Weekly High Plains Drought Update - September 30, 2016

Slight changes in abnormally dry or drought conditions occurred this week across the region with some areas experiencing relief and others further degradation.  In South Dakota, areas of moderate (D1), severe (D2), and extreme (D3) drought conditions continued to persist in the west, however there was a decrease in D0 and D1 conditions and an increase of D0 conditions in the east.  Abnormally dry (D0) conditions in North Dakota were removed this week in the far northwestern corner of the state.  D0, D1, and D2 conditions in Nebraska remain, across the western half of the state.  Kansas remains free of any abnormally dry or drought conditions once again this week. The areas of D0 and D1 conditions throughout northern and central portions of Colorado persist with the slight expansion of D0 conditons further south.  Abnormally dry and drought conditions in northern Wyoming continue this week with a slight decrease in D0, D1, and D2 conditions in the north central portion of the state.   

Over 70% of the High Plains region is currently free of drought or abnormal dryness.  

Over the next week, below-normal temperatures are expected for the northern and western portions of the High Plains Region as well as most of the western US.  However, the far eastern areas of the High Plains and the eastern US are expecting above-normal temperatures.  Most of the central portion of the region and the Plains are expecting near normal temperatures this week.  Meanwhile, above normal precipitation is expected for the northern US and most of the High Plains Region excluding the far southwestern portion.  

For more information on the U.S. Drought Monitor, please visit: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu