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High Plains Weekly Drought Update - May 28, 2020
Author: Gannon Rush - High Plains Regional Climate Center
Published: 2020-05-28 16:40:57
Updated:
Slight improvements to drought and abnormally dry conditions occurred this past week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Severe drought (D2) conditions in eastern Colorado were reduced after recent precipitation improved deficits in the area. Abnormally dry (D0) conditions in southeastern Nebraska and northeastern Kansas experienced reductions after several rounds of precipitation this past week. Otherwise, drought conditions in the High Plains remained unchanged.
According to the May 26th USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, pasture conditions remained in good shape across the High Plains except for Colorado, where 35% of pastures were in poor or very poor condition. Winter wheat conditions improved in Colorado, with only 39% of winter wheat rated as poor to very poor condition. Topsoil and subsoil moisture that is short to very short was reduced in Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures throughout the High Plains, with Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota heavily favored. Increased chances for below-normal precipitation are present in Kansas, Nebraska, eastern Colorado, southeastern South Dakota, and portions of Wyoming. Chances for above-normal precipitation are present in drought-stricken areas of North Dakota and southwestern Colorado. The National Weather Service’s 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that precipitation will occur in most of the High Plains except for western Kansas. The greatest amounts are expected in the mountainous areas of Colorado.
