{"id":643672,"date":"2026-05-15T00:33:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T00:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/643672\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T00:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T00:33:12","slug":"nearly-60-of-utah-in-extreme-drought-after-spring-season-heat-wave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/643672\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearly 60% of Utah in ‘extreme drought’ after spring season heat wave"},"content":{"rendered":"

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) \u2014 More than half of Utah was experiencing “extreme drought,” according to the most recent data released by the U.S. Drought Monitor.<\/p>\n

Extreme drought impacts 59.5% of the state, covering the majority of eastern Utah and stretching into the west desert from Tooele into Iron County. <\/p>\n

The Wasatch Front remains under a “severe drought,” which 93.9% of the state is experiencing – including areas under extreme drought or worse. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Utah Drought Monitor released May 14, 2026, includes data valid as of May 12. More than half the state was listed as experiencing extreme drought conditions amid a spring heat wave and low snowpack. (Photo: U.S. Drought Monitor)<\/p>\n

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that drought conditions are significantly worse this year when compared to 2025, when only 3% of Utah was considered to be in extreme drought, and 42% was under severe drought conditions. <\/p>\n

This year’s drought woes come after a historically low snow year. <\/p>\n

“Utah’s snowpack is the lowest on record and peaked three weeks early,” the Utah Division of Water Resources (DWR) said. “The state’s peak was on March 9 at 8.4 inches, which is about half of what the state typically receives by the beginning of April.”<\/p>\n

DWR added that the stream flow runoff was anticipated to be only about 50% of normal and put the entire state of Utah under drought conditions. Communities across the state have already begun restricting water use or raising fees for excessive water use.<\/p>\n

But the hot and dry temperatures can also lead to increased fire dangers and fire bans on public lands. <\/p>\n

On Wednesday, a thunderstorm paired with high winds and drought conditions started a wildfire in Millard County.<\/p>\n

MORE | Wildfires<\/p>\n

The fire, dubbed the Wild Horse Fire, was first reported at 400 acres but rapidly grew to over 1,000 within hours of starting. Utah Fire Info said the fire was fueled by dry gas, sagebrush, and strong winds.<\/p>\n

While no evacuations were ordered due to the fire, there were some concerns for infrastructure, such as power lines, and nearby structures becoming threatened by the flames. Fortunately, Utah Fire Info said the fire moved away from the community, and successful firefighting operations mitigated the danger. <\/p>\n

Comment with Bubbles<\/p>\n

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