of March, April and May, combined with above normal temperatures going into June resulted in the beginning of a significant drought across the Billings Forecast Area.
• Drought in Colorado, August 1 to 31, 202121 eventsMonsoon moisture advected into the region during the month of August. This led to cooler and unsettled conditions and brought some much needed precipitation to the Western Slope.
• Drought in Montana, August 1 to 31, 202116 eventsEven though a few beneficial storms passed through the region in August, it was not enough to alleviate ongoing extreme drought conditions that expanded into more locations throughout the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, August 1 to 31, 202112 eventsMost areas of Southern New Mexico received above normal precipitation for the month which improved drought conditions for much of the region.
• Wildfire and Astronomical Low Tide in California, August 1 to 31, 20211 death · 2 eventsThe Dixie Fire started under drought conditions with hot weather, strong winds, and exceptionally dry vegetation in the area.
• Wildfire in Oregon, August 1 to 31, 20211 death · 1 eventThe Middle Fork Complex started in late July in the Willamette National Forest and continued through August. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. A firefighter was fatality injured while working the Gales Fire.
• Wildfire in Washington, August 1 to 30, 2021$1.1 million · 1 eventPassing scattered showers on the evening of July 12th, with embedded lightning, ignited several wildfires as they passed across eastern Washington. The summer season of hot and dry conditions fueled fires across the Colville Reservation.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 202121 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior remained classified as being in an exceptional drought by the end of August, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Excessive Heat and Dense Fog in California, August 1 to 5, 202114 eventsAn upper level high pressure system over the Desert Southwest led to hot temperatures across Southern California from August 1st through 5th, along with areas of dense fog near the coast on August 1st.
• Drought in California, August 1 to 31, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, August 1 to 31, 202120 eventsRainfall remained insufficient across much of the Aloha State in August to mitigate the ongoing drought conditions for most affected areas.
• Heat in Texas, August 1, 202128 eventsHeat Index values across roughly the eastern half of the region reached 105-110 degrees in the afternoon hours of the 1st.
• Excessive Heat in California, August 3 to 5, 202110 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure over the Desert Southwest resulted in excessive heat conditions across southeast California.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, August 3 to 4, 20212 deaths · 6 eventsVery hot temperatures were experienced in much of southeast Arizona on August 3 and 4 with high temperatures equaling or exceeding established records in a few locations, and approaching record levels in most others.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, August 3 to 4, 202110 eventsA strong ridge of high pressure aloft centered over southern Nevada August 3 and 4 provided for a period of excessive heat over the Kern County Deserts prompting an Excessive Heat Warning for both days.
• Heat in Arizona, August 6, 20211 death · 1 eventHot temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees in the San Pedro River Valley of Cochise County were experienced on August 6. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one male found in the desert.
• Heat in Arizona, August 7 to 8, 202117 deaths · 6 eventsA persistent strong upper level ridge over the Southwest led to continued above normal temperatures during the first part of August. Temperatures during this time approached 110 degrees in Phoenix.
• Heat in Louisiana, August 9 to 12, 202117 eventsUpper level ridging built back in over the Ark-La-Tex during the second week of August, resulting in a return of afternoon temperatures back into the mid and upper 90s across North Louisiana.
• Heat in Texas, August 9 to 12, 202111 eventsUpper level ridging built back in over the Ark-La-Tex during the second week of August, resulting in a return of afternoon temperatures back into the mid and upper 90s across East Texas.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 9 to 12, 20219 eventsUpper level ridging built back in over the Ark-La-Tex during the second week of August, resulting in a return of afternoon temperatures back into the mid 90s to near 100 degrees across Southwest Arkansas.
• Heat in Texas, August 9 to 10, 202126 eventsHeat Index values across roughly the northern and eastern parts of the region reached 105-110 degrees in the afternoon hours of the 9th and 10th.
• Heat in Mississippi, August 9 to 12, 202122 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the Mid-South around mid-August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Heat in Kentucky, August 9 to 12, 202122 eventsThree to four days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 9th to the 12th, heat indices peaked at or above 105 degrees each afternoon. The oppressive heat actually started on the 10th in the Henderson/Owensboro area and adjacent counties.
• Heat in Tennessee, August 9 to 12, 202121 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the Mid-South around mid-August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Heat in Illinois, August 9 to 12, 202119 eventsThree to four days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 10th to the 12th, heat indices peaked at or above 105 degrees each afternoon. The oppressive heat started on the 9th along and west of a line from Mount Vernon to Metropolis.
