Drought Information Statement for Western & Central Wyoming Valid July 26, 2024 Issued By: WFO Riverton, WY Contact Information: This product will be updated by August 09, 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 expanded to cover most if not all of Teton, Park, Sublette, and Lincoln Counties. Fremont, Natrona, Johnson, and Big Horn Counties have also seen small areas of moderate drought conditions develop. Abnormally Dry conditions remain 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): mostly all of Teton, Park, Sublette, and Lincoln Counties. Fremont, Natrona, Johnson, and Big Horn Counties have also seen small areas of moderate drought conditions develop. 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 central, northern, and western Wyoming. Drought Improved: No improvements in drought conditions. Persistent high pressure remained over the western CONUS keeping conditions mainly hot and dry. As a result, many places have seen limited precipitation chances and near record heat. 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, Big Horn and Natrona Counties. Temperature Much of the state saw temperatures that were 0-2 degrees above normal. Portions of Park, Teton, Lincoln, Sublette, and Sweetwater Counties saw temperatures nearly 2-6 degrees above normal. Below average temperatures were primarily located over the high elevations of central and northern Wyoming. Summary of Impacts (graphics on following slides) Hydrologic Impacts Conditions are expected to remain dry across much of the state with some areas seeing worsening drought conditions through the start of August. Any flooding would be the result of thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall over a short period of time. 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 reached critical criteria across many areas in the state with further drying expected. 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 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 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. Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook