Though drought recovery for many areas began last year, recent rains and snows across the Plains, the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and the Deep South have virtually erased drought conditions east of the Rockies. One year ago, nearly 50% of the Deep South and Mid-Atlantic was considered abnormally dry; 14% of the area was considered to be in a moderate drought. Also a year ago, 68% of areas of the central Gulf Coast were experiencing abnormally dry conditions; 42% were considered to be in a moderate drought.

With higher-than-normal chances for rain across southern states for at least the next 8-10 weeks (thank you, El Niño) these same areas should continue to fare well. In the West, improvement is expected in hard hit areas such as western Nevada and northern Arizona.

Writer: Dave Gorham