High Plains Weekly Drought Update - June 4, 2020

Drought conditions intensified in areas of Colorado and North Dakota this past week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought (D3) expanded in southeastern Colorado and extreme southwestern Kansas while severe drought (D2) expanded in west-central Colorado. Moderate drought (D1) expanded in western North Dakota after a continued lack of precipitation. Abnormally dry (D0) conditions expanded across several areas. One area encompassed central Wyoming, extending into western South Dakota and northwestern Nebraska, while another area of D0 expanded into northwestern South Dakota and central North Dakota. A few small pockets of D0 were expanded slightly in northeastern North Dakota and south-central Nebraska. Meanwhile, D2 and D1 conditions were reduced slightly in central Colorado, and D0 conditions were reduced in east-central Nebraska.

According to the June 2^nd USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, pasture conditions remained in good shape across the High Plains except for Colorado, where 35% of pastures continued to be in poor or very poor condition. Winter wheat conditions degraded in Colorado and Kansas with 41% and 25% of winter wheat condition rated as poor to very poor, respectively. The percentage of topsoil moisture that is rated short to very short increased in all High Plains states.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for below-normal temperatures throughout most of the High Plains. Increased chances for below-normal precipitation are present throughout most of the High Plains, although chances for above-normal precipitation are present in eastern portions of the Dakotas. The National Weather Service’s 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that precipitation will occur in most of the High Plains with the greatest amounts expected in eastern South Dakota.