Drought Information Statement for Western & Central Wyoming Valid June, 30, 2024 Issued By: WFO Riverton, WY Contact Information: This product will be updated by July 15, 2024, or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/riw/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Moderate (D1) drought conditions continue across northwestern Wyoming. Abnormally Dry conditions have developed across most of the state with the only exception being parts of Sweetwater, southern Lincoln, and southern Fremont. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None occurring D3 (Extreme Drought): None occurring D2 (Severe Drought): None occurring D1 (Moderate Drought): Far northwestern WY, in parts of western Park and northern Teton Counties. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Teton, Park, Big Horn, Hot Springs, Washakie, Johnson, Sublette, parts of Lincoln, Fremont, Natrona, and Sweetwater Counties. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Parts of Park, Teton, Hot Springs, Big Horn, Washakie, Johnson, Natrona, Fremont, Sublette, Lincoln, and Sweetwater Counties. No Change: Parts of Teton, Park, Natrona, Johnson, and Sublette Counties, as well as a small part of Fremont County. Drought Improved: Slight improvements in parts of Park County. Potent areas of high pressure during June have really hindered any convective development. Due to this many places have remained predominantly hot and dry. Precipitation Nearly all the state had below normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Above normal precipitation was mainly focused over parts of northern Sweetwater and isolated areas in Fremont and Natrona Counties. Link to ACIS Climate Maps from the High Plains Regional Climate Center Temperature Nearly all the state saw above normal temperatures with more than 50% of the state seeing 2-4 degrees above normal. The places with the greatest departure from normal where most of the southern half of the state, parts of Park County and the Bighorn Basin. Summary of Impacts (graphics on following slides) Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Conditions are expected to remain dry across much of the state with most of the precipitation coming from convective showers and thunderstorms. Multiple rounds of precipitation in the second half of May help improve drought conditions across most of the Bighorns. Agricultural Impacts USDA Wyoming Crop Progress and Condition Reports can be found here Fire Hazard Impacts There are no known impacts at this time (Most recent Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook) Other Impacts Snowmelt has begun across many parts of the state with some places seeing minor flooding. Melting is expected to continue through the first half of June as temperatures are forecast to remain above normal. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information Clear debris from around structures to protect from potential wildfires 7-Day Average Streamflow Ending May 15, 2024 Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Big Sandy Basin has below normal streamflow for this time of year A majority of the region has normal streamflow Portions of the Bighorn, North Platte, and Middle Powder River Basins have above normal streamflow as compared to normal Image Caption: USGS 7 day average streamflow HUC map valid 05 15 2024 Agricultural Impacts Recent precipitation has created wet soil moisture conditions across mainly northern Wyoming Short-term water need vs. Available Water in a Shallow Soil profile is trending neither dry or moist - this comparison is characterized as “Slightly Dry/ Favorably Moist” Fire Hazard Impacts Grasslands: Many places in “green up” - wildland fire hazards may be possible as fuels become drier in the coming 30-45 days Mountains: Fire season begins after the mountain snow melt ends. Peak wildfire season is usually mid-July through early September Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. July 2024 Outlook August 2024 Outlook Precipitation Outlook Valid May 17-23 Seven-Day Precipitation Forecast The next storm system is set to arrive early next week (May 20-21), but precipitation totals are not looking heavy at this time There is potential for a more vigorous storm arriving from the west Thursday, May 23 (and 24). This storm may pack a better punch and provide cooler temperatures and widespread precipitation Mountain snow, especially in far west and northern Wyoming Lower elevation precipitation will likely be in the form of rain Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. No significant hazards are expected over Wyoming from May 24 through May 29 Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Temperatures for June are expected to trend above normal, with much of the area having a 40-50% chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures. June precipitation chances are expected to have equal chances of below, normal, and above normal. Climatology is favored. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are expected to continue across the northwestern corner of the state. This includes parts of Park and Teton Counties. Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook