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Weekly High Plains Drought Update - June 29, 2017
Author: Emily Brown - High Plains Regional Climate Center
Published: 2017-06-30 15:03:24
Updated:
Weekly Drought Summary June 29 2017
Drought conditions in the High Plains worsened during the past week, expanding in the Dakotas and into Wyoming. According to this week’s U.S. Drought Monitor, three states in the High Plains region are in drought (D1-D4), and abnormally dry (D0) conditions expanded across the region, especially into Nebraska. Much of the High Plains experienced relief in temperatures this past week, as many areas were cooler than normal; however, precipitation was also below normal so the region received little drought relief.
According to the Monitor, 25% of North Dakota is now in extreme drought (D3), and drought is affecting over 120,000 people. The governor issued a statewide fire and drought emergency this week, asking citizens to be prepared for wildfires and health issues due to a combination of the dry weather and high winds sweeping across the state. Conditions in South Dakota have been similar, as much of the state experienced high winds and below-normal precipitation this past week. Ranchers are getting hit particularly hard in the Dakotas, as there are reports of little topsoil moisture and 50% less hay supply than normal. Water hauls are occurring in McIntosh County, ND.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s 6-day outlook indicates the High Plains have an increased chance for warmer and drier conditions, especially in the Northern part of the region.
