How do dry conditions now compare to 2016’s wildfire season in the mountains?
27 October 2022
Published by: https://wlos.com
USA – ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Abnormally dry conditions and a moderate drought across parts of Western North Carolina have some concerned the mountains could see another wildfire season like 2016.
From late October through November of 2016, nearly 20 wildfires burned more than 55,000 acres across the region.
Right now, Asheville is nearly 2.5 inches below normal in rainfall for the month of October. The last measurable rainfall was .05″ on Oct. 17. Only .13″ of rain has fallen for the entire month of October.
In comparison, by this time in October of 2016, more than half an inch of rain had fallen.
However, there are major differences between September-October of 2016 and September-October of 2022. The first two months of fall of 2016 was much warmer, with an average high of 78.6 degrees in Asheville. In comparison, Asheville’s average high for September-October of this year is 71.4 degrees.
While October of 2016 was wetter than October of 2022, so far, September was much drier. In 2016, Asheville recorded only .58″ of rain that month. Meanwhile, Asheville recorded 4.27 inches of rain this September.
Right now, computer models are split on long range forecasts for Western North Carolina. There is a hint the region could get substantial rainfall near Halloween.
Until that happens, people are encouraged to hold off on outdoor burning.
