Strong Storm Impacting the Gulf of Alaska; Record-Breaking Heat Expected This Weekend Across the Southwest

A strong system tracking eastward across the southern Bering Sea will move into the north central Gulf of Alaska this weekend producing snow squalls, storm-force winds and moderate to heavy rain. Record-breaking high temperatures are forecast this weekend across the Desert Southwest into the central and southern Plains. High temperatures are expected to reach into the upper 90s and triple digits. Read More >

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Wyoming Drought Monitor	March/April Wyoming Climate Summary (Wyoming State Climate Office)

Drought Monitor Graphics

Drought Monitor Classification Changes

12 Week Animation	Seasonal Drought Outlook

2018 - Year-to-Date Animation	Palmer (long-term) Drought Index

1 Month	2019

Water Year (Since 10/1/2018)	Last 1 Year

Drought Severity Classifications

		Ranges
Category	Description	Possible Impacts	Palmer Drought Index	CPC Soil Moisture Model (Percentiles)	USGS Weekly Streamflow (Percentiles)	Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)	Objective Short and Long-term Drought Indicator Blends (Percentiles)
D0	Abnormally Dry	Going into drought: short-term dryness slowing planting, growth of crops or pastures. Coming out of drought: some lingering water deficits; pastures or crops not fully recovered	-1.0 to -1.9	21-30	21-30	-0.5 to -0.7	21-30
D1	Moderate Drought	Some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs, or wells low, some water shortages developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions requested	-2.0 to -2.9	11-20	11-20	-0.8 to -1.2	11-20
D2	Severe Drought	Crop or pasture losses likely; water shortages common; water restrictions imposed	-3.0 to -3.9	6-10	6-10	-1.3 to -1.5	6-10
D3	Extreme Drought	Major crop/pasture losses; widespread water shortages or restrictions	-4.0 to -4.9	3-5	3-5	-1.6 to -1.9	3-5
D4	Exceptional Drought	Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies	-5.0 or less	0-2	0-2	-2.0 or less	0-2

Drought Monitoring Tools
Crop Moisture Index	One Month SPEI	1-Month Change in 0-5cm Soil Moisture	Grace-based Soil Moisture

Soil Moisture Percentiles	6 Month SPEI	Quick Drought Response Index	Vegetation Drought Response Index