Latest Seasonal Assessment -
Heavy rains and mountain snows during the first half of October brought significant relief to many of the drought
areas across the country, especially California. Much of Texas has seen elimination of short-term drought
conditions due to the recent rains, though longer-term, hydrologic impacts will remain for a while, especially in
southern Texas. A series of frontal systems have brought heavy rains to the East Coast states, resulting in
substantial mitigation of drought conditions. The same is true of the upper Midwest, though long-term drought
areas of northwestern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota still need significant rain or snow. For the most part,
improvement is forecast for areas east of the Rockies during the Outlook period. West of the Divide, the
situation is less clear. Improvement is predicted for California and southern Arizona, with the odds tilted
toward some improvement for central and northern Arizona, northwest Nevada and Washington's Olympic Peninsula.
Despite precipitation expected during the last half of October, drought persistence is indicated for central
Washington and northwest Montana.
Forecaster: Anthony Artusa
Next Outlook issued: November 5, 2009 at 8:30 AM EDT
Seasonal Drought Outlook Discussion
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