High Plains Weekly Drought Update - August 15, 2019

Recent conditions prompted both improvements and degradations throughout the High Plains this week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Continued dryness led to the introduction of severe drought (D2) and the expansion of moderate drought (D1) and abnormally dry (D0) conditions in north-central North Dakota. In central Kansas, an area of D1 conditions was introduced, and D0 conditions were adjusted with reductions made along the northern edge and slight expansions made elsewhere. D0 conditions were expanded slightly in southwestern Colorado due to deficient monsoon rains, and D0 was introduced in extreme northeastern Kansas due to lack of precipitation. In eastern Nebraska, D0 conditions were reduced after ample precipitation this past week.

Pasture and crop conditions both remained in good shape this past week. Topsoil moisture conditions improved in all High Plains states except for Wyoming, while subsoil moisture conditions were variable. Soil moisture conditions in Wyoming continued to deteriorate, with 55 percent of topsoil and 54 percent of subsoil being rated short to very short.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures throughout most of the High Plains. Above-normal precipitation is favored for North Dakota and eastern South Dakota. Below-normal precipitation is favored for Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, southwestern South Dakota, and the majority of Nebraska. According to the 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, precipitation is likely across a majority of the High Plains, excluding southwestern Wyoming and western Colorado. The greatest amounts of precipitation are expected in northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska.