The weather swings through cycles, and the Midwest has finally entered a
period of relatively tranquil atmospheric conditions. That's welcome
news to Chicagoans, who endured a cold, snowy winter then the tumultuous
meteorological events of the first 10 days of March. Two major storm
paths have emerged, both distant from Chicago. A northern track is
directing snow-bearing weather systems eastward across southern Canada,
and a southern track is carrying rain-producing systems across the Deep
South.
DROUGHT BUSTER IN THE SOUTH
Heavy rains sufficient to cause flooding began across Texas on Wednesday
and continued Thursday. Despite flood problems, Texans are welcoming the
water because it has put a big dent in the state's severe drought. Much
of the southern United States from Texas to the Carolinas has
experienced droughts of varying intensities for the better part of three
years, and three-year precipitation deficits are impressive. Locations
from Louisiana to South Carolina and Georgia have logged deficits of 25
inches since early 2006. Heavy rains are targeting those areas in
upcoming days.
