High Plains Weekly Drought Update - May 31, 2019

After another cool, wet week in the High Plains, minor changes were made to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate drought conditions (D1) were removed from northern Wyoming, leaving small pockets of abnormally dry (D0) conditions in the state. This removal of D1 conditions now leaves the High Plains Region free of drought (D1-D4) for only the second time in the history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Areas of D0 conditions were also removed from Nebraska and Colorado, but remain present in northern North Dakota, where dryness expanded slightly after consistently missing out on precipitation.

Continued flooding and few days suitable for fieldwork have led to the continued delay of corn and soybean planting this week. For instance, South Dakota has reported they are well behind their 5-year average for both corn and soybeans. Only 25% of corn and 6% of soybeans has been planted, compared to the 5-year average of 90% and 64%, respectively, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures throughout the majority of the High Plains. Increased chances of above-normal precipitation are present in Kansas, Colorado, and the majority of Nebraska and Wyoming. According to the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is likely throughout most of the High Plains, with the greatest amounts expected in southern Kansas.