We conclude that
• during April and May 1998, SST anomalies
together with a favorable atmospheric circulation
helped establish
the drought.
• during June through August, the regional
soil moisture positive feedback
associated with lower
evaporation/lower
precipitation contributed
substantially to the maintenance of the drought.
•
• the drought ended in the fall with weaker
heating
and stronger
synoptic waves.
•
• the results show good potential for
prediction.