The latest US seasonal drought outlook shows a clear divide between the eastern and western production areas in terms of drought risk.
As shown on the map below, the outlook for the period ending July 31 suggests the continuation or development of drought across most of the central Plains, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and a portion of Oklahoma. On the other hand, most of the country east of the Plains looks like it could skate through the remainder of the spring and the first part of summer without any major dryness problems.
According to the outlook, there are “enhanced odds” for subnormal May-July precipitation through almost all of the more western areas, while above-normal rainfall is expected to the east.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s extended precipitation outlook (also shown below) confirms the likelihood of the east-west rainfall split.
Meanwhile, the summer forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac shows a definite bias toward hotter temperatures for most of the country, along with near to slightly below normal rainfall, particularly in the western half.
