• Local improvements in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
• Warmer-than-normal temperatures in California, Nevada, and Utah.
• Dry weather continues in western Wyoming, leading to worsening conditions.

August 16, 2024 — The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released on August 15, 2024, highlights ongoing fluctuations in drought conditions across the Colorado River Basin states in the Southwest. While some areas saw localized improvements due to recent rainfall, others experienced worsening conditions, mainly where warm and dry weather persisted.

In Arizona and New Mexico, heavy rains in the northeast brought some relief, leading to localized improvements in drought conditions. Similar patterns were observed along the Utah-Colorado border, where recent precipitation helped ease short-term moderate drought conditions.

The story was different in other parts of the region. California, Nevada, and Utah saw temperatures ranging from 3 to 9 degrees above average, with little rainfall to alleviate the ongoing dry conditions. According to the National Weather Service’s forecast, this warm, dry weather is expected to continue in the coming days.

The situation is particularly concerning in Wyoming. Continued dry weather in the western part of the state, especially along the Idaho border, expanded drought conditions. Without significant rainfall, these areas are likely to see further degradation.

As the Southwest faces a mix of improving and worsening conditions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the recent rains can make a lasting impact or if the persistent dry and warm weather will continue to challenge the region.

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