NOAA Warns Extreme Heat, Dry Conditions
Drought conditions have been recently deteriorating over areas of the North Central U.S. (Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming). Abnormally dry conditions have recently expanded as well. A recent increase in atmospheric demand (i.e., crop water use) is starting to cause some stress on rangeland, grassland and crops as soil moisture availability is decreasing.
Forecasts show the possibility for rainfall in some areas over the next week. However, it is not likely to be widespread. In addition, there is a greater chance for above-normal temperatures across much of the north central U.S. through the end of June into early July. Therefore, for those that do receive rainfall, hotter temperatures will likely continue to worsen conditions in some areas.
Moderate drought recently developed in portions of the Missouri River Basin and Midwest. Abnormally dry conditions also expanded this past week by around 10 percent in the Midwest and 8 percent in the Great Plains.
Drought early warning updates are issued in partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to communicate potential areas of concern for drought expansion and/or development within the North Central U.S. based on recent conditions and the upcoming forecast.
