6-Day Rainfall Outlook April 22 to 26 Shows Above Normal Precipitation for the South but Drought Areas May See Less Than Forecast
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — The official 6 to 10 day precipitation outlook valid April 22 through April 26 shows above normal rainfall chances across much of the central and southern United States, but detailed precipitation guidance tells a more cautious story — with drought-stricken areas across the Southeast likely to receive far less rain than the broad outlook suggests.
What the Official Outlook Shows for April 22 to 26
The Climate Prediction Center outlook issued April 16 places the highest above normal rainfall probability — 70 to 80% — centered over Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Much of the central U.S. from the Plains through the mid-South falls in the 40 to 50% above normal range. The Northeast and parts of the Northwest are flagged as near normal.
Detailed Guidance Tells a More Cautious Story
Both ensemble precipitation maps valid through April 26 show a similar pattern — rainfall totals concentrated most heavily across Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, with amounts ranging from 1.0 to 1.53 inches in the bullseye zone. However, totals drop off sharply to the east and southeast.
| Region | Forecast Rainfall (Apr 22 to 26) |
|---|---|
| Mississippi / Arkansas / Louisiana core | 1.0 to 1.53 inches |
| Tennessee / Alabama | 0.85 to 1.20 inches |
| Georgia / Carolinas | 0.20 to 0.65 inches |
| Mid-Atlantic / Northeast | 0.40 to 0.85 inches |
Drought-Hit Southeast May Be Disappointed Again
The broad green outlook graphic signals widespread above normal rainfall, but the detailed guidance shows Georgia and the Carolinas — the areas most critically in need of rain — sitting on the eastern fringe of meaningful totals. Much of the Southeast drought footprint could see only a quarter to half an inch, which does little to recover deficits built up since Fall 2025.
Farmers and water managers across the Southeast should not make decisions based solely on the broad outlook until storm tracks become clearer later this week.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for updated rainfall and drought relief forecasts across the South and Southeast.
