Drought Information Statement for Western & Central Wyoming Valid October 6th, 2024 Issued By: WFO Riverton, WY Contact Information: This product will be updated by October 18, 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. Severe (D2) drought conditions increase across portions of Natrona, Johnson, Fremont, Teton, Park, and Lincoln Counties. Moderate (D1) drought conditions increased over nearly all of central and northern Wyoming. Drought conditions are expected to persist or increase across the state through October. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor U.S. Drought Monitor for Wyoming Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None occurring. D3 (Extreme Drought): Across portions of eastern Wyoming. D2 (Severe Drought): Portions of Teton, Park, Lincoln, and Fremont Counties as well most of Johnson and Natrona Counties. D1 (Moderate Drought): Most of central and northern WY. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Far northwestern Park County, along with portions of southern Lincoln, Sublette, Fremont, Natrona Counties, and most of Sweetwater County. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Latest 4-week change map for Wyoming Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change Drought Worsened: Portions of Central and eastern WY. Specifically parts of Fremont, Washakie, Hot Springs, Natrona, and Johnson Counties. No Change: Across much of the state. Drought Improved: Central/southern portions of Sweetwater County, along with portions of Park and Teton Counties. Little to no precipitation along with dry conditions and above normal temperatures. Gusty winds have also been a factor through the month. Precipitation Nearly all of Wyoming saw below normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Only small portions of Sweetwater and Teton Counties saw areas of above normal precipitation. ACIS Climate Maps from the High Plains Regional Climate Center Temperature Most if not all of the state saw above normal temperatures. The majority of areas saw values of 2 to 6 degrees above normal with some places seeing 6 to 8 degrees. No areas saw temperatures below normal. The only cool location was far northwestern Park which saw values of 0-2 degrees above normal. 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 the drought persisting or worsening in many areas. Agricultural Impacts USDA Wyoming Crop Progress and Condition Reports can be found here Fire Hazard Impacts Fire Hazards are possible across nearly all of the state due to dry conditions, above normal temperatures, and gusty winds. The greatest concerns are in portions of northeastern and northwestern Wyoming. (Most recent Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook) Other Impacts Wildland grasses and shrubs have reached critical criteria across many areas in the state. 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 The lack of significant precipitation has impacted areas of northern and souhwestern Wyoming Short-term water need vs. Available Water in a Shallow Soil profile is trending dry. 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. October 2024 Outlook November 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 are looking to remain above normal with much of the state likely to experience unseasonably warm temperatures. Chances for below normal precipitation is looking increasingly likely across most of the state. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are expected to persist over central and northern portions of the state. Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook