High Plains Weekly Drought Update - May 24, 2019

Over the past week, few changes were made to the U.S. Drought Monitor in the High Plains region due to cool and wet conditions. This contributed to the removal of lingering abnormally dry (D0) conditions in Colorado, where soil moisture and hydrologic conditions have continued to improve over time. On the other hand, continued dryness in northern North Dakota has led to stressed grasses and dry soils, prompting the expansion of D0 in the area. Conditions in Wyoming and Nebraska remained unchanged.

A combination of flooding, muddy fields, and very few suitable fieldwork days have all contributed to planting delays throughout the High Plains and Midwest regions. Although some progress has been made in recent weeks, corn and soybean planting is well behind the 5-year average.

Cooler conditions are expected to continue, as the Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook indicates increased chances for below-normal temperatures across the majority of the High Plains region. The outlook also favors above-normal precipitation in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, eastern South Dakota, and parts of Nebraska. Meanwhile, much of North Dakota and northwestern South Dakota have increased chances of below-normal precipitation. According to the 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is expected across the region, with the heaviest amounts possible for much of Kansas.