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	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate-Watch, July 1999
National Climatic Data Center - August 26, 1999

Averages/Normals for Nearly 300 U.S. Cities

Review Selected U.S. City and State Extremes Additional Resources

Review

Looking at extreme events this month, in the U.S., July started out sizzling with 95 - 100+ degrees F temperatures in northeastern U.S. cities like Philadelphia and New York. Summertime rains and thunderstorms brought some relief to drought conditions in parts of the south and east, but drought became a more severe problem by the end of July. In particular, the mid-Atlantic region is in moderate to severe drought, with crops and cattle being severely affected. Portions of six states have now been declared agricultural disaster areas -- Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

For the latest on the drought, see:
NCDC's Drought in the U.S.
U.S. Palmer Drought Index Map
U.S. Crop Moisture Index Map

The latter half of July produced a heat wave over much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, with maximum temperatures in the 90's - 100's over wide areas. For details on the heat across the midwestern portion of the nation, see a special report "The Nature and Impacts of the July 1999 Heat Wave in the Midwest" , by the Midwest Climate Center. Heat indices of over 110 F were common across portions of the southern and central plains and the coastal plains of the southeast. Charleston, SC experienced a minimum temperature of 85 F on the 29th. As of August 3, 256 heat-related deaths have been reported nationwide. Even so, heat-related deaths tend to be lower than in past years as many cities and states have instituted special programs to mitigate the effects of heat waves. In contrast, the west has experienced unusually heavy monsoon rains. Las Vegas was hit by up to 3 inches of rain in thunderstorms in a few hours, resulting in severe flooding and 2 fatalities.

Globally, drought conditions are causing problems across portions of western Russia with predicted shortfalls in grain production. In the Middle East, in Iran, the worst drought in 30 years has destroyed more than a quarter of the country's wheat and rice crops. Drought is also quite severe across portions of North Korea, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, and Spain this month. Flooding is a problem in parts of China along the Yangtze River, across southern Japan, and in portions of Romania.

Other global highlights for July 1999 can be found at NOAA/OGP Special Global Summary for July 1999.

Selected U.S. City and State Extremes

Additional Resources

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