Summer Drought Outlook reveals significant issues in western states

Despite significant precipitation in much of the West this spring, drought continues to post a threat.That was the word today (May 16) at the Summer 2013 National Drought Outlook Forum on Capitol Hill. According to the forecast:

Extreme to exceptional drought continues to pose a threat to the agricultural community in the central U.S.

Exceptional drought now covers 44% of the state of New Mexico, where significant drought impacts have been observed.Drought is anticipated to intensify or persist in the West, with some possible development in Oregon and Idaho.

The Plains tend to receive most of their annual precipitation between May and August, so drought conditions are anticipated to improve in the Plains. (Find a map of drought conditions)

The event, co-sponsored by the Western Governors' Association, also provided outlooks for agriculture, wildfires and national water supplies, as well as details about the re-authorization of the Drought Information Act of 2013.

Event sponsors includes NIDIS, NOAA, National Drought Mitigation Center, Western Governors' Association, Southern Governors' Association, Midwestern Governors Association, USDA.

The Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of Governors from 19 Western states, two Pacific-flag territories and one commonwealth. Follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.