High Plains Weekly Drought Update - August 20, 2020

Drought conditions in northwestern Colorado deteriorated this past week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought (D3), severe drought (D2), and moderate drought (D1) all expanded across this area. It should be noted that some of the largest fires in Colorado state history are taking place in this area of drought. D2 expanded slightly in the panhandle of Nebraska after long-term dryness in the area, and an area of D2 was introduced to central North Dakota. Other small degradations and improvements occurred across the High Plains during the past week as well.
 
According to the August 18th USDA Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, pasture conditions improved in several states but continued to degrade in Wyoming and Colorado. The percent of pastureland rated poor to very poor was 65% in Wyoming and 55% in Colorado. Soybean conditions across the High Plains are in good shape. Corn conditions are, for the most part, faring well across the region except for Colorado, where 28% of corn was rated as being in poor or very poor condition. Topsoil and subsoil moisture that is rated as being short to very short is above 70% in both Colorado and Wyoming.
 
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures across the majority of the High Plains. Increased chances for above-normal precipitation are present across North Dakota, Wyoming, northern South Dakota, central and western Colorado, and extreme northwestern Nebraska. Increased chances for below-normal precipitation are present in most of Kansas, eastern Colorado, and southwestern Nebraska. The National Weather Service’s 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that some precipitation will occur in all states, with the greatest amounts expected in drought-stricken southwestern Colorado.