Drought conditions continue to expand across parts of the inland Northwest, including Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update, drought degradation occurred across eastern Oregon, where moderate drought expanded. Moderate, severe and extreme drought also expanded across much of southern Idaho and into western Montana. Extreme drought also increased across central Wyoming.
In Montana, drought remains widespread. About 85% of the state is now in drought or considered abnormally dry. Nearly 6% of Montana is in extreme drought. The latest drought monitor shows 8.62% of Montana is abnormally dry, 46.06% is in moderate drought, 24.49% is in severe drought and 5.80% is in extreme drought.
Drought Monitor: Right now, about 85% of the state is either in drought or considered abnormally dry. Nearly 6% of Montana is in extreme drought.
Dry conditions can have wide-ranging impacts across the state. Drought can affect crops, pasture land, water supplies, and ecosystems. As grasses and forests continue to dry out, wildfire risk can also increase.
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Officials will continue to monitor conditions as summer weather patterns develop across Montana and the surrounding region.