High Plains Weekly Drought Update - February 7, 2019

Temperatures and precipitation varied throughout the High Plains this week, with the northern part of the region experiencing cool and wet conditions while the southern part of the region was warmer and drier. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, continued dryness in northeastern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, and the panhandle of Nebraska led to the introduction of abnormally dry (D0) conditions, as well as a small area of moderate drought (D1) conditions in northeastern Colorado. Northwestern Wyoming experienced a slight expansion of D0 conditions after another dry week. As for improvements, after beneficial precipitation, D1 conditions were removed from central North Dakota, and the area experiencing D0 conditions was reduced. The small area of severe drought (D2) conditions in north-central Colorado and south-central Wyoming was removed.

Little change occurred this week to statewide snowpack in Colorado and Wyoming. The snow water equivalent (SWE) in Colorado remained above normal, while the SWE in Wyoming remained near normal.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances of below-normal temperatures throughout the High Plains region with the Dakotas and northern Wyoming heavily favored for below-normal temperatures. Increased chances for above-normal precipitation are present throughout most of the High Plains region. According to the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is likely in eastern parts of the High Plains and the mountainous regions of Colorado and Wyoming.