Below Normal Precipitation Expected To Continue

A briefing conducted by the National Weather Service of Glasgow on Friday, March 19, indicated that the area shouldn’t be expecting a great deal of precipitation in the near future.

Patrick Gilchrist, warning coordinator meteorologist, reported that the forecast for the next 8-14 days calls for below normal temperatures and a below normal chance of precipitation.

Outlook until the end of June appears to have near normal temperatures and precipitation.

“It’s looking like we’re in this through the spring months,” Gilchrist said.

He noted that one good system could put a dent in the drought conditions.

Gilchrist reminded residents that conditions can change in a hurry. For example, there was a flood in the fall of 2016, and then drought conditions just eight months later.

He said that the area this winter didn’t experienced a typical La Nina winter that features colder and wetter weather.

“Unfortunately for us, La Nina is anything but a slam dunk,” Gilchrist said. “There have been different La Ninas.”

After the area had snow storms in October and November, temperatures became warmer and moisture decreased in December and January.

The winter was Montana’s 16th driest on record and was North Dakota’s fourth driest.

Eastern Roosevelt County and parts of North Dakota have extreme drought designations.

Montana had its second warmest winter in history, while North Dakota and South Dakota recorded their warmest winters.

February featured an Arctic blast and much colder temperatures.

The forecast for July through September is for more normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.