Bismarck Daily Bismarck Daily Bismarck Daily
    • Home
    • Advertise
    • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    25 May 2026
    • Bismarck Daily Bismarck Daily Bismarck Daily
    • Local News
    • State News
    • Politics
    • Coronavirus
    • Sports
    • Community
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    Extreme drought conditions expanded in North Dakota this week despite precipitation
    Politics

    Extreme drought conditions expanded in North Dakota this week despite precipitation

    Ally Dillinger, 5 years ago
    MINOT, N.D. – The Minot area received some of the highest moisture totals in the state from the recent rain and snowfall with almost an inch of precipitation in places, particularly to the northeast of the city. However, even considering the precipitation, the U.S. Drought Monitor says more moisture is needed to reverse “extreme” drought conditions.

    Statewide the area now rated in extreme drought increased from 70% to 76% with 41 of 53 counties affected. The only part of the state that saw measureable relief from the recent precipitation producing events was the far southeast corner of North Dakota where an small area rated to be in moderate drought improved to “abnormally dry”.

    Here’s the assessment of the U.S. Drought Monitor:

    “Locally heavy amounts of rainfall, more than 2 inches, helped erase long moisture deficits in eastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota, resulting in improvements to moderate drought.

    In the remainder of the region, precipitation wasn’t enough to prevent worsening conditions. Moderate drought expanded in South Dakota and extreme drought expanded in both North and South Dakota to reflect the growing moisture deficits and its effect on soil moisture.”

    While the moisture received in the north-central part of the state, Ward County included, was indeed welcome and will improve soil moisture conditions in the short term, longer range outlooks are not generally favorable for alleviating extreme drought conditions.

    In a Drought Briefing issued by the National Weather Service in Bismarck on Thursday, it was noted that “widespread precipitation during the past week has helped slow down degradation, and improved drought in parts of eastern North Dakota.” However, added the NWS, “drought is likely to persist or worsen through the rest of spring and into summer.”

    North Dakota has been warmer and drier than average since October 2020, resulting in soil moisture well-below average across most of the state. According to the NWS the remainder of April is favored for both “below-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation” with more equal chances for both in May.

    After that, says the NWS, “there is an increasing signal for both above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation across the state”, conditions that would lead to drought persisting or worsening. The NWS notes that there is always a possibility of changes to weather patterns but says “there is not indication of that happening.”:

    Much of the U.S. is dry or drier than North Dakota. While recent storms have brought drought improvement to parts of the Midwest and eastern Plains, much of the West, Southwest, and New England has seen deteriorating conditions.

    “Parts of the Southwest are now experiencing record levels of dryness for the last 12 months. In New England, year-to-date precipitation ranks in the top 10 driest on record,” concludes the Drought Monitor.

    Local News

    State bill to ban types of THC in North Dakota

    Local News

    Some UND athletes begin getting COVID-19 vaccinations

    Related posts

    Politics

    Former Secretary of State Mike Pomeo visits Bismarck, stresses importance of energy security

    Ally Dillinger, 5 years ago
    Politics

    Minot residents could see a possible increase in taxes

    Ally Dillinger, 6 years ago
    Politics

    White House responds to Kamala’s trip to Guatemala

    Ally Dillinger, 5 years ago
    Politics

    Minot budget amended to fund day care services for first responders, medical workers amid COVID-19 emergency

    Ally Dillinger, 6 years ago
    Politics

    Minot City Council Special Meeting

    Ally Dillinger, 6 years ago
    Politics

    Ward County Commissioners vote to re-visit re-opening of Ward County facilities at June 2 commission meeting

    Ally Dillinger, 6 years ago

    Follow us on Google News

    Follow us on Flipboard

    Trending Slider

    North Dakota Highway Patrol investigates after vehicle crashes into school bus, driver arrested for driving under the influence amid alleged distraction by cellular device
    2 days ago
    Gov. Kelly Armstrong issues statement after federal officials decide future of Dakota Access Pipeline, says its continued operation would support affordable energy prices and national energy security
    2 days ago
    Officers and staff honored during Bismarck Police Department 2025 annual employee awards ceremony
    2 days ago
    Gov. Kelly Armstrong chosen to lead influential multi-state commission starting in 2027 after Oklahoma City vote
    2 days ago
    Bismarck Police Department swears in five new recruits during ceremony
    2 days ago
    North Dakota Highway Patrol discourages trailers and high-profile vehicles during strong winds after crash survivor survives, troopers say the occupant was saved by their seat belt
    1 week ago

    Follow us on News Break

    Categories

    • Bismarck (1)
    • Community (595)
    • Coronavirus (232)
    • Crime News (336)
    • Local News (674)
    • News (15)
    • Politics (260)
    • Sports (215)
    • State News (534)
    • Trending (335)
    • Uncategorized (1)
    • Login
    • Register

    Forgot Password

    Registration is closed.