Drought Monitor shows conditions intensify across the lower 48

The February 10th drought monitor shows 72.6% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, up 2.1% from the previous week, with 46.6% in D1 level drought or higher, also up 2.1%. Currently 31% (up 2%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 37% (up 3%) of soybean acres, and 45% (up 2%) of winter wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 39% (up 3%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 31% (up 3%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

The dominant temperature pattern of warmer conditions in the western U.S. and below-average temperatures in the east continued again this week. Combined with the lack of widespread precipitation, most of the country saw drought ratings increase slightly. Snowpack remains near historic lows despite some minor mountain snowfall occurred over the past week.Areas that saw heavier but still localized rainfall include the Carolina’s and portions of Alabama and Georgia which saw narrow bands of up to 2 inch totals recorded in those areas.

The National Weather Service expects rainfall to be more prevalent in the coming week as a system should develop in the southern U.S. stretching from east Texas in to the Mississippi Valley, weakening as it moves west. The chance for another system to develop further west exists as well. Widespread precipitation is expected across portions of California in to the central Rocky Mountains, with estimates ranging from 1 to 3 inches of liquid-equivalent are expected.

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