United States and Puerto Rico Author(s):
Pacific Islands and Virgin Islands Author(s):
Estimated Population in Drought Areas:
For the week, light-to-moderate precipitation accumulations (generally < 2 inches) were observed in the region with the heaviest accumulations logged in isolated areas of southern Minnesota, southern and northeastern Iowa, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwestern Indiana. Average temperatures for the week were below normal (2 to 6 degrees F) across the western half of the region with the greatest anomalies observed in eastern Iowa and central Illinois. In the eastern portion of the region, the average temperature hovered within a few degrees of normal. On the map, improvements were made in drought-affected areas of southern Minnesota, eastern and northern Iowa, northern Missouri, Wisconsin, southern Illinois, and northern Michigan. In Iowa, despite improving conditions, two areas of Extreme Drought (D3) remain in the northeastern part of the state due to the lingering impacts of the longer-term drought situation with 12-month precipitation deficits ranging from 12 to 16 inches. According to the latest USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report (4/22/24), the statewide soil moisture (topsoil) condition was rated 37% short to very short and 60% adequate. In southern Missouri, areas of drought expanded on the map where dry conditions have prevailed in the shorter term (past 30-90 days) and have led to a significant decline in streamflow levels with numerous rivers and creeks reporting very low flows during the past week (< 10th percentile), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Moreover, very low soil moisture levels (< 10th percentile) are showing up on various NASA SPoRT soil moisture products.
Full Summary
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The National Drought Mitigation Center’s mission is to reduce the effects of drought on people, the environment and the economy by researching the science of drought monitoring and the practice of drought planning. We collaborate with and learn from decision-makers at all levels – individual ranchers, communities, regions, watersheds, tribes, states, countries – across the US and around the world. We organize and present workshops, writeshops and other capacity-building activities, in close cooperation with local partners.
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