Soil moisture deficits increase dramatically once meteorological summer arrives due to the intensity of the sun. Only areas receiving moderate to heavy rainfall, cloud cover or cool temperatures can avoid this problem. Right now, significant soil moisture shortages are affecting a vast portion of the lower 48 contiguous states. Most notably, >15 in. rainfall deficits are affecting parched northern California, parts of the Northwest U.S. and adding the upper Texas Coast.

In the 6-10-day period valid for next week over half of the U.S. is at risk of >100F maximum temperature. The focus remains on Texas, the Mid-south and Southeast U.S. California to Arizona is added!