• Heat in Missouri, August 9 to 12, 202111 eventsFour days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 9th to the 12th, heat indices peaked at or above 105 degrees each afternoon. At the Cape Girardeau airport, the highest heat index of this multi-day period was 106 degrees on the 11th and 12th.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 9 to 12, 202110 eventsUpper-level high pressure strengthened over the Mid-South around mid-August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Excessive Heat in Minnesota, August 9, 20211 death · 1 eventTwin 3-year-old boys went missing the afternoon of Monday the 9th in to city of Hibbing. Police were dispatched around 5:30PM to search for the boys who were found an hour later in a locked vehicle near their residence.
• Wildfire and Damaging Wind in Nebraska, August 9 to 10, 2021$550,000 · 54 kt wind · 4 eventsDuring the late afternoon and evening hours, discrete supercells developed along a boundary stretching across the Colorado border, Northwest Kansas, and extreme Southwest Nebraska.
• Excessive Heat in Missouri, August 10 to 12, 202119 injured · 3 eventsUpper-level high pressure prevailed across the region resulting in high heat and humidity. Heat index values at 105 degrees and greater were widespread across the St. Louis metro area from August 10th through 12th.
• Excessive Heat in New Jersey, August 11 to 13, 202112 eventsA multi-day excessive heat event occurred across much of the mid-Atlantic from August 11-13, 2021.
• Excessive Heat in Pennsylvania, August 11 to 12, 202110 eventsA multi-day excessive heat event occurred across much of the mid-Atlantic from August 11-13, 2021.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in New York, August 11 to 13, 202136 eventsA dome of high pressure settled across eastern New York from Wednesday, August 11 to Friday, August 13 bringing high heat and humidity each day, mainly during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Virginia, August 11, 20219 eventsA ridge of high pressure and southwesterly flow allowed heat and humidity to build across the region.
• Heat in Washington, August 11 to 14, 202110 eventsA strong upper level ridge of high pressure began to build into the region around August 11, remaining in place through August 13 before pushing eastward.
• Excessive Heat in Oregon, August 11 to 14, 20216 deaths · 13 eventsHot weather began to develop August 9, peaking August 11-12, but temperatures continued above normal into the weekend. Peak afternoon temperatures of 100 to 105 degrees drove people to seek relief in or near bodies of water.
• Heat in Virginia, August 12, 202122 eventsA ridge of high pressure and southwesterly flow allowed heat and humidity to build across the region.
• Heat in Maryland, August 12, 202114 eventsA ridge of high pressure and southwesterly flow allowed heat and humidity to build across the region.
• Heat in Maine, August 12, 202112 eventsUnseasonably hot temperatures and high dewpoints occurred across the region in advance of a slow moving cold front. Temperatures ranged from around 90 to the mid 90s...with dewpoints in the lower 70s. Apparent temperatures ranged from the mid 90s to low 100's.
• Heat in Maine, August 13, 20219 eventsUnseasonably hot temperatures and high dewpoints persisted for a second day in advance of a slow moving cold front. Several locations reported record high low temperatures. Temperatures ranged from around 90 to the mid 90s...with dewpoints from around 70 to the lower 70s.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, August 14 to 16, 202113 eventsA strong area of high pressure which had been centered over the Great Basin built westward into central California on August 14 and brought dangerous heat to portions of the central California interior between August 14 and August 16.
• Heat in California, August 18 to 20, 20212 deaths · 1 eventTwo hikers died of heat related causes in Death Valley National Park.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 20, 202111 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the south central United States during late August.
• Heat in Louisiana, August 21 to 26, 202114 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was centered over the Ark-La-Tex throughout the third and fourth weeks of August, before expanding east into the Mississippi Valley.
• Heat in Arkansas, August 21 to 26, 20219 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was centered over the Ark-La-Tex throughout the third and fourth weeks of August, before expanding east into the Mississippi Valley.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Mississippi, August 21 to 26, 202117 eventsUpper-level high pressure re-strengthened over the Mid-South in late August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arkansas, August 21 to 26, 202112 eventsUpper-level high pressure re-strengthened over the Mid-South in late August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Excessive Heat in Oklahoma, August 22, 20219 eventsA ridge of high pressure in the middle and upper atmosphere developed over the south central United States during late August.
