Drought Monitor shows mixed changes across country

The December 9th drought monitor shows 66% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down just under 1% from the previous week, with 40.3% in D1 level drought or higher, down 1.1%.

Changes to the drought monitor were mixed across the country this week. Improvements were mainly along the northwest coast and southeastern U.S. Most of the southeast had experienced a very dry fall, so continued moisture will be needed in some areas to fully remove drought conditions. Drought conditions intensified in parts of the southern Plains, but relatively mild temperatures prevented too much loss of soil moisture. Areas further north in the Midwest saw mostly frozen precipitation which limits the immediate impact to soil moisture levels.

Currently 31% of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought (up 1%), with 31% of soybean acres (up 1%), and 34% of winter wheat acres (down 1%) also impacted. For livestock, 25% of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions (unchanged) with 35% of dairy cattle also in drought (up 1%). The National Weather Service forecast for next week expects widespread rain to continue in the Pacific Northwest, and some spotty precipitation in the Midwest. The more forward-looking 6 to 10 day forecast sees warmer than average temperatures possible across most of the U.S. This is expected to take place after the region experiences a blast of cold Arctic air this weekend.

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