Drought Conditions in the High Plains Region- Update July 19

This week is the same story as last week, heat and dry conditions continue in the High Plains Region. The High Plains Region as a whole has over 85% of its area in a moderate drought (D1) or worse condition according to the latest release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Also area of Severe Drought (D2) or worse increased almost 13% to now consume 68.44% of the Region. Extreme drought (D3) is now found in central Nebraska and has a total area of 4.93% of the state. Rains in Colorado were the one bright spot this week. The exceptional drought (D4) area that was in the northwest corner of the state has improved due to the rains. Now the total area of D4 in Colorado is 1.77% versus 5.52% last week. To learn more about the U.S. Drought Monitor, please see: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu 

Between last year and this year, Kansas has not faired to well. This week an area of D4 has formed in the western portion of the state. This area totals 6.44% of the state. Area of D3 or worse now totals 63.73% of the state, 35% more than last week. Check out the table below for the drought conditions over the past month for Kansas. 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): Kansas