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High Plains Weekly Drought Update - March 12, 2020
Author: Gannon Rush - High Plains Regional Climate Center
Published: 2020-03-12 21:21:58
Updated:
Minor changes in drought conditions in the High Plains occurred this past week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Moderate drought (D1) conditions were expanded slightly in eastern Colorado, connecting the drought in the southeast and northeast parts of the state. These changes were made after continued above-normal temperatures and low streamflow were noted in the area. The rest of the High Plains remained unchanged this week.
As of March 12, snow water equivalent (SWE) values in Colorado basins were reported as near to above median, resulting in a statewide snowpack of 104% of median. As of March 12, SWE values in Wyoming basins were also reported as near to above median, with the exception of the Sweetwater Basin.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for below-normal temperatures in Wyoming, the Dakotas, most of Colorado, and northern and western Nebraska. Eastern Kansas and extreme southeastern Nebraska have increased chances for above-normal temperatures. Increased chances for above-normal precipitation are present throughout the entire region. The 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that precipitation will occur in all states, with the greatest amounts expected in southeast Kansas.
