Soil Remains Dry Across The West

Much of the Northwest already knows this, but now the numbers just prove those thoughts.  Soil moisture levels across the western portion of the U.S. remain very low, even for this time of year.  Nationally, 62% of the country is dealing with soil moisture numbers that are very short to short.  The top state, when it comes to drought numbers, is Wyoming, where 93% of the state is reporting soil moisture levels that are well below where they should be this time of year.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey notes those dry conditions run from the central portion of the county through the PNW. 

“And the dryness extends westward to the Pacific coast where we see Oregon 77% very short to short Washington, 72% [is very short to short].”

Rippey added in the bigger picture, all of the Rocky States and the Great Plains states, ten states altogether, are reporting topsoil moisture numbers that are very short to short as we head into the heart of autumn.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com