Despite impending snow much of state remains under severe drought

Despite recent showers and the looming threat of snow most of the state remains under severe drought conditions, with one-third of the state suffering from ‘extreme drought’ or worse.

According to figures released this week by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) 1,392,000 Coloradoans are currently living in drought with a further 3,354,000 living in areas categorized as ‘abnormally dry’.

Colorado Springs lies within the area considered abnormally dry. Conditions for the rest of the state grow considerably more difficult further west.

Maps published by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) show counties in the western half of the state experiencing conditions classed from ‘severe’ to ‘extreme’.

More than one-third of the state is suffering ‘extreme’ conditions whilst 13% are facing conditions deemed ‘exceptional’ – the most severe of USDM's five-step classification.

According to USDM’s records, Colorado has been experiencing drought conditions since 2001. The most intense period of drought occurred during July, 2002 when more than one-third of the state experienced ‘exceptional’ conditions.

Information and graphics are gleaned from the federal government’s drought portal at :

https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/colorado