Select categories to browse updates

Snow drought impacts have intensified as snow melted weeks early this spring.

Another hot and dry summer ahead.

Combined poor peak snowpack and/or rapid spring melt rates lead to western drought expansion and degradation.

Widespread drought conditions and associated impacts likely to persist this summer.

This drought status update summarizes key points from the May 7 Northern Plains Drought Update and Outlook Webinar, which provided an update on and outlook for the ongoing drought conditions across portions of the Northern Great Plains. 

Dry soils are first in line for winter snowmelt.

Snow drought and early, accelerated snowmelt raise concerns as we head into summer.