Mix of Improvements, Degradations to Drought Depiction Nationwide
The drought-stricken areas of the western and central U.S. saw a mix of improvements and degradations this week due to hit-or-miss rainfall. There were an usually large number of areas that saw changes in their drought status this week.
West
The West saw a mix of drought relief and worsening conditions this past week. Rare heavy rain in early June occurred in parts of the Southwest. Parts of western and central Arizona, southern Nevada and southwestern California picked up between 1 to 2 inches of rain. In contrast, it stayed generally dry across the northern half of the region. Montana faced some of the worst conditions in the region given dry, warm weather and below-normal snowpack.
Exceptional drought (D4) was removed in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Severe and extreme drought (D2-D3) also improved across southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, southeastern California and northwestern Arizona. There were also some minor improvements of moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3) in southeastern New Mexico.
Moderate drought (D1) expanded across northwestern Montana, northern Idaho and northeastern Oregon, with moderate drought (D1) being added to far southeastern Washington. Severe drought (D2) increased in size across parts of northern Montana, and a small area of extreme drought (D3) was also introduced to northwestern Montana. Abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) also worsened across northern Utah into far southern Idaho.
High Plains
Like the Western region, there were the haves and the have nots in terms of rainfall in the High Plains last week. Kansas saw the most widespread improvements, especially in the southern and eastern regions that picked up over 2 inches of rain. Nebraska benefited from recent rainfall, while rainfall was more scattered in Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. North Dakota stayed generally dry but sufficient moisture from the past few weeks kept conditions stable.
Eastern portions of Colorado and Wyoming saw drought improvements last week, with abnormal dryness to severe drought (D0-D2) shrinking. Extreme drought (D3) was removed from northeastern Nebraska, while severe drought (D2) decreased in coverage across western Nebraska. Abnormal dryness (D0) was removed across southwestern Kansas.
Conversely, the western areas of Colorado and Wyoming had worsening dry and drought conditions last week. Abnormal dryness to severe drought (D0-D2) all expanded here. Abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) grew across northern Kansas. The Dakotas generally remained the same.
Midwest
Rainfall was hit-or-miss across the Midwest last week. A broad band of heavy rain stretched from Missouri through Illinois, Indiana and into parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, bringing widespread improvements. In Minnesota and Iowa, the situation was more mixed.
Severe drought (D2) was removed from northern Illinois, while abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) improved for far southern Minnesota, northern Missouri, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana.
Moderate drought (D1) expanded in northern Minnesota, while abnormal dryness (D0) grew across eastern Iowa. Michigan remained status quo, while Ohio and Kentucky remain free of dry and drought conditions.
South
A wet, stormy weather pattern occurred throughout the South last week. Heavy rain was seen in Texas and Oklahoma, leading to drought improvements in many areas.
Abnormal dryness (D0) was removed from western Oklahoma, so now the state is free of dryness and drought! Abnormal dryness to exceptional drought (D0-D4) were also improved across western and southern Texas.
Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee are all stable and free of drought and dry conditions.
Southeast
The Southeast picked up some much-needed rainfall last week, which allowed for continued improvement to the drought depiction. The exception was central and southern Florida, which stayed fairly dry despite it being sea breeze season.
Abnormal dryness (D0) was removed from southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Northern Virginia also saw the removal of abnormal dryness (D0) and just a small area of abnormal dryness (D0) remains in far southeastern Virginia. Abnormal dryness (D0) shrunk in coverage across the eastern Carolinas.
Abnormal dryness to extreme drought (D0-D3) worsened slightly in central and southern Florida. Alabama remains free of dry and drought conditions.
Northeast
After regular rainfall the past few weeks, the trend of gradual improvement continued in the Northeast last week. This was due to rain that fell over the past week as well as improving soil moisture and streamflows.
Abnormal dryness (D0) was removed in southeastern Pennsylvania. Abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) improved in south-central Pennsylvania, West Virginia and parts of Maryland.
Looking Ahead (June 10th through June 16th)
A cold front will stall over the eastern two-thirds of the nation for most of the upcoming forecast period. There will also be fast-moving weather disturbances that zip across the region, while moisture from the Gulf streams northward. This will lead to daily or almost daily chances of rain and thunderstorms. Drought and dryness will likely improve for most areas, especially the High Plains and Midwest.
At the same time, a ridge of high pressure will build over the West. Hot and dry weather will be in the forecast. This will consequently cause drought conditions to worsen.
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Source: U.S. Drought Monitor