Boulder County Conditions

By Location | County

Drought Conditions for Boulder County

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Get notified when conditions change

238

people in Boulder County are affected by drought

same

No change

since last week

same

99.7%

since last month

0.1%

of people in Boulder County are affected by drought

same

No change

since last week

same

26%

since last month

22nd

wettest August on record, over the past 128 years

same

0.79

same

inches from normal

51st

wettest year to date over the past 128 years (January-August 2022)

same

0.64

same

inches from normal

Learn more about these stats

Current Conditions for Boulder County

View More National Drought Maps

U.S. Drought Monitor Temperature (30-Day Departure from Normal) Precipitation (30-Day % of Normal)

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country using a five-category system, from Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions to Exceptional Drought (D4). The USDM is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more.

This map shows the departure from normal maximum temperature (°F) over the past 30 days, compared to usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and PRISM temperature datasets. Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control. Learn more.

This map shows the percent of normal precipitation for the past 30 days, compared to the usual conditions for the same time period averaged from 1991–2020.

This map uses the gridMET and NLDAS precipitation datasets, and precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days. Learn more.

D0 - Abnormally Dry

Hay production decreases; rangeland is dry
Irrigation begins sooner

of Boulder County

(D0-D4)

D1 - Moderate Drought

Rangeland growth is stunted; very little hay is available
Dryland crops suffer
Wildfires increase

of Boulder County

(D1-D4)

D2 - Severe Drought

Farmers reduce planting; producers sell cattle
Fire season is extended
Snowpack is low; surface water levels are low; river flow is reduced

of Boulder County

(D2-D4)

D3 - Extreme Drought

Pasture conditions worsen
Large fires develop
Reservoirs are extremely low; mandatory water restrictions are implemented; water temperature increases

of Boulder County

(D3-D4)

D4 - Exceptional Drought

Dust storms and topsoil removal are widespread
Agricultural and recreational economic losses are large

of Boulder County

(D4)

Departure from the 1991–2020 Normal Max Temperature (°F)

-8

-6

-4

-3

-1

Departure from the 1991–2020 Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range	Map Hex Color
- -8	#0404ff
-8 - -6	#2166ac
-6 - -4	#4393c3
-4 - -3	#92c5de
-3 - -1	#d1e5f0
-1 - 0	#ffffff


Range	Map Hex Color
0 - 1	#ffffff
1 - 3	#fddbc7
3 - 4	#f4a582
4 - 6	#d6604d
6 - 8	#b2182b
8 -	#800000

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)

0% - 25%

25% - 50%

50% - 75%

75% - 100%

Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Value	Map Hex Color
0% - 25%	#8c510a
25% - 50%	#bf812d
50% - 75%	#dfc27d
75% - 100%	#f6e8c3

100% - 150%

150% - 200%

200% - 300%

≥ 300%


Value	Map Hex Color
100% - 150%	#c7eae5
150% - 200%	#80cdc1
200% - 300%	#35978f
≥ 300%	#01665e

Source(s):

NDMC, NOAA, USDA

Source(s):

UC Merced

Source(s):

UC Merced

Updates Weekly - 09/27/22

Last Updated - 10/01/22

Learn more about these data

Short-Term Drought Indicator Blend

Short Term

These experimental drought blends integrate several key drought monitoring products and indices into a single short-term or long-term product, based on the methodology developed at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. The blends are created using the Climate Engine tool, and apply the CPC weighting ratios to the high-resolution gridMET gridded research dataset.

The short-term blend combines PDSI, Z-Index, 1-month SPI, and 3-month SPI to estimate the overall short-term drought. This product is an example of current NIDIS-funded research.

The data are updated every 5 days, with a delay of 4 to 5 days to allow for data collection and quality control. Learn more.

Click here for more information about this legend

Dry Conditions (Percentile Categories)

D4 (0-2)

D3 (2-5)

D2 (5-10)

D1 (10-20)

D0 (20-30)

(30-70)

Dry Conditions (Percentile Categories)
Value	Map Hex Color
D4 (0-2)	#730000
D3 (2-5)	#E60000
D2 (5-10)	#FFAA00
D1 (10-20)	#FCD37F
D0 (20-30)	#FFFF00
(30-70)	#ffffff

Wet Conditions (Percentile Categories)

W0 (70-80)

W1 (80-90)

W2 (90-95)

W3 (95-98)

W4 (98-100)

Wet Conditions (Percentile Categories)
Value	Map Hex Color
W0 (70-80)	#AAFF55
W1 (80-90)	#01FFFF
W2 (90-95)	#00AAFF
W3 (95-98)	#0000FF
W4 (98-100)	#0000AA

Source(s):

UC Merced, Climate Engine

Last Updated - 09/27/22

Experimental

Long-Term Drought Indicator Blend

Long Term

The long-term blend combines PDSI, Z-Index, and 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year SPI to estimate the overall long-term drought. This product is an example of current NIDIS-funded research.

