Drought Information Statement for Western CO & Eastern UT Valid August 14th, 2025 Issued By: WFO Grand Junction, CO Contact Information: This product will be updated if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/gjt/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Persistent heat and drought conditions through the summer months have lead to dangerous fire weather conditions, with multiple active wildfires across western Colorado In response, D4-Exceptional Drought has been introduced over several western Colorado counties U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent: D4 (Exceptional Drought): Exceptional drought conditions have spread into 8 counties in western CO; including portions of Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta and Gunnison counties D3 (Extreme Drought): No expansion of D3 over the last week D2 (Severe Drought): Expansion across the southwest San Juans and Uinta basins D1 (Moderate Drought): Majority of the regions that were previously in D1 have shown degrading conditions and are now classified as D2, Severe Drought Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change: Drought Worsened: One class degradation over northwest Colorado - dropping to D4, southwest Colorado - dropping to D2, and northeast Utah - dropping to D2 Drought Improved: NA Precipitation Monsoon activity continues to run well below normal for western CO and eastern UT 30-day precipitation estimates are well below normal Isolated storms produced 0.5 to 1.00 inches of precipitation in early August with minimal accumulation since. Majority of the region has received less than 0.5 inch over the last 30 days Temperature Abnormally warm temperatures have continued to encompassed the west over the last 30 days, with a larger departure from normal over the Four Corners region. Temperatures show a greater departure from normal since the beginning of August. Fire Hazard Impacts Significant wildfire potential outlooks show above normal fire potential persists across eastern Utah and west to northwest Colorado through the month of August. Regions with the potential for above normal fire activity in succeeding months shifts to the northwest, with normal conditions expected over Utah and Colorado by September. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast The 7-Day precipitation forecast falls below normal across the Western Slope Weak monsoon moisture will not support widespread precipitation, though isolated to scattered storms are possible over the next 3 days and will favor high terrain. The next best chance for measurable precipitation arrives late next week/weekend Long-Range Outlooks There is a 33 to 50% chance of precipitation running below normal for the seasonal outlook (Aug - Oct). There is a greater probability for warmer than normal temperatures over the next three months, 50 to 60%, across the Western Slope. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Water conservation is still encouraged Increased algae blooms with reduced flow in creeks, streams and rivers and warmer water temperatures Agricultural Impacts Pastures provide marginal feeding for livestock, resulting in supplemental feeding and hauling water for livestock is required Hay production has been about 33% of normal Crop conditions are very poor - extreme degree of loss to yield potential, complete or near crop failure due to less water for irrigation, reduced yield, insect infestation, and plant stress Fire Hazard Impacts Extreme fire behavior in Mesa, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties in western CO Drought and high winds have resulted in rapid fire growth for several fires across western CO over the last 7 days Other Impacts Colorado fisheries closed to fishing along the Yampa River below Stagecoach Dam due to low flow and prevent overfishing Several wildfires have diminished air quality and affected CO’s outdoor recreation economy. The BLM closed public lands access in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties, and the South Rim Fire has closed the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information.