Bismarck, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The National Weather Service in Bismarck, has issued the latest Flood and Water Resources Outlook.

The report was issued on Thursday Jul 26, 2012.

The outlook for the James River basin is for the period, of late July-late October 2012.

It says, the main risk of flooding is generally associated with heavy rain events, that would add significant flow to the river.

It says the over all risk tends to be normal to slightly below normal, with the base flow normal to below normal.

The report says, the risk of flooding on is largely determined by thunderstorms, producing heavy rainfall, which can cause flash flooding.

As of last Thursday, there were no river locations on the James River above flood, stage, and the reservoir levels are generally within their normal operating ranges.

The Weather Service says, that high releases from the dams are only a remote possibility and not anticipated over the next 90-days.

 

The Weather Outlook Summary, calls for warm summer conditions continuing over the next couple of weeks, with continued chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms with possible locally heavy rainfall.

The Climate Prediction Center suggests all of North Dakota has a 50% chance of above normal temperatures for August, and an equal chance of above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation.

 

The three month outlook, August through October 2012 has the southeast corner of North Dakota with a greater than normal probability of above normal temperatures, with the rest of the state being in the equal chance category for above normal, normal, or below normal Temperatures.

 

All of North Dakota is in the equal chance category for above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation for the same time.

The report says rivers, streams, and soil moisture have taken a dramatic turn over the past several weeks with numerous locations showing river stages below their long-term median values.

With that, it’s expected there will be a below normal risk of widespread flooding.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reflects a worsening drought over the past month. About 22% of North Dakota is not designated as being in a drought, while 16% of the state is considered as in a moderate to severe drought.

The next forecasts will be issued on August 23, 2012.