The data are updated every 5 days, with a delay of 4 to 5 days to allow for data collection and quality control. Learn more.

Click here for more information about this legend

Dry Conditions (Percentile Categories)

D4 (0-2)

D3 (2-5)

D2 (5-10)

D1 (10-20)

D0 (20-30)

(30-70)

Dry Conditions (Percentile Categories)
Value	Map Hex Color
D4 (0-2)	#730000
D3 (2-5)	#E60000
D2 (5-10)	#FFAA00
D1 (10-20)	#FCD37F
D0 (20-30)	#FFFF00
(30-70)	#ffffff

Wet Conditions (Percentile Categories)

W0 (70-80)

W1 (80-90)

W2 (90-95)

W3 (95-98)

W4 (98-100)

Wet Conditions (Percentile Categories)
Value	Map Hex Color
W0 (70-80)	#AAFF55
W1 (80-90)	#01FFFF
W2 (90-95)	#00AAFF
W3 (95-98)	#0000FF
W4 (98-100)	#0000AA

Source(s):

UC Merced, Climate Engine

Last Updated - 09/27/22

Experimental

Learn more about these data

Agriculture in Boulder County

Hay Corn Wheat Cattle Sheep

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts hundreds of surveys every year and prepares reports covering virtually every aspect of U.S. agriculture, including agricultural commodities statistics for crops and livestock. This map displays crops and livestock by county alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor. The size of each dot represents the total acres (crops) or total inventory (livestock) per county. Learn more.

Crop Production (Acres)

> 500,000

> 300,000

> 100,000

≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

> 500,000

> 300,000

> 100,000

≤ 100,000

Crop Production (Acres)

> 500,000

> 300,000

> 100,000

≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

> 500,000

> 300,000

> 100,000

≤ 100,000

Livestock Count

> 500,000

> 300,000

> 100,000

≤ 100,000

U.S. Drought Monitor

D0 - Abnormally Dry

D1 - Moderate Drought

D2 - Severe Drought

D3 - Extreme Drought

D4 - Exceptional Drought

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value	Map Hex Color
D0 - Abnormally Dry	#ffff00
D1 - Moderate Drought	#ffcc99
D2 - Severe Drought	#ff6600
D3 - Extreme Drought	#ff0000
D4 - Exceptional Drought	#660000

Source(s):

Source(s):

Source(s):

Source(s):

Source(s):

USDM Updates Weekly - 09/27/22

acres of hay in drought (D1–D4) in Boulder County (estimated)

acres of corn in drought (D1–D4) in Boulder County (estimated)

acres of wheat in drought (D1–D4) in Boulder County (estimated)

number of cattle in drought (D1–D4) in Boulder County (estimated)

number of sheep in drought (D1–D4) in Boulder County (estimated)

Learn more about these data

Water Supply in Boulder County

Streamflow 1-Month Precipitation Outlooks

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces maps of real-time streamflow conditions compared to historical conditions. The map depicts streamflow conditions as computed at USGS streamgages. The colors represent real-time streamflow compared to percentiles of historical daily streamflow for the day of the year. Click on a streamgage to view more data for that location. Learn more.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) produces precipitation outlooks for the U.S., including 6–10 day, 8–14 day, monthly, and seasonal outlooks. This 1-month outlook depicts whether there is a greater chance for above-normal, below-normal, or near-normal precipitation conditions in this region. Learn more.

Streamflow Conditions

Low

Much Below Normal

Below Normal

Normal

Above Normal

Much Above Normal

High

Not Ranked

Streamflow Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color
Low	#ff0000
Much Below Normal	#b12121
Below Normal	#ffa400
Normal	#00ff00
Above Normal	#40dfd0
Much Above Normal	#0000ff
High	#000000
Not Ranked	#FFFFFF

U.S. Drought Monitor

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value	Map Hex Color
D0	#ffff00
D1	#ffcc99
D2	#ff6600
D3	#ff0000
D4	#660000

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation

33%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color
33% - 40%	#f0d493
40% - 50%	#d8a750
50% - 60%	#bb6d33
60% - 70%	#9b5031
70% - 80%	#934639
80% - 90%	#804000
90% - 100%	#4f2f2f

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation

33%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Probability (Percent Chance) of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range	Map Hex Color
33% - 40%	#b3d9ab
40% - 50%	#94cd7e
50% - 60%	#48ae38
60% - 70%	#3a7b5f
70% - 80%	#008e40
80% - 90%	#28553d
90% - 100%	#285517

Source(s):

USGS

Source(s):

CPC

Updates Daily -

Updates Monthly - 09/30/22

percent of streamflow sites that are below normal in Colorado

percent of streamflow sites that are above normal in Colorado

percent area of Colorado with above normal precipitation probability this month

percent area of Colorado with below normal precipitation probability this month

Learn more about these data

Public Health in Boulder County

Social Vulnerability Index Heat Warnings

This map shows the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Social Vulnerability Index alongside current U.S. Drought Monitor drought designations. CDC's Social Vulnerability Index uses 15 U.S. census variables at tract level (including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing) to help local officials identify communities that may need support in preparing for or recovering from hazards, like drought. Learn more.

