The latest drought monitor shows the country received a lot of precipitation this week.
From rain to snow, many drought-stricken areas and low stream flows received much-needed relief. The western half of the U.S. received both rain and snow, with the heaviest snowfall accumulations observed in the Sierra Nevada with up to four feet. Two to three inches of rain hit the desert southwest, improving soil moisture levels. Heavy showers also hit the deep south, and the northeast received up to four inches of snow. Heavy precipitation is expected to continue into the next week.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey details where there is hope for change in dry conditions.
“We do have some optimism also for the nation’s currently driest areas. Really an area focused on the Central Great Plains all desperately dry.”
Rippey says longer-term benefits are expected for topsoil, pasture, rangeland, as well as winter wheat in that area. Winter weather in the Sierra is generating a good start to the snowpack season right now.
