High Plains Weekly Drought Update - May 9, 2019

Due to short-term precipitation deficits, several areas of abnormally dry conditions were introduced in the High Plains this week. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a lack of precipitation and low streamflows led to the introduction of abnormal dryness (D0) in the tristate area of Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Pockets of D0 conditions were also introduced in western and southeastern Wyoming. In North Dakota, areas of dryness were adjusted this week, as D0 conditions in the northwestern part of the state were removed, but dryness expanded to the east. D0 conditions were removed from south-central Kansas after heavy precipitation this past week.  

Despite continued below-normal snowpack in Wyoming’s northeastern basins, 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 above-normal temperatures in Wyoming, northern Colorado, western Nebraska, and southwest South Dakota, while increased chances for below-normal temperatures are present in southern Colorado and eastern portions of the Dakotas. Increased chances of above-normal precipitation are present throughout most of the High Plains with northeastern North Dakota having increased chances for below-normal precipitation. According to the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is likely throughout the majority of the High Plains with the highest amounts expected in southern Colorado.