This map shows active National Weather Service (NWS) Excessive Heat Watches, Heat Advisories, and Excessive Heat Warnings alongside the current U.S. Drought Monitor.

Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)

0.7501 - 1 | Highest Vulnerability

0.5001 - 0.75

0.2501 - 0.5

0 - 0.25 | Lowest Vulnerability

Data Unavailable

Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
Value	Map Hex Color
0.7501 - 1 \| Highest Vulnerability	#265C9E
0.5001 - 0.75	#42ABB6
0.2501 - 0.5	#96C9A7
0 - 0.25 \| Lowest Vulnerability	#EBEBBE
Data Unavailable	#909090

U.S. Drought Monitor

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value	Map Hex Color
D0	#ffff00
D1	#ffcc99
D2	#ff6600
D3	#ff0000
D4	#660000

National Weather Service Heat Warnings
Value	Map Hex Color
Excessive Heat Warning	#6e3a9a
Heat Advisory	#b64e6d
Excessive Heat Watch	#36185e

U.S. Drought Monitor

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value	Map Hex Color
D0	#ffff00
D1	#ffcc99
D2	#ff6600
D3	#ff0000
D4	#660000

Source(s):

CDC

Source(s):

National Weather Service

USDM Updates Weekly - 09/27/22

Updates Weekly - 09/29/22

0.17

Social Vulnerability Index Score

Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service

Air Quality Warning issued by the National Weather Service

No Wildfire

in Boulder

Learn more about these data

Learn more ›

Future Conditions for Boulder County

Evaporative Demand (EDDI) Forecast

Two Week Four Week

The Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) is an experimental drought monitoring and early warning guidance tool. It examines how anomalous the atmospheric evaporative demand (E0; also known as "the thirst of the atmosphere") is for a given location and across a time period of interest. This experimental subseasonal EDDI forecast shows projected evaporative demand for the next 2 weeks and 4 weeks from the CFS-gridMET dataset at 4-km gridded resolution. Learn more.

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color
D4	#730000
D3	#E60000
D2	#FFAA00
D1	#FCD37F
D0	#FFFF00

Wet Conditions

Near Normal

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color
Near Normal	#ffffff
W0	#AAFF55
W1	#01FFFF
W2	#00AAFF
W3	#0000FF
W4	#0000AA

Dry Conditions

Dry Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color
D4	#730000
D3	#E60000
D2	#FFAA00
D1	#FCD37F
D0	#FFFF00

Wet Conditions

Near Normal

Wet Conditions
Value	Map Hex Color
Near Normal	#ffffff
W0	#AAFF55
W1	#01FFFF
W2	#00AAFF
W3	#0000FF
W4	#0000AA

Source(s):

UC Merced

Source(s):

UC Merced

Updates Daily - 10/04/22

Experimental Experimental

U.S. Drought Outlooks

Monthly Seasonal

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Monthly Drought Outlook is issued at the end of each calendar month and is valid for the upcoming month.

The Outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next month. Learn more.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's Seasonal Drought Outlook is issued on the third Thursday of each month.

The Outlook predicts whether drought will persist, develop, improve, or be removed over the next three months or so. Learn more.

Drought persists

Drought remains but improves

Drought removal likely

Drought development likely

No drought present


Value	Map Hex Color
Drought persists	#9B634A
Drought remains but improves	#DED2BC
Drought removal likely	#B2AD69
Drought development likely	#FFDE63
No drought present	#FFFFFF

Source(s):

CPC

Source(s):

CPC

Updates Monthly - 09/30/22

Learn more about these data

Historical Conditions for Boulder County

Explore Historical Maps

2000 - Present (Weekly)

1895 - Present (Monthly)

0 - 2017 (Yearly)

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a national map released every Thursday, showing parts of the U.S. that are in drought. The USDM relies on drought experts to synthesize the best available data and work with local observers to interpret the information. The USDM also incorporates ground truthing and information about how drought is affecting people, via a network of more than 450 observers across the country, including state climatologists, National Weather Service staff, Extension agents, and hydrologists. Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is an index to characterize meteorological drought on a range of timescales, ranging from 1 to 72 months. The SPI is the number of standard deviations that observed cumulative precipitation deviates from the climatological average. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information produce the 9-month SPI values below on a monthly basis, going back to 1895. Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to

Tree-rings are used to extend the instrumental record of drought to over 2000 years. The Living Blended Drought Product (LBDP) is a recalibrated data series of June-July-August Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) values in the lower 48 U.S. states. This dataset blends tree-ring reconstructions and instrumental data to estimate the average summer PMDI values, which extend over 2000 years in some parts of the U.S. Learn more.