To understand fire risk and provide warnings for floods, Alabama natural resource managers are looking to data buried in the soil. Data collected from a growing network of soil moisture sensors are helping forest managers in Alabama determine if they can safely conduct prescribed burns and flood managers enhance flood warning systems. In August 2023, the Alabama Forestry Commission called

The Southeast is currently experiencing a "Flash Drought." Drought conditions increased throughout the month of September due to extreme dryness and warmer than average temperatures for most of the region. The exceptions include the eastern Carolinas and southern Florida, which were impacted by Hurricane Dorian. It has been HOT. Temperatures were much above average across the Southeast