United States and Puerto Rico Author(s):
Pacific Islands and Virgin Islands Author(s):
Estimated Population in Drought Areas:
The Midwest experienced a mix of drought improvements and degradations over the past week, largely driven by where the heaviest rainfall occurred. A broad band of rain stretched from Missouri through Illinois, Indiana, and into parts of Michigan, bringing widespread one-category improvements. This rainfall helped ease short-term drought conditions, replenish surface moisture, and support crop and soil health. Missouri saw particularly broad improvements, with steady precipitation over the past one to two weeks. These benefits extended into Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, where drought conditions also receded. In Minnesota, the situation was more mixed: the central and southern parts received enough rain for some improvement, but the north and northeast remained dry, leading to worsening drought due to ongoing deficits and weak hydrologic indicators. Iowa was also mixed—much of the central and western parts improved, but eastern Iowa missed most of the rain and saw the reintroduction of abnormally dry (D0) conditions. Wisconsin saw minor improvements in areas that had short-term dryness, though they were not enough to resolve deeper moisture issues. Overall, the region benefited from a well-timed wave of rainfall, though some northern and eastern areas continue to lag in drought recovery.
Full Summary
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The National Drought Mitigation Center’s mission is to reduce the effects of drought on people, the environment and the economy by researching the science of drought monitoring and the practice of drought planning. We collaborate with and learn from decision-makers at all levels – individual ranchers, communities, regions, watersheds, tribes, states, countries – across the US and around the world. We organize and present workshops, writeshops and other capacity-building activities, in close cooperation with local partners.
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