Connecting Ag to Climate: Recent and current conditions
Wyoming experienced its 19th coolest and 38th wettest November out of 128 years, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved Dec. 20.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released Dec. 15, classifies nearly 20 percent of the state as abnormally dry and over 54 percent of Wyoming in moderate to extreme drought (D1–D3). The remainder of the state, less than 25 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 Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, issued Dec. 19, shows a 50 to 70 percent probability for above normal temperatures for all of Wyoming. For the same timeframe, the forecast shows a 33 to 60 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the entire state, with the probability increasing from east to west.
The January forecast, issued Dec. 15, indicates an equal probability for below, near or above normal temperatures for nearly the entire state. The exception is the greater northeast corner where there is a 30 to 40 percent probability for below normal temperatures.
For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 50 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 and the University of Wyoming Extension. She can be reached at 307-367-4380 or by e-mailing wkelley1@uwyo.edu.
