North Dakota drought worsens after July heat
Condition Monitoring Observer Reports have increased, citing crop losses, dry livestock watering holes and pastures unsuitable for grazing across North Dakota
More than half of North Dakota is in drought after one of the warmest and driest Julys on record, with heat shriveling crops and damaging pastures, according to reporting from the North Dakota Monitor. The U.S. Drought Monitor update placed one-third of the state in moderate drought and more than 23% in extreme drought.
State climatologist Daryl Ritchison said July heat brought a rapid shift to dry conditions. The area in severe drought increased from less than 9% the previous week, and Ritchison recommended moving Sheridan County from abnormally dry to severe drought.
Miranda Meehan of North Dakota State University Extension, who reports about crop conditions for the state, said the conditions are “like a flash drought.” The state uses crowdsourcing methods to obtain photos, comments and anecdotal information about drought conditions. Reports citing crop losses, dry livestock watering holes, and ungrazable pastures have increased. Meehan said these reports, called Condition Monitoring Observer Reports, can improve drought mapping and support federal disaster-assistance applications because some U.S. Department of Agriculture relief programs require severe drought.
- 1.uly heat produces ‘flash drought’ with more than half of North Dakota affected • North Dakota Monitor. North Dakota Monitor, .
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