• Heat in Tennessee, August 23 to 26, 202121 eventsUpper-level high pressure re-strengthened over the Mid-South in late August resulting in hot and humid conditions. Afternoon heat index values greater than 105 degrees were widespread across the Mid-South.
• Heat in Missouri, August 23 to 28, 202111 eventsSeveral days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 23rd to the 28th, heat indices peaked above 100 degrees each afternoon. At the Cape Girardeau airport, the highest heat index of this multi-day period was 106 degrees on the 24th.
• Heat in Kentucky, August 24 to 29, 202122 eventsSeveral days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 24th to the 29th, heat indices peaked above 100 degrees each afternoon. At the Paducah airport, the highest heat index of this multi-day period was 104 degrees on the 26th.
• Heat in Illinois, August 24 to 29, 202119 eventsSeveral days of oppressive heat created hazardous conditions. From the 24th to the 29th, heat indices peaked above 100 degrees each afternoon. At the Carbondale airport, the highest heat index of this multi-day period was 109 degrees on the 25th.
• Excessive Heat and Wildfire in California, August 24 to 31, 20211 injured · $4.6 million · 11 eventsInland areas experienced a heat wave August 25th through the 29th, while parts of the region saw wildfires breakout as well.
• Heat in Texas, August 25, 202110 eventsAn upper level ridge of high pressure was centered over the Ark-La-Tex throughout the third and fourth weeks of August, before expanding east into the Mississippi Valley.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, August 25 to 29, 202113 deaths · 24 eventsA strong subtropical ridge over the Southern Plains expanded westward into the Desert Southwest near the end of August, leading to excessive heat conditions across the region.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, August 25 to 27, 20211 death · 8 eventsVery hot temperatures were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona August 25 through 27, with high temperatures equaling or exceeding established records in a few locations, and approaching record levels in most others.
• Excessive Heat in California, August 25 to 29, 202111 eventsA strong subtropical ridge over the Southern Plains expanded westward into the Desert Southwest, resulting in excessive heat conditions across southeast California.
• Heat in New York, August 26 to 27, 202120 eventsA hot and humid air mass developed ahead of an approaching cold front across eastern New York on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Heat indices reached 95 to 101 degrees across most areas outside of the higher elevations during the afternoon hours.
• Heat in Arizona, August 29, 20211 death · 1 eventHot temperatures just above 100 degrees in the Tucson Metro Area were experienced on August 29. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one male found in the city.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, August 29 to 30, 202113 eventsA large area of high pressure over the southwestern US strengthened over central California on August 28 and brought widespread dangerous heat to the area on August 29 and 30.
• Heat in Arizona, August 29 to 31, 202112 deaths · 6 eventsHigh pressure centered near the Four Corners led to above normal temperatures at the end of August. High temperatures in Phoenix peaked on the 29th at 108 degrees, while low temperatures were in the upper 80s most mornings.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 30, 2021$3.7 million · 23 eventsOverall, precipitation near to a little above normal across southeast South Dakota led to the alleviation of severe drought for some areas.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 1 to 21, 2021$3.3 million · 6 eventsOverall, precipitation near to a little above normal across southwest Minnesota led to the alleviation of areas of severe drought.
• Drought in Iowa, September 1 to 30, 2021$392,000 · 7 eventsOverall, precipitation near to a little above normal across northwest portions of Iowa led to the alleviation of severe drought for some areas.
• Drought in Nebraska, September 1 to 21, 2021$221,000 · 2 eventsOverall, precipitation near to a little above normal across northeast Nebraska led to the alleviation of severe drought.
• Drought in North Dakota, September 1 to 30, 202136 eventsSeptember started with most of central and part of western North Dakota in a D3 drought, with a small part of the central and far southwest in D4. The rest of the area was designated D2. Through the month some areas received significant rain, but not the northwest.
• Drought in South Dakota, September 1 to 30, 202119 eventsWidespread drought conditions, which began in February, continued into and through September. Much of Central South Dakota benefited from above average rainfall and thus a slight improvement in drought, thanks in large part to a widespread heavy rain event on the 2nd.
• Drought in Minnesota, September 1 to 30, 202115 eventsRainfall varied widely across northeastern Minnesota during the month of September with much of the region remaining in D2 Severe Drought or higher.
• Drought in Iowa, September 1 to 30, 202113 eventsAbove normal temperatures and below normal rainfall allowed severe drought conditions to persist for the entire month.
