Summer 2025 Drought and Fire Outlook Webinar for the Great Plains

As of May 15, nearly 50% of the Missouri River Basin and nearly 35% of the Southern Plains are in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will develop this summer from North Dakota through Nebraska and persist across large parts of the Missouri River Basin states. Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas could see short-term drought improvement, but long-term drought impacts may remain. Conditions are likely to be favorable across the regions for wildland fire development. 

Knowing where drought is now and where it might form in the upcoming season can help build resilience to potential drought impacts. This webinar provided an overview of current drought conditions and a look ahead at the coming summer season, including wildland fire potential. 

A video recording and summary of the webinar are now available.

Presenters 

• Current/Seasonal Conditions and Climate Outlook: Dr. Eric Hunt, University of Nebraska Assistant Extension Educator of Agricultural Meteorology

• Wildland Fire Risk and Potential: Christopher (Chip) Redmond, Kansas State University Assistant Meteorologist and Weather Data Library/Mesonet Manager

For more information, please contact Joel Lisonbee (joel.lisonbee@noaa.gov) and Jason Gerlich (jason.gerlich@noaa.gov).