Drought Conditions in the High Plains Region-Update July 29th, 2014

This week the High Plains Region experienced another increase in drought, although it is still nothing to really worry about. Last week 68.33% of the region was not in any sort of drought, this week that number dropped by about 5% to 63.28%. This is mainly due to the increase of D0 drought, which also increased by about 5%. This means that areas are going into short-term dryness slowing planting and growth of crops or pastures. It isn't much to worry about now. 

Although an increase accompanied this week's drought update, there is actually good news coming out of Colorado. The area experienced more monsoonal rains this week reducing the D3 (Extreme Drought) category by about 0.60%. As well, these monsoonal rains prevented drought degradation in other parts of the state. 

Nebraska and South Dakota both experienced the largest increase in drought. In Nebraska about 13% of the state entered a period of abnormal dryness, while in South Dakota almost 19% of the state became abnormally dry. Southern North Dakota also entered abnormal dryness for the first time since April 1st. 

Unfortunately, parts of the high plains will likely go another week without rain or with less than 0.20" while parts of southern Colorado could receive up to three inches. We will see how this affects the drought update next week. 

To learn more about the U.S. Drought Monitor, please see: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

To see the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook, please see the Climate Prediction Center here:http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/sdo_summary.html

To see the areas of agriculture affected by the drought, please see the USDA link: http://www.usda.gov/oce/weather/Drought/AgInDrought.pdf

To see the impacts of the drought, please see the Drought Impact Reporter here: http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

      Drought Condition (Percent Area): High Plains Region