According to the April 20, 2021 U.S. Drought Monitor, 56.6% of the Pacific Northwest Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) is in Moderate Drought (D1). Additionally, a pocket of Exceptional Drought (D4) was added to Oregon, the first time that state has had D4 since 2015. Snow conditions this winter have been good in Washington and northern Oregon, and average to below average throughout the rest of the Pacific Northwest. What's the outlook for the rest of spring into summer?
Nearly 50% of the Southwestern United States is currently experiencing the most severe drought classification (D4) conditions. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that all of the Southwest was experiencing drought, and drought is expected to continue throughout the winter and into spring. This webinar will provide an update of current drought conditions and forecasts for Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada, followed by a demonstration of the new Drought.gov website.
These webinars provide the region's stakeholders and interested parties with timely information on current and developing climate conditions, such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as wildfires, agriculture production, disruption to water supply, and ecosystems. The February 9 webinar also featured a presentation on 2020 in review.
What does drought look like in Alaska? A series of webinars will be held to explore this topic. The first webinar will look at past climate information, focusing on unusually dry times, and will provide a statewide overview, including tools typically used to access drought/precipitation deficits with Rick Thoman, Alaska climate specialist.
