Much of the High Plains region continues to be plagued by at least moderate drought.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, western Kansas, eastern Colorado and the Oklahoma panhandle are in moderate to severe drought.
KGOU reported earlier this week that almost half of Oklahoma is in a drought. In addition to the panhandle, the U.S Drought Monitor indicates that the eastern half of the Sooner state is experiencing everything from abnormally dry conditions to severe drought. According to the drought monitor, a portion of the Texas panhandle was also categorized as being abnormally dry.
And an extended weather forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N.O.A.A) doesn’t show much relief in sight. The Oct. 20 report predicted that a La Nina climate phenomenon, which typically brings with it drier, warmer winters to the southern portion of the United States, will likely persist throughout the winter, meaning drought conditions could get worse in the high plains before they get better.
A Nov. 15 report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that 40 percent of Kansas’ corn and 33 percent of its winter wheat is produced in western Kansas; and 29 percent of Colorado’s corn and 40 percent of its winter wheat is produced in eastern Colorado.
