The first weekly Drought Monitor of 2020 shows dry conditions in Texas, the Four Corners states, and the Pacific Northwest.
Released Thursday, the report shows moderate to severe drought continues across southwest Oklahoma and areas of the Texas Panhandle and northwest Texas, which received lighter rainfall amounts.
Changes to the drought picture across the remainder of Texas included a slight drought reduction in central and southwest parts of the state, based on recent rainfall and lack of short-term dryness.
Meanwhile, drier weather returned to the Pacific Northwest during the final week of December.
Following the period of heavy precipitation during mid to late December, no changes were made to the ongoing abnormal dryness and short-term moderate drought areas.
Water year to date, since October 1, shows precipitation deficits of more than 12 inches.
And, pockets of moderate to severe drought cover parts of the Four Corners states, with the majority of Utah experiencing drought conditions.
