Dry conditions over the area have now moved Greene County into the Abnormally Dry category. Less than 1/3″ of rain fell in the month of October, which is below the normal 2.18″ average.
For Friday, October 28, the Fire Danger remained in the MODERATE Range. Relative humidity remains down as well as the chance of windy conditions for today. The City of Greeneville will continue to NOT issue burn permits until sufficient rainfall is received in the area. The Department of Forestry, howver, is continuing to issuing burn permits in Greene County. Burn permits are required for any outside burning between October 15 and May 15.
The exiting storm system in the Great Lakes followed by a coastal storm system that developed off the coast of the Carolinas kept temperatures cooler than normal for the Southeast this week. In addition, high pressure dominated the region during this time, resulting in a dry conditions throughout the region. Given the antecedent dryness in recent weeks and this week’s below-normal precipitation, widespread 1-category degradations were warranted this week. The southern Appalachians are experiencing some of the worst drought conditions presently (D2 – severe drought), as shallow soil moisture has fallen below the 10th percentile of the historical distribution and 7-day average stream flows are continuing to fall near and below the 10th percentile. Locals are reporting crop stress, poor pastures, and several producers have already started supplemental feeding of livestock in some locations. The planting of winter wheat has also been delayed due to the recent dryness.
