ND can’t shake drought status

Drought conditions continue to plague all of North Dakota despite cooler temps and a few rain/snow showers during the week.

The U.S.  Drought Monitor reports western and southern parts of the High Plains region received 0.5-1.5 inches of precipitation this week – while the Dakotas were mostly dry with less than 0.25 inch.

In North Dakota, the snow was enough to prevent further deterioration but not enough to reduce deficits.  Parts of the state remain in a burn ban and are experiencing dry soils, poor pasture conditions, and drying ponds and dugouts

USDA reports show 78% of North Dakota, 61% of Montana, 58% of South Dakota, 56% of Wyoming, and 49% of Colorado with topsoil moisture short or very short.