Recent rains benefit much of Montana; southern tier of state experiencing drought conditions

HELENA, Mont. – Abnormally dry conditions between March and early June have moved the southern tier of Montana, along with the eastern counties, into drought conditions that will likely intensify over the next three months, according to the just-released Montana Drought Forecast Report.

“The moisture we got in June has most of western and central Montana in fine shape,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney, chair of the Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee. “But we’re keeping a close watch on conditions elsewhere, particularly the far southwestern counties, and will continue working closely with local communities to ensure resources are available if needed.”

Prepared by staff in the Montana DNRC’s Water Management Bureau, the annual Drought Forecast Report synthesizes data and modeling specific to Montana from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, the U.S. Drought Monitor, Natural Resource Conservation Service and other climate and water-management agencies. The 2020 report was released at today’s meeting of the Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee.

The complete report is available on the DNRC Web site at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/drought-management/drought-documents/drought-forecast-report-summer-2020-final.pdf