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Short-Term Drought Improvements in the Midwest, but Long-Term Deficits Remain—Leading to Increased Vulnerability to Drought

Halfway through the water year, California-Nevada precipitation is near-normal, with above-normal snowpack.

Beneficial rains were observed since February 1 across portions of the territories, causing drought conditions to relax in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Although some dryness and drought conditions persist in other areas,  the northeastern Caribbean is moving into the start of its wet season, and drought conditions are expected to improve further. 

Snow drought persists in Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies as climatological peak mountain snowpack approaches.

Snow Drought, Winter Warmth, and Spring Fire Danger

Storms improved conditions in much of the West. However, snow drought lingers in the Northern Rockies and parts of the Northwest.