• Recent weather brought some rain and high-elevation snow.
• Nearly half of U.S. rangeland is in poor condition.
• Drought conditions are expanding in the High Plains.
• Wildfire threats have decreased in some areas.

September 20, 2024 — The U.S. Drought Monitor released its September 17 report yesterday.  Recent weather patterns in the western United States have brought a cooling trend, accompanied by rain and snowfall in higher elevations, particularly in the northern Rockies. This shift came after a prolonged heat wave that affected many areas. However, while some regions experienced precipitation, drought conditions remain a concern, especially in the Colorado River Basin states: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Current Drought Status: Rangelands Not Faring Well.

As of September 15, significant portions of rangeland and pastures across the country are in ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’ condition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that nearly 46% of these lands are struggling, a significant increase from just 19% earlier in the summer. Conditions have worsened in the High Plains region, including parts of Wyoming, with topsoil moisture levels rated ‘very short’ to ‘short.’ In Wyoming, about 70% of rangeland and pastures are rated very poor to poor, making it one of the hardest-hit states. Recent wildfires have further exacerbated the situation, burning more than 370,000 acres of vegetation in the region.

Wildfire Threat and Vegetation Health.

While some areas have seen beneficial rain, the drought has yet to improve significantly. In southern California, recent wildfires burned over 115,000 acres. However, with the end of the extreme heat wave, it’s reassuring to note that the wildfire threat has diminished in some locations.

Topsoil moisture levels in agricultural regions of the West are concerning, with 54% to 80% rated very short to short in eight of the eleven Western states. Rangeland and pastures are similarly affected, with ratings of 40% to 70% “very poor” to “poor” in many areas, excluding California, Utah, and Colorado.

The Forecasts.

Forecasts for the next week indicate that weather may bring significant precipitation to the central Rockies and Plains, potentially improving conditions for rangeland and pastures. This forecast offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging situation. However, much of the western U.S. is expected to remain dry, with warmer-than-normal temperatures likely to persist in many areas.

Data and Image Source:  U.S. Drought Monitor