Nebraska's drought conditions have significantly improved this month due to consistent rainfall, particularly in the severely affected eastern region of the state.
According to the latest drought monitor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, less than 5% of the state is now experiencing exceptional drought, which is the most severe category.
This percentage has decreased from 11.5% just a week ago, reaching the lowest level since late August. Moreover, some counties that have been grappling with exceptional drought since last fall or even last summer are now entirely free from it. For instance, Madison County hasn't had exceptional drought since late August, while Platte and Butler counties have experienced no areas in the worst category since early November.
Lancaster County has also witnessed a significant improvement in its drought situation over the past two weeks, thanks to heavy rains. Previously, 88% of the county was facing exceptional drought, but that number has dropped to 1.66% this week.
The proportion of the county experiencing extreme drought has decreased from 100% to 22% within just one week.
Lincoln, the capital city, has recorded 4.1 inches of rainfall in July, surpassing the average for the entire month by 0.85 inches. Since the beginning of June, the city has received 8.63 inches of rain, which is more than the total accumulated rainfall in the previous 10 months.
As a result of the drought conditions, Lincoln and surrounding areas implemented water restrictions last month. While these restrictions are still in place, the water systems have improved compared to a few weeks ago. For instance, Lincoln residents consumed 50 million gallons of water or more on 23 days in June, with nine days exceeding 60 million gallons. However, in the first 12 days of July, water usage surpassed 50 million gallons only once, on July 4. The city continues to monitor the water availability and usage data and encourages residents and businesses to water their lawns only when necessary.
The significant improvement in drought conditions can be attributed to widespread rainfall across the eastern part of the state. Lincoln has experienced above-average rainfall this month, and other cities such as Columbus, Omaha, Norfolk, Fremont, and Seward have also received well-above-average rainfall.
This pattern of widespread rain has been instrumental in alleviating drought conditions, aided by frequent rain showers that deliver smaller amounts at a time. This allows for better absorption into the ground and reduces runoff. The favorable news is that both short- and long-term forecasts indicate a higher chance of wetter-than-average conditions.
However, the National Weather Service highlights that most areas of eastern Nebraska still have precipitation deficits of 3-7 inches for the year. Continued improvements in the ongoing drought will require above-normal rainfall throughout the summer.