Drought Information Statement for Eastern Washington & North Idaho Valid April 30, 2025 Issued By: NWS Spokane, WA Contact Information: w-otx.webmaster@noaa.gov This will be updated when drought significantly degrades. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/otx/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. STATE OF WASHINGTON DROUGHT ADVISORY FOR PARTS OF CENTRAL WASHINGTON (see link) Current conditions near to slightly drier than normal and will likely persist into late Spring and into Summer U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for eastern Washington and north Idaho Drought intensity and Extent for the Inland NW D1 (Moderate Drought): near the Cascade crest and the central ID Panhandle ~ less than 15% D0: (Abnormally Dry): parts of central WA and the ID Panhandle ~ less than 18% NONE: 67% Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change No Change: much of central WA and north Idaho Last 30 Days Precipitation over the last 30 days has been below normal across the Inland NW and especially dry across the western Columbia Basin. Last 90 Days Precipitation over the last 90 days has been wetter across the Palouse region and eastern Columbia Basin Unfortunately long term dryness remains across central WA and the higher elevations of the Idaho Panhandle. Last 7 Days and 30 Days Temperatures the last week and last 30 days have been warmer than normal across the Cascades, northeast WA, and ID Panhandle, leading to an increase of snowmelt. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Water supply outlook remains mostly below normal, especially for Okanogan and Chelan counties. (NWS NWRFC) Snowpack conditions were mostly below for the northern Cascades and parts of the ID Panhandle. (NRCS) Agricultural Impacts Spring planting has begun. Spring wheat has emerged. Moisture is needed. USDA Crop Progress Reports Fire Hazard Impacts Green-up is ongoing. The Significant Fire Potential Outlook favors above normal activity by July. (NIFC) Other Impacts Washington State Declared Drought Advisory for Okanogan and Chelan counties. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your local municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Stream flows on the unregulated river basins over the past 7 days have been above normal in north central WA where rapid snowmelt has been ongoing. It has been below normal across the Palouse region and central ID Panhandle where snowmelt has slowed down. Elsewhere it as been near normal. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Snow Water Equivalent were mostly below average and a few were less than 50% of average especially in north central WA. Natural water volume forecasts were mostly below to well below normal; a few near normal especially on the lower Snake River. Agricultural Conditions and Impacts Soil moisture remains drier than normal across the Cascades and the ID Panhandle. Crop moisture index remain close to normal. Spring planting has begun. Spring wheat has emerged. Fire Hazard Impacts Green-up is ongoing. The Significant Fire Potential Outlook favors above normal activity by July. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Here is a forecast of precipitation for the Pacific NW for the upcoming week as showers increase. The 8-14 day outlook favors 30-40% of above normal temperatures 33-50% of above normal precipitation for early May. Monthly Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage May is leaning toward equal chances of near, above, and below normal temperatures and precipitation across the Inland NW. Long-Range Outlooks The latest seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage May-June-July outlook favors better chances of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across the Inland NW. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The Monthly and Seasonal Drought Outlook shows were drought exists will likely persist across the Cascades and ID Panhandle.