Drought conditions intensify in the mountain west

The July 14th drought monitor shows 65.7% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1.2% from the previous week, with 46.5% in D1 level drought or higher, down 0.7%.Currently 19% (unchanged) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 18% (down 1%) of soybean acres, and 24% (up 5%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 44% (down 1%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 31% (down 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Rainfall favored the eastern U.S. over the past week, with the heaviest accumulations occurring in the mid-South states ranging from Arkansas, moving northeast towards Virginia. The western U.S. remained mostly dry and hot, with drought conditions worsening in the mountain west. A heat dome that was originally expected to have moved out of the northern Plains and Midwest has proved more stubborn than originally thought, leaving temperatures higher than normal for the week in those areas.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects the Midwest and surrounding areas to remain mostly dry through the weekend, though rain chances return to the Midwest and Plains next week. Above-normal temperatures are expected to remain in the region as well, which may limit drought improvements. The highest chances for above average rainfall next week are centered in the Southwest, near Arizona and New Mexico.

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