Recent Storms Help Ease Drought Conditions in Southeast Colorado

· Jun. 23, 2014, 5:18 pm

Most recent map from the U.S. Drought Monitor

Recent thunderstorms in Southeast Colorado have helped to ease drought conditions there. KRCC’s Tucker Hampson reports.

Moderate to exceptional drought has persisted in Southeast Colorado for several years now.

Meteorologist Tom Magnuson with National Weather in Pueblo says conditions have improved after winter and spring precipitation.

"Last year at this time almost all of Southeast Colorado was under an exceptional drought, which is the worst designation for drought," said Magnuson. "This year, there is just a small area from Otero County through La Junta into western Kiowa County that’s exceptional."

Magnuson says the monsoon outlook shows an expected easing of drought conditions over the next few months.

Currently more than 15% of the state is in a severe to exceptional drought, mostly in Southeastern Colorado. Statewide, June precipitation has been 33% of average.

You care!

Southern Colorado is changing a lot these days. We can help you keep up. Sign up for the KRCC Weekly Digest here and get the stories that matter to Southern Colorado, delivered straight to your inbox.