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High Plains Weekly Drought Update - May 2, 2019
Author: Gannon Rush - High Plains Regional Climate Center
Published: 2019-05-02 17:54:07
Updated:
Late-April precipitation and favorable snowpack improved drought conditions in Colorado and Wyoming, while a lack of precipitation led to the introduction of drought conditions in Kansas. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate drought (D1) and abnormally dry (D0) conditions were reduced in southwest Wyoming and southwest Colorado this week. The area of dryness in north-central Wyoming was adjusted slightly, as D0 was trimmed on the eastern side and expanded on the western side. In south-central Kansas, D0 conditions were introduced due to below-normal precipitation during the past two months.
Despite below-normal snowpack in Wyoming’s northeastern basins for the third straight week, the statewide Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) remained above normal. Snowpack in Colorado remained above normal as well.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for below-normal temperatures and increased chances for above-normal precipitation throughout much of the High Plains. According to the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is likely throughout the majority of the High Plains with the highest amounts expected in eastern areas of Kansas and Nebraska.