• Drought in New Mexico, September 1 to 30, 202131 eventsAfter a monsoon season that significantly helped to improve drought conditions across northern and central New Mexico, the drought improvement stalled in September 2021 as much quieter and drier conditions settled in. Drought conditions across New Mexico even worsened slightly.
• Drought in Colorado, September 1 to 30, 202121 eventsThe beginning and end of September saw weather systems move into the region, resulting in cooler and unsettled conditions, most notably for the southern and some central sites. As a result, some areas saw slight improvement in the category of the drought.
• Drought in Montana, September 1 to 30, 202116 eventsSeptember rainfall amounts were among the driest on record. This allowed drought conditions in northeast Montana to persist.
• Drought in New Mexico, September 1 to 30, 202110 eventsEven though September was a generally dry month, there was no change to drought conditions compared to the end of August.
• Wildfire in Idaho, September 1 to 30, 202119 injured · $2,000 · 3 eventsTrestle Creek Complex, Character Complex, and Larkins Complex wildfires were all ignited by lightning due to passing thunderstorms in the Idaho Panhandle. In addition, hot and breezy days created rapid spread and spot fires in the dry fuels.
• Wildfire in Washington, September 1 to 30, 2021$3.0 million · 7 eventsThe active 2021 wildfire season continued with nine destructive fires burning almost 100,000 acres, contained by the end of September. They were fueled by many days with windy conditions and low relative humidity.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 202121 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior remained classified as being in an exceptional drought by the end of September, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, September 1 to 30, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, September 1 to 30, 202121 eventsA deficit in rainfall continued across much of the Aloha State, keeping many areas in the D2 category of severe drought, or the D3 category of extreme drought.
• Heat in Texas, September 1 to 2, 202131 eventsHeat Index values reached 105-110 degrees in the afternoon hours of the 1st and 2nd.
• Heat in Texas, September 1 to 2, 202119 eventsAn upper level ridge anchored over West Texas into Western Oklahoma and Western Kansas expanded farther east into the Central and Southern Plains on September 1st and 2nd, resulting in a return of very hot temperatures as readings rose back into the mid 90s to near 100 degrees…
• Heat in Louisiana, September 1 to 2, 202110 eventsAn upper level ridge anchored over West Texas into Western Oklahoma and Western Kansas expanded farther east into the Central and Southern Plains on September 1st and 2nd, resulting in a return of very hot temperatures as readings rose back into the mid 90s to near 100 degrees…
• Heat in Arkansas, September 1, 20219 eventsAn upper level ridge anchored over West Texas into Western Oklahoma and Western Kansas expanded farther east into the Central and Southern Plains on September 1st, resulting in a return of very hot temperatures as readings rose back into the mid 90s to near 100 degrees across…
• Heat in Nevada, September 1, 20211 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Heat in Arizona, September 4 to 8, 202115 deaths · 11 eventsStrong high pressure centered over the Great Basin resulted in temperatures climbing above normal during the first part of September. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 15 heat-associated deaths occurred during this time.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in California, September 6 to 9, 202128 eventsA large upper high pressure center strengthened over the Great Basin during the Labor Day weekend (September 4 to September 6) resulting in temperatures rising to much above normal levels over the San Joaquin Valley, West Side Hills and Kern County Deserts on September 6.
• Excessive Heat in Nevada, September 6 to 9, 20217 deaths · 6 eventsHigh pressure over the Desert Southwest brought four days of excessive heat.
• Heat in Arizona, September 7, 20212 deaths · 1 eventHot temperatures around 105 degrees were experienced across the Tohono O'odham Nation on September 7. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two males found in the desert.
• Excessive Heat in California, September 7 to 9, 202112 eventsHigh pressure over California resulted in very hot daytime temperatures and warm overnight low temperatures across interior Northern California. High to very high heat risk impacted the region. One daily high temperature record was broken.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, September 9 to 10, 20214 deaths · 17 eventsA strong area of high pressure centered over the Great Basin migrated east over the Four Corners region, allowing for temperatures to warm up above 110 degrees on the 9th. The official high temperature in Phoenix on the 9th topped out at 111 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, September 11 to 13, 202110 deaths · 27 eventsA broad upper level ridge over the Desert Southwest led to continued above normal temperatures along with excessive heat conditions for the middle part of September. Temperatures most afternoons during this time in Phoenix topped out around 108-109 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Arizona, September 11 to 14, 20217 deaths · 6 eventsVery hot temperatures were experienced west and south of Tucson September 11 through 14. The hottest two days were the 12th and 13th when high temperatures fell just shy of records across much of Pima County and topped out between 104 and 109 degrees.
