Drought Information Statement for Western & Central Wyoming Valid July 15, 2024 Issued By: WFO Riverton, WY Contact Information: This product will be updated by July 26, 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 have spread across more of western Wyoming and continue across portions of Big Horn, Johnson and Fremont counties. Abnormally Dry conditions have developed across most of the state with the only exception being parts of Sweetwater County. 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): Teton, western Park, large portions of Sublette, Lincoln, and Fremont Counties, and portions of Big Horn, Johnson, and Natrona Counties D0: (Abnormally Dry): All other counties except portions of Sweetwater County Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Most areas of the state except as noted below No Change: Parts of Teton, Park, Natrona, and Johnson Counties. Drought Improved: No improvements except the extreme northern fringe of Park County. Persistent high pressure during late June and early July has led to more limited rainfall from showers and thunderstorms. As a result, many places have remained predominantly hot and dry with little rainfall reaching the ground. Precipitation Nearly all of Wyoming had below normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Above normal precipitation was mainly focused over northern Sweetwater, and portions of Fremont, Hot Springs, and Natrona Counties. Link to ACIS Climate Maps from the High Plains Regional Climate Center Temperature Nearly the entire state saw above normal temperatures with pockets of southwest Wyoming seeing average temperatures 2-4 degrees above normal. Below average temperatures were primarily located over the Bighorn Basin, and portions far northwest Wyoming and Johnson County 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. Any flooding would be the result of thunderstorms producing very heavy rainfall 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 Wildland grasses and shrubs have been rapidly drying given the recent above normal temperatures and dry conditions 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 Links to the latest 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 further develop or persist over almost the entire region The exceptions are portions of Sweetwater County and adjacent areas Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook