Drought Conditions in the High Plains Region- Update July 12

Precipitation in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming brought temporary improvement to parts of the High Plains Region this week. Precipitation totals of 2-6 inches were seen in many locations. In Colorado, areas of exceptional drought (D4) remained the same from last week after getting some rain. However, conditions continue to worsen overall for the Region. The Region saw an increase of 10% in area of moderate drought (D1) or worse from last week according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. An area of severe drought (D2) is developing in eastern North Dakota, consuming 5.18% of the state. This is the first time since November 2008 that North Dakota has had an area of D2 conditions. In other parts of the Region, moderate drought (D1) conditions or worse are plaguing 99.81% of Nebraska. To learn more about the U.S. Drought Monitor, please see: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu 

Drought conditions in South Dakota are the worst they have been for some time. Currently the entire state is in an abnormally dry (D0) condition or worse. This is the first time since December 2006 the entire state has been in this condition. Check out the table below for the drought conditions over the past month for South Dakota. To view more statistics of the High Plains Region and each state check out the Tabular Statistics here: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_highplains.htm 

                      Drought Condition (Percent Area): South Dakota