RICHMOND, Va. – We started this work-week running about seven inches below-normal for rainfall. But a coastal low pressure system sent us widespread, soaking rain Wednesday into early Thursday. No, it wasn’t enough to pull us out of the dry conditions, but it was welcome moisture.
Here are the radar-estimated rainfall totals from our mid-week rain:
Before yesterday’s rainfall, you can see that the heart of central Virginia along the I-95 corridor is running below-average for annual precipitation. But the mountains of west-central Virginia are actually the driest part of the state, which may have a significant impact on the Fall foliage there this season.
It may be easier for you to see the drying that occurred this Summer by just looking at the past 90 days of departure from average rainfall:
This map clearly shows the yellow to orange areas of concern.
In September, we typically rely on both passing frontal systems and tropical systems (even just the remnants) to keep us moist. But we haven’t had any tropical systems this month to bring us much-needed rainfall. The tropical outlook over the next week doesn’t look promising for rain here, either. So, we’ll continue to track our next chance for rain coming Tuesday-Wednesday next week from an upper-level disturbance. That system may bring us another round of soaking rain, and even a few thunderstorms.
Stay with CBS 6, we’ll keep you ahead of the storm.
