Connecting Ag to Climate: Recent and Current Conditions
Wyoming experienced its 16th coolest and 58th wettest March out of 129 years, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved April 24.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released April 20, classifies over 31 percent of the state as moderate to extreme drought (D1 to D3) and over 24 percent of Wyoming as abnormally dry.
The remainder of the state, nearly 45 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, one-month and Grass-Cast forecasts
NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for May 3-9, issued on April 25, shows a 33 to 50 percent probability 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 entire state.
The May forecast, issued on April 20, indicates equal chances for below, near or above normal temperatures for nearly all of Wyoming. The exception is the northeast corner of the state where there is 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal temperatures.
For the same timeframe, the forecast shows equal chances for below, near or above normal precipitation for all of Wyoming.
For additional information and NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov.
Grass-Cast maps for 2023 are now available. Recall Grass-Cast forecasts grassland productivity for select areas in Wyoming and beyond.
Visit grasscast.unl.edu/ to view the maps, which are updated biweekly. Producers should ask themselves if rain through August is above, near or below normal, how much range vegetation they might grow in their area.
Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307-367-4380.
