Currently, the Gulf of Mexico is warming rapidly. The regional SSTA is +0.76C and about half of that anomalous warmth has generated during the past 2 weeks.

Widespread 100's develops across Texas this weekend into early next week as drought conditions helping to inspire the anomalous heat worsen. Additionally, drought worsens due to high wind in the 6-10-day period.

The strongest La Nina-like positive phase southern oscillation index of the 2020-22 La Nina regime was observed in April. The La Nina climate roars on even if the anticipated oceanic La Nina character weakens heading toward mid-year.

The NOAA U.S. Weekly Drought Monitor is updated and based on historical dry soil moisture conditions across the Southwest and West-central U.S. plus sneaky historical wet soils in the Upper Midwest and parts of the Interior Northeast.