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Warm spring pattern emerging across Appalachia (copy)
March 10’s temperature climbed to near record breaking or record breaking in this region. The next day delivered more of the same, with unseasonably warm conditions blanketing the region.
If the weather felt unusual, it wasn't an anomaly.
It's part of a pattern that researchers at East Tennessee State University are watching closely.
And seasonal forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggest it will continue through spring.
NOAA's outlook for March through May shows Southern Appalachia likely experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures. Precipitation is harder to predict, with equal chances of above- or below-average rainfall across the region. Drought conditions are forecast to persist through at least March in parts of the mountains, especially in Western North Carolina.
The uncertainty around spring rainfall matters, particularly as much of Tennessee and parts of Virginia remain locked in drought.
"Drought impacts this time of year are typically minimal," said Dr. Andrew Joyner, an ETSU professor and the state climatologist. "Underground water recharge and wildfires are the biggest concerns. The extended forecast shows rain chances several days this week, which should help."
The latest drought monitor shows some improvement in parts of northern Middle Tennessee and East Tennessee following above-average precipitation. Some areas of East Tennessee have cleared drought conditions entirely.
ETSU's role in drought monitoring
At ETSU, the Tennessee Climate Office helps track drought conditions across the state and supplies critical data to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the nation’s authoritative source for drought information.
ETSU is one of only nine sites nationwide participating in a pilot program focused on climate data application, positioning the university at the forefront of weather research that directly serves the region.
"Our work helps state and federal agencies, farmers, water managers and communities make informed decisions about resource management," Joyner said.
He also cautioned that spring weather brings its own risks.
"It's important to remember that spring in the area can bring severe pop-up thunderstorms and even tornadoes, with March, April and May being the peak months for tornadoes across Tennessee," Joyner said. "That's something everyone needs to monitor, especially for areas prone to flash flooding.”
Library Notebook
Library Notebook: Multiple events slated for libraries
All three of Wythe County’s public libraries have events going on next week, activities in which you can participate for free.
In fact, the Wythe County Public Library in Wytheville has two going on today: Dungeons & Dragons gaming at 10 a.m., and the Adult Coloring Club at noon.
The Meandering Mondays Book Club meets Monday at 1 p.m. at the Wythe County Public Library. This is the club where any book is fair game.
Teachers’ Day Storytime for preschoolers is Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Wythe County Public Library, followed by the Adult Coloring Club at noon.
A Spring Bracelet-Making Class (for anyone age 8 and above) caps off Wednesday at the Wythe County Public Library starting at 5:30 p.m. Get into the spring spirit with a hands-on bracelet making class, whether you’re a crafting newbie or a jewelry-making pro. Spots are limited so participants should call (276) 228-4951 in advance to register.
There’s another Teachers’ Day Storytime Thursday at 11 a.m., this time at the Rural Retreat Public Library.
The Twisted Stitchers get together to knit and socialize Friday at 2 p.m. at the Wythe County Public Library. And that same library will host a Trivia Night gathering Friday at 6 p.m., which always brings some enthusiastic participants. Come in and test your knowledge of trivia.
Two more activities will keep things busy at the Wythe County Public Library on Friday: Dungeons & Dragons gaming at 10 a.m., and the Adult Coloring Club at noon.
And all three libraries are participating in the Winter Reading Program, which started back in January and continues through next Friday. Pick up a book log at your library and, for every book you read or listen to, fill out the log and turn it in for a drawing to be held later for prizes. You can turn in a log for any book you’ve read since Jan. 5 through Friday and, the more you turn in, the better your chances of winning a prize in a drawing.
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