• Excessive Heat and Heat in Nevada, September 12 to 13, 20211 death · 2 eventsHigh pressure brought two days of excessive heat to the Colorado River Valley. One person also died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Excessive Heat in Arizona, September 12, 20211 death · 1 eventStrong high pressure situated over the Desert Southwest led to excessive heat conditions across the Phoenix area as temperatures climbed near 110 degrees. In Phoenix on the 12th, the afternoon high temperature fell one degree short of tying the daily record of 110 degrees.
• Wildfire in California, September 12 to 20, 2021$18 million · 1 eventThe Hopkins Fire was started due to arson in the community of Calpella, which is located north of Ukiah, CA. The fire started in mid September and was contained about a week later.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 15 to 30, 202143 eventsDrought rapidly expanded across the area during the month of September, with moderate drought increasing from 7% coverage at the beginning of the month to 70% by month's end.
• Drought in Oklahoma, September 15 to 30, 202113 eventsSeptember 2021 was extremely dry across much of northeastern and east-central Oklahoma, with much of those regions only receiving between 10 percent and 25 percent of the average monthly rainfall.
• Wildfire in Oklahoma, September 20, 2021$100,000 · 1 eventUnseasonably hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind gusts to near 25 mph combined with dry grasses to create very high fire spread potential on the 20th. A wildfire that developed in Pittsburg County burned nearly 200 acres.
• Heat in Nevada, September 22, 20211 death · 1 eventOne person died in Las Vegas of heat related causes.
• Drought in South Dakota, October 1 to 31, 2021$1.1 million · 21 eventsOverall precipitation was above normal across southeast South Dakota along with above normal temperatures, which made for only small changes to lingering areas of drought.
• Drought in North Dakota, October 1 to 31, 202128 eventsOctober started with a small area of D4 designation in Golden Valley County, much of western and north central North Dakota in D3, and remaining areas in D2. At least some part of every county was in D2 or worse drought to start the month.
• Drought in Iowa, October 1 to 31, 202118 eventsSevere drought conditions persisted into the month of October with relatively dry conditions and warm temperatures for much of the month.
• Drought in South Dakota, October 1 to 31, 202118 eventsDue to much above-average precipitation, drought conditions improved across portions of the north-central and northeastern South Dakota. However, severe drought persisted across central South Dakota as rainfall was just slightly above average.
• Drought in Minnesota, October 1 to 31, 202113 eventsDrought conditions persisted across northeastern Minnesota during the month of October.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 31, 202113 eventsSeveral widespread rainfall events across eastern Oklahoma during October resulted in monthly rainfall totals of four to six inches across much of northeastern and east central Oklahoma. As a result, much of the area saw near or above average rainfall for the month.
• Drought in Oklahoma, October 1 to 16, 202112 eventsAn active period led to multiple rounds of storms for the region, with drought improving for portions of central Oklahoma.
• Drought in New Mexico, October 1 to 31, 202131 eventsThe quieter and drier weather conditions that characterized September continued in October 2021 with below normal amounts of precipitation recorded.
• Drought in Colorado, October 1 to 31, 202121 eventsA series of disturbances moved across western Colorado during the month of October. This led to areas of above normal precipitation for the month which resulted in some improvement of the drought across the region, most notably across the northern zones.
• Drought in Montana, October 1 to 31, 202116 eventsA winter storm moved through the area on October 12th - 13th. The southeastern zones received a good amount of rain and snowfall to help drought conditions, however the rest of the area only got a little precipitation.
• Drought in New Mexico, October 1 to 31, 202110 eventsHeavy rain over the last few days of September helped to bring some improvement to drought conditions over Southwest New Mexico in October. No areas in Southwest New Mexico were in Extreme(D3) drought by mid October.
• Wildfire in California, October 1 to 31, 2021$22 million · 1 eventA lightning storm during late July 2021 initiated the Monument wildfire in western Trinity County. This fire was contained by late October. The Monument Fire resulted in the loss of 50 homes, 13 businesses, and 41 outbuildings, with total damage costs of $12.7 million.
