Limited Drought Conditions Across High Plains

news image
Special Stories
4 Jul 2018 8:04 AM
The latest US Drought Monitor shows that drought conditions are much more limited this year across the High Plains (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska) compared to this time last year. As June 28th, 2018, there were some of areas of drought located across parts of eastern South Dakota, northwest North Dakota, isolated areas of southeast Nebraska and northern Montana. Currently no areas across the High Plains are experiencing "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, the two highest levels of drought from the US Drought Monitor. At this same time last year, large areas of the High Plains were dealing with "severe" and "extreme" drought. The drought, from early spring through fall, was so bad that the financial losses led to a billion-dollar-plus weather disaster for the region. One reason why this region hasn't experienced as much or as intense drought is likely due to the repeated storm systems sweeping across this region, bringing plenty of moisture and rain. Here is a look at rain totals for the month of June, 2018, along with the departure from average for the month: Billings, MT: 3.94 inches (+1.82 inches) Miles City, MT: 4.46 inches (+1.95 inches) Rapid City, SD: 6.06 inches (+3.53 inches) Gillette, WY: 4.77 inches (+2.56 inches) (Source: NWS) These are just four examples of some of the large amounts of rain that has falling across this region. And if the region continues to experience similar weather, drought should stay limited across the region.          
All Weather News
More
California Round 1 Wraps, Another Late Weekend

California Round 1 Wraps, Another Late Weekend

CALIFORNIA - Rain and snow graced the state o

12 Feb 2026 3:30 PM
Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Headed for the South

Strong Storms and Heavy Rain Headed for the South

SOUTH - As we head toward the end of the work

12 Feb 2026 1:10 PM
Rockies Receive Some Much-Needed Help

Rockies Receive Some Much-Needed Help

ROCKIES - As our behemoth of a trough moves o

12 Feb 2026 9:00 AM
Lingering Snow in the Northeast

Lingering Snow in the Northeast

NORTHEAST - As this next clipper system cont

12 Feb 2026 8:05 AM
Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

Cold Air Remains Across the Northeast

It was another cold morning on Monday across

10 Feb 2026 2:50 AM
Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

Record Heat Across the Central U.S.

It was a hot day on Monday, February 9th in t

10 Feb 2026 2:45 AM
Big Game Looks Dry

Big Game Looks Dry

The championship of the National Football Lea

8 Feb 2026 5:50 PM