Temperatures were mostly at or below normal for the majority of Wyoming for the week ending May 29, 2022, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

The exception was in northeastern Wyoming, where temperatures ran as much as 4.0 degrees above normal in isolated areas. Precipitation levels varied. Portions of the west and northeast received above normal levels of moisture, while in the central and eastern areas of the State precipitation levels were at or somewhat below normal.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for May 26, 2022, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 7.4 percent, unchanged from last week. Moderate drought was found in 45.4 percent of the State, down slightly from 45.5 percent last week. Severe drought fell to 39.1 percent compared to 41.4 percent last week. Extreme drought increased to 8.1 percent, compared to 2.4 percent last week.

A report from Goshen County indicated crops were in good shape and recovered well after hard freezes occurred last week.

The week began with good weather in Lincoln County, but colder conditions ensued with rain and snow as the week ended. Conditions were adversely cold for the last week of May.

Soils benefitted from the light rains received in Platte County but not enough to help pasture lands or emerging crops. Temperatures remained below normal, and grasses were not growing as expected. Warmer days were needed for good growth and pivots were running in some areas.

A report from Weston County indicated last weekend was the first time this season that the entire county received moisture. A late frost damaged or killed some alfalfa fields. Wildlife were returning to their normal grazing behaviors and additional livestock losses were reported from the April storm.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 15 percent poor, 60 percent fair, and 25 percent good, compared to 19 percent poor, 64 percent fair, 16 percent good, and 1 percent excellent last week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 8 percent very short, 20 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus, compared to 12 percent very short, 24 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus last week.