• Wildfire in Washington, October 1 to 19, 2021$500,000 · 3 eventsThere is considerable damage to the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests due to three long-living wildfires: Nason, TwentyFive Mile, and Walker Creek. They burned over 50,000 acres, which were mostly uninhabited areas.
• Drought in California, October 1 to 31, 202140 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior remained classified as being in an exceptional drought by the end of October, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Wildfire in Idaho, October 1 to 8, 20213 injured · 1 eventPassing thunderstorms ignited twelve individual fires in the central Idaho Panhandle. Most were small and short-living.
• Drought in Hawaii, October 1 to 31, 202122 eventsDry conditions persisted over parts of the Aloha State through the month. The affected areas remained in the D2 category of severe drought, or the D3 category of severe drought.
• Wildfire in California, October 1 to 25, 2021$18 million · 1 eventA lightning storm during July 2021 initiated a number of wildfires in northern Trinity County that merged into the River Complex. The complex was contained by late October.
• Drought in California, October 8 to 31, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Colorado, October 26, 20211 death · 1 injured · 52 kt wind · 3 eventsThroughout the day, a cold front gradually moved into Eastern Colorado, causing wind speeds to increase throughout the afternoon with gusts up to 60 mph across Yuma and Kit Carson counties.
• Wildfire in Texas, October 27 to 28, 2021$100,000 · 1 eventConditions favorable to wildfire spread arrived behind a dry cold front in late October. Abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions were reported in northeastern Starr County due to lack of rain through much of September and October.
• Drought in South Dakota, November 1 to 30, 2021$565,000 · 19 eventsLate October precipitation eased drought conditions across southeast South Dakota.
• Drought in North Dakota, November 1 to 30, 202128 eventsNo major changes occurred to the ongoing drought during the month of November. Most of western and central North Dakota along and north of Interstate 94 remaining in D2 along with the four southwest corner counties.
• Drought in Iowa, November 1 to 2, 202118 eventsGenerous and widespread rainfall in late October into early November ended severe drought conditions across Iowa.
• Drought in Minnesota, November 1 to 30, 202113 eventsDrought conditions persisted across much of northeastern Minnesota during the month of November, but improvement was seen as the month progressed.
• Drought in Oklahoma, November 1 to 30, 20219 eventsDry conditions persisted during the month of November with drought slowly expanding across portions of western Oklahoma over the course of the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, November 1 to 30, 202138 eventsThe quieter and drier weather conditions that had characterized much of Fall 2021 continued in November with well below normal amounts of precipitation recorded.
• Drought in Colorado, November 1 to 30, 202121 eventsContinued dry conditions across western Colorado allowed the drought to persist across the region through the month of November with some area's categories worsening.
• Drought in Colorado, November 1 to 30, 202116 eventsMuch of the Front Range Foothills, South Park, urban corridor and northeast plains were classified to be in severe to extreme drought (D2/D3) through the month of November.
• Drought in Montana, November 1 to 30, 202116 eventsThe month of November once again saw precipitation amounts drier than average. As a result extreme drought conditions persisted or worsened throughout the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, November 1 to 30, 202110 eventsAnother very dry month across southwest New Mexico led to some areas which had recently been brought out of D3(Extreme) and D4(Exceptional) drought back into D3(Extreme) drought.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 202140 eventsNearly all of the central California Interior remained classified as being in an exceptional drought by the end of November, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, November 1 to 30, 202112 eventsNorthern California typically experiences a wet season, October through May, and a dry season May through September. Last year's water year, October 2019 through September 2020, was one of the driest on records. This likely contributed to the U.S.
• Drought in Hawaii, November 1 to 30, 202122 eventsMany areas across the Aloha State remained very dry through November, with some worsening and falling into the D4 category of exceptional drought.
• Wildfire and Heat in California, November 11 to 15, 2021$5,000 · 58 kt wind · 23 eventsThe fifth Santa Ana wind episode of the season and record heat were recorded November 11-16. Also, widespread dense fog was reported across coastal San Diego County on November 15. A brush fire was reported near Desert Hot Springs in the early morning hours on November 11.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Wyoming, November 15 to 16, 20211 death · $2.0 million · 104 kt wind · 10 eventsA combination of a cold front, a potent jet, and strong winds being mixed to the surface brought high winds to much of northern and central Wyoming.
• Drought in Texas, November 16 to 30, 20219 eventsNovember 2021 was an extremely dry month for the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.
