Recent and current conditions
Wyoming experienced its 28th warmest and 33rd driest October out of 128 years, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved Nov. 17.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released Nov. 17, classifies nearly 25 percent of the state as being abnormally dry and nearly 57 percent of Wyoming as moderate to extreme drought. The remainder of the state, more than 18 percent, is classified as none – in other words, these areas are not experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. View the current USDM map at bit.ly/2S28VTA. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/3c4WRLR.
Eight to 14-day and
one-month forecasts
NOAA’s eight to 14-day forecast for Nov. 25-Dec. 1, issued Nov. 17, shows a 40 to 60 percent probability (or chance) for above normal temperatures for all of Wyoming. For the same timeframe, the forecast shows a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the central and western regions of the state.
There is an equal probability for below, near or above normal precipitation for the swath of the state from Carbon and Albany counties moving north and east into southern Crook County and along much of the eastern border of Wyoming. The exception is the southeastern corner where there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal precipitation.
The December forecast, issued Nov. 17, indicates an equal probability for below, near or above normal temperatures for the entire state. For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation for nearly all of Wyoming.
The southeast corner is the exception with an equal probability for below, near or above normal precipitation. For details and to view more NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
