The week brought above average temperatures across Wyoming for the week ending August 14, 2022, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Most areas of the State saw temperatures 4 to 6 degrees above average. In portions of the northeast, however, temperatures ran as much as 10 degrees above average.

Precipitation levels varied. Parts of the northwest and the southern half of the State received moisture levels at about 0.3 inches above normal. Isolated areas received amounts that were higher, with portions of Natrona and Albany Counties receiving over an inch of rain above normal.

The northeast and various other sections of the State were predominantly dry. Drought conditions changed slightly.

According to the US Drought Monitor for August 11, 2022, the amount of land rated drought free was 7.5 percent, up slightly from 6.3 percent last week. The amount of land rated abnormally dry was 29.8 percent, a minimal change from 30.8 percent last week. Moderate drought fell to 34.7 percent, compared to 37.9 percent last week. Severe drought, however, increased to 22.5 percent, up 4.6 points from last week. Extreme drought stood at 5.5 percent, down slightly from last week’s 7.1 percent.

A reporter in Goshen County indicated conditions were very hot. Rainfall in parts of the north and far south of the county alleviated drought conditions somewhat. Because of the poor grazing conditions and increased feed costs, cattle were being pre-conditioned earlier than usual. The Goshen Hole area has remained completely dry so far this summer.

Irrigation water supplies across the State were rated 9 percent very poor, 32 percent poor, 18 percent fair, and 41 percent good, compared to 9 percent very poor, 32 percent poor, 17 percent fair, and 42 percent good last week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 5 percent very short, 51 percent short, and 44 percent adequate, compared to 5 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 49 percent adequate last week.