Recent Storms Help Ease Drought Conditions in Southeast Colorado

Credit Eric Luebehusen / USDA

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.