• Wildfire in Texas, November 17, 20211 injured · 1 eventWorsening drought conditions along with periods of strong and gusty winds and low relative humidity values ahead of cold fronts resulted in initial attack wildfires across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
• Heat and High Wind in California, November 20 to 22, 2021$5,000 · 58 kt wind · 15 eventsSanta Ana Winds and dense fog were reported November 20-22.
• Wildfire and High Wind in California, November 24 to 25, 2021$45,000 · 72 kt wind · 19 eventsWidespread Santa Ana winds occurred over the Thanksgiving Holiday. A wildfire was also reported near Santee.
• Wildfire and Drought in North Carolina, December 1 to 31, 2021$364,000 · 4 eventsAbnormally low precipitation totals during December 2021, combined with unusually warm average temperatures (6F-8F degree above normal) through the month across the Piedmont and foothills of northern North Carolina, allowed Severe Drought conditions (D2 per the U.S.
• Drought in North Dakota, December 1 to 31, 202121 eventsGradual improvement occurred in the drought through the month of December, mainly over central North Dakota. Drought at the beginning of December was similar to the end of November.
• Drought in Texas, December 1 to 31, 202117 eventsDecember was an extremely dry month for the combined Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. Absolutely no precipitation occurred and this contributed to worsening soil conditions. Soil across the area went from dry to very dry.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 202115 eventsDrought was extensive across much of western Oklahoma and western north Texas during the begining of the month, with continued dry conditions causing the eastward expansion of drought across much of central Oklahoma by month's end.
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 1 to 31, 202113 eventsSome areas of eastern Oklahoma received much needed precipitation in December 2021, but portions of northeastern Oklahoma north of I-44, as well as far southeastern Oklahoma, received less than 50 percent of the average monthly precipitation.
• Drought in Minnesota, December 1 to 31, 202111 eventsDecember brought an onslaught of wintry systems bringing much needed moisture throughout the region. Several records were broken for precipitation during the middle and end of the month.
• Drought in New Mexico, December 1 to 31, 202140 eventsAfter a very quiet November 2021, December proved to be a much more active month with several storm systems impacting northern and central New Mexico. High winds were the most dominant feature over the area with numerous windy days observed.
• Drought in Montana, December 1 to 31, 202116 eventsA cooler and wetter than average December led to some improvement to drought conditions. However extreme drought conditions persist across the region.
• Drought in Colorado, December 1 to 31, 202116 eventsMuch of the Front Range Foothills, South Park, Urban Corridor, and northeast CO plains were classified to be in severe to extreme drought (D2/D3) through the month of December.
• Drought in New Mexico, December 1 to 31, 202110 eventsDecember had below normal precipitation again across southwestern New Mexico which kept the area in Severe(D2) to Extreme(D3) drought conditions.
• Drought in California, December 1 to 31, 202140 eventsAlthough rainfall was above normal for December, nearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in a moderate to severe drought at the end of December, 2021 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, December 1 to 31, 202112 eventsSeveral large storms so far this water season 2021-2022, brought widespread rainfall and snow to the region easing the drought conditions for much of California.
• Drought in Hawaii, December 1 to 14, 202114 eventsThe areas on these isles improved as rainfall helped alleviate drought conditions through the middle of the month.
• Drought in Hawaii, December 1 to 21, 202110 eventsConditions improved over parts of Lanai, all of Kahoolawe, and portions of Maui and the Big Island as rainfall spread plentifully over the state through December.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Oklahoma, December 10, 2021$510,000 · 53 kt wind · 5 eventsA strong storm system with a tight pressure gradient led to high winds across much of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. Several fires were reported during the afternoon of the 10th, with numerous structures burned.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Texas, December 10, 2021$110,000 · 51 kt wind · 4 eventsA strong storm system with a tight pressure gradient led to high winds across much of western Oklahoma and western north Texas. Several fires were reported during the afternoon of the 10th, with numerous structures burned.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Kansas, December 15 to 16, 20211 death · 73 kt wind · 64 eventsA very strong cold front approached the area from the northwest with a strong gradient and low level jet ahead of it out of the southwest to west prior to the frontal passage.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Colorado, December 15, 2021$200,000 · 96 kt wind · 7 eventsDuring the morning to early afternoon hours, an intense low pressure system moved away from the Colorado Front Range and across Eastern Colorado. This system was responsible for generating two rounds of high winds.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Oklahoma, December 15, 202167 kt wind · 11 eventsA powerful storm system tracked across the southern and central Plains on the 15th, bringing extreme wind speeds and multiple wildfires to the area.
