U.S. Drought Levels at Seven-Year Low

The Northwest certainly got its share of rain and snow this winter, and we’re not alone when it comes to precipitation returning to more normal levels.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey said, “According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, we’re at a seven-year low in terms of U.S. drought coverage with only about eight percent of the contiguous United States in drought at this present time.”

The few areas that are still on the dry side include Florida, Georgia and New Mexico.

Rippey said they look at topsoil moistures as well when it comes to looking at drought coverage.

“It’s somewhat subjective. It’s just a rating over very short, short, adequate or surplus soil moisture and then it’s catalogued for the entire country. There is a pretty good history for those numbers matching up with drought areas.”

Surplus soil moisture can indicate possible areas of flooding.