Matt Makens

30 US states remain in drought conditions with a near 4% reduction of total area
of drought since last week.

The latest monitor continues to show the exceptional drought conditions across
the Southwest, West and Northern Plains.

The total change both increase and decrease in drought since last week is shown
here.

The most significant improvement was noted in Colorado and Texas.

Let's take a look at the total precipitation during the past week.

In terms of departure from what is considered normal:

For the entire water year to date:

Conditions in California have been the driest and the wettest area has been
Louisiana. 

Let's turn to the forecast.

Before the next drought monitor is released, we have some potentially wet
weather centered in Texas to Kansas and also over the Eastern US.

In terms of wetter versus drier than average:

What we see over the northern US is a rather dry signal. Indeed, that area is
likely to stay dry well beyond the next week. 

Let's take a look at one model's estimation for the next three months. Brown
shades are drier than average locations, and green represents wetter conditions.

June's outlook for precipitation:

July's outlook:

And, for August:

In terms of the drought, it is probable that drought conditions get worse across
the Pac NW, Northern Rockies and West-Central Plains. Meanwhile, some
improvement is possible in Texas.

Drought update & the outlook: Thursday, May 27th, 2021