• Wildfire and Dust Storm in Kansas, December 15 to 17, 20211 death · 4 injured · $615,000 · 104 kt wind · 32 eventsDuring the morning to mid-afternoon hours, an intense low pressure system moved away from the Colorado Front Range and across the Central High Plains. This system was responsible for generating two rounds of high winds in Northwest Kansas.
• Wildfire and Hail in Kansas, December 15 to 16, 20211 injured · 1.5 in hail · 52 eventsA very strong low pressure system tracked out of the Rockies and marched across the Central Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley. Further up in the atmosphere, a SW to NE directional mid-level jet was present along with impressive lapse rates.
• Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Kansas, December 15 to 16, 20211 death · $1.8 million · 84 kt wind · 16 eventsA historic onslaught of swiftly-moving severe thunderstorms followed by several hours of intense/damaging non-convective winds that stirred up clouds of blowing dust and sparked a few large wildfires unfolded within this six-county North Central Kansas area on this Wednesday…
• Drought in Oklahoma, December 16 to 31, 202128 eventsDrought was extensive across much of western Oklahoma and western north Texas during the begining of the month, with continued dry conditions causing the eastward expansion of drought across much of central Oklahoma by month's end.
• Drought in Texas, December 28 to 31, 202114 eventsBy late December, drought conditions continue to worsen across North and Central Texas, with Severe Drought conditions expanding across parts of North and Central Texas.
• Wildfire and High Wind in Colorado, December 30, 20212 deaths · 12 injured · $2.0 billion · 94 kt wind · 4 eventsThe combination of very high winds and extremely dry conditions produced the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history ($2 Billion), the Marshall Fire. It was also one of the costliest fires in U.S. history.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 202248 eventsDrought continued to worsen through the month of January as meaningful precipitation continued to evade the Oklahoma and north Texas area. Nearly the entire county warning area was in at least severe drought by month's end, with 65% of the area in extreme drought.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202240 eventsSevere to extreme drought conditions were experienced across much of North and Central Texas for the entire month of January.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202223 eventsMost of west central Texas experienced an intensifying drought during January.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202220 eventsSoils remained dry to very dry. Although some precipitation fell during the month of January, it was not enough to keep drought conditions from worsening.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202218 eventsMost of the western half of South Central Texas received less than 25% of normal precipitation during January and the north central part of the area had less than 75% of normal.
• Drought in Oklahoma, January 1 to 31, 202214 eventsMonthly rainfall amounts across eastern Oklahoma during January 2022 ranged from less than 0.10 of an inch across portions of Osage, Pawnee, and Washington Counties to as much as 1.50 inches of precipitation across portions of southeastern Oklahoma.
• Drought in North Dakota, January 1 to 31, 202213 eventsImprovement continued in the drought through central North Dakota through the first week of January, to the point where many counties went from D2 to D1.
• Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 202211 eventsSevere (D2) drought conditions continued across portions of east and northeast Texas through the month of January.
• Drought in Texas, January 1, 20229 eventsExtreme drought (D3) conditions expanded during the month of January due to continued drier than normal conditions. Most of the expansion of D3 was observed in the Rolling Plains which now includes Hall, King, Dickens, Crosby, and Stonewall Counties.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 202240 eventsAfter a very active end of December 2021, the overall storm track wasn't favorable to New Mexico in January 2022. High winds were once again the most dominant feature across northern and central New Mexico during the first half of the month.
• Drought in Montana, January 1 to 31, 202216 eventsA cooler and wetter than average December led to some improvement to drought conditions at the beginning of January. However January turned out to be a warmer and drier than average month so extreme drought conditions continue to persist across the region.
• Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 202210 eventsAnother month where all sites reported below normal precipitation kept southwest New Mexico in Severe(D2) to Extreme(D3) drought.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 202239 eventsRainfall was well below normal for January, and nearly all of the central California Interior was classified as being in a severe drought by the end of January, 2022 due to a long term precipitation deficit.
• Drought in California, January 1 to 31, 202212 eventsSeveral large storms this water season in 2021, brought widespread rainfall and snow to the region easing the drought conditions for much of California.

Every billion-dollar disasterEvery storm of 2021Tornadoes in 2021

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.