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As Winter Approaches, Colorado Has Precipitation Deficit

NOAA
/
NOAA

We’re well past this year’s dry Summer, and into late Autumn – but the changing of the season doesn't fix the drought. Despite recent moisture, the entire state of Colorado remains in some level of drought.

Taking a look at the U.S. Drought Monitor Map released this week, there has been little improvement across the state over the last 6 weeks (The map is updated every week). State Climatologist Nolan Doesken says most of Colorado is in a precipitation deficit and will need an average to above average winter to return to near normal levels.

However, he’s not sure one is in store. 

Credit NOAA / Department of Commerce
/
Department of Commerce
The US Seasonal Drought Outlook.

“The weather patterns haven’t shed their clues very well. I think a few months ago we would have predicting a pretty good winter, but the conditions have sort of wavered on that and we’re a little less optimistic.”

Forecasters say Colorado and much of the western U.S. will remain in a persistent drought through early next year. The National Winter Outlook says the region has an equal chance of seeing above, normal, or below average winter precipitation.

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