Widespread Improvements to Drought Occur Across U.S.

Quite a few of the drought areas in the U.S. reported at least some improvement this week, including some of the hardest hit drought areas in the Southwest and South. In contrast, some places remained dry and saw the drought depiction worsen.

West
Mostly dry weather prevailed across the West last week. The exception was isolated areas of the Four Corners states, which observed monsoon-related thunderstorm activity. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches were observed, with the highest amounts falling in east-central and southeastern Arizona. Isolated areas of the Pacific Northwest and the eastern Plains of Montana also saw isolated shower activity, but amounts remained below 2 inches for the week. In terms of reservoir storage in the West, California’s reservoirs continue to be at or above historical averages. In contrast, the big dams on the Colorado River remain low, with Lake Powell down to near 33% of capacity, and Lake Mead at just 31% percent full.

Severe drought (D2) expanded in southeastern Idaho and far northern Utah, while moderate drought (D1) increased across northeastern Montana. Meanwhile, severe drought (D2) was trimmed back slightly in northwestern Montana. Extreme drought (D3) was reduced significantly in southeastern Arizona, while the rest of Arizona saw moderate and severe drought (D1-D2) decrease in coverage.
 
High Plains
Rain and thunderstorms were hit-or-miss throughout the High Plains last week. The heaviest rainfall fell across northern Kansas into southeastern Nebraska, with some places picking up 10 inches or more of rain! Some beneficial rain all occurred in parts of western North Dakota, north-central South Dakota, southeastern Wyoming and northeastern Colorado.

With dry weather prevailing, moderate and severe drought (D1-D2) expanded across western Wyoming. Abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) increased throughout northern North Dakota, with moderate drought (D1) worsening in south-central South Dakota. Abnormal dryness also increased in central and south-central Colorado.

Conversely, many areas of improvement were seen in northern Kansas, southern Nebraska, southeastern Wyoming. Abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) also decreased across western North Dakota and southwestern South Dakota. Northeastern Colorado also saw abnormally dry (D0) conditions trimmed back.
 
Midwest
Significant rain fell throughout parts of the Midwest last week, with most places picking up 1 to 6 inches of rain. Locally heavier amounts of 10 inches or more also fell in a few places! However, much of the beneficial moisture missed out on the eastern portions of the Midwest.

Severe drought (D2) was removed from far north-central Minnesota, while abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) were also trimmed back significantly. Moderate drought (D1) was removed in southwestern Iowa and far northern Illinois, while abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D1) were reduced for the rest of Iowa and northern Illinois. Abnormal dryness (D0) was also removed in northern Wisconsin and all of Missouri.

At the same time, abnormal dryness and moderate drought (D0-D1) increased in northern Indiana and Lower Michigan.
 
South
Monsoonal moisture helped improved drought conditions in western Texas, including the Trans-Pecos region. Southern Texas also saw beneficial moisture last week. Short- and mid-term drought indicators are showing improvements in terms of precipitation deficits, soil moisture and vegetation health. Otherwise, it was a drier week across the rest of the South.

Exceptional drought (D4) was removed completely in western Texas. As a result, the only spot in the nation dealing with exceptional drought conditions is far southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Abnormal dryness to extreme drought (D0-D3) all decreased in coverage across western and southern Texas.

A small area of moderate drought (D1) was added to eastern Tennessee, with abnormal dryness (D0) also expanding. Areas of abnormal dryness (D0) were also introduced to northern Mississippi and from eastern Louisiana into southwestern Mississippi.
 
Southeast
Most of the Southeast had to contend with dry weather this past week. There were some exceptions though, including northern and western Virginia, parts of North Carolina and parts of Florida. Here, rainfall amounts of 1 to 6 inches fell this past week. There was a mix of improvements and degradations to the drought depiction in the Southeast as a result.

A small area of moderate drought (D1) was introduced to southeastern Alabama. Abnormal dryness (D0) was either introduced or expanded across south-central North Carolina, western South Carolina, northern and southwestern Georgia, northern Florida into the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.

In contrast, a small area of moderate drought (D1) was removed in central Florida, while abnormal dryness (D0) was also trimmed back.
 
Northeast
Light rain fell across most of New England, while northern Maine and the Mid-Atlantic recorded heavier rainfall. Northern Maine, West Virginia, southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey picked up around 2 to 3 inches for the week.

Overall, drought and abnormally dry conditions remained status quo throughout much of the Northeast this past week. However, there was the introduction of a small area of abnormal dryness (D0) in central New York. There was also a slight reduction of abnormal dryness (D0) in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
 
Looking Ahead through July 29th
A slow-moving cold front will advance across the High Plains, Midwest and northern portions of the Northeast through July 25th. This will result in chances of rain and thunderstorms daily during this time. Slow-moving repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rain could develop and possibly lead to localized flooding. While it dries out for the remainder of the forecast period, this beneficial rain will likely lead to improvements in all three regions.

Parts of the South and Southeast will have to contend with a tropical low pressure system drifting east to west across the northern Gulf through much of the forecast period. The heaviest rain will likely occur across Florida and along the immediate Gulf Coast, while there will be a lesser chance of rain and storms farther onshore. Most of Florida will likely see improving drought and abnormally dry conditions. The spottier rain though might not be enough to help mounting precipitation deficits across the rest of the South and Southeast.

Monsoonal moisture will continue to flow into the Four Corners states and much of the Rockies through July 29th. Drought conditions will most likely improve for the Four Corners and parts of the Rockies given daily chances of rain and thunderstorms. However, high pressure over the rest of the West will create dry weather and worsening drought conditions.

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Source: U.S. Drought Monitor