Latest Report - March 7, 2024
Greg Gust, NDDES Meteorologist
in support of
ND SCO and the ND Ag Disaster Response
Summary
- After a cool (near normal) day today, the rest of this week and next will return to unseasonably warm and dry conditions. Maybe a flurry or sprinkle next Tues-Wed.
- While the overall Snow Drought persists for the southern two-thirds of the state, much of the state (western half and eastern edge) has actually had above normal precipitation from October 1st through now. The exceptions are the eastern uplands, extending from Cando, Langdon, and Park River, southward into Luverne, Marion, and Ashley... where residual soil moisture deficits are highest.
- Based on the Drought Monitor map valid on March 5th, published March 7th, the area of D1 drought has edged into far south-southwestern ND, while D0 has overspread all but the west-central region. Thus, 116, 080 ND citizens are now in drought.
- This week, the Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI) value is at 127, up 29 points since Feb 22nd.
- Overall, above normal temperatures are expected to continue throughout March into April, and beyond, while precipitation remains fickle.
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