Multiple Storms Continue Through End of February

In the Midwest, two big storm systems moved through this week, each producing widespread precipitation, which included heavy snow in the northwest. The second system is still in the region on Friday and will continue some light snow through the weekend. Two more storms are forecast for next week, which should bring through some precipitation as well. Drought continues to be a big problem, but some relief is looking likely because of the current pattern.

In the Northern Plains, a blizzard went through early this week followed by another storm that produced some heavy snow across Wyoming and western South Dakota on Thursday. Quieter conditions are forecast through the weekend, but a couple of storm systems are forecast for next week. These are less likely to produce heavy precipitation. Drought increased on this week’s drought monitor, but did not include this week’s systems. The active pattern should help to reduce drought and increase soil moisture and snowpack.

In the Central and Southern Plains, two systems went through the region this week, but outside of a heavy band of snow in Nebraska on Thursday, did not produce much precipitation. Drier weather is forecast through next week, despite multiple systems moving through. The overall lack of precipitation is concerning as drought will continue to expand due to higher temperatures and strong winds.

In the Delta, isolated showers moved through this week, but most areas stayed dry. A front lingers in the region and a system will move along it for Friday and Saturday with some areas of showers. A front may bring some additional showers next week. But despite some heavier rain this past weekend, there was only limited drought improvement. Rainfall deficits are large and will need a more-active storm track through the region to reduce drought prior to spring.

In the Southeast, a system brought scattered showers through the region on Thursday, helping the ongoing drought situation, but drought actually worsened on this week’s update to the Drought Monitor. A lingering front and a system moving along it will bring scattered showers through the weekend and a storm or two is forecast for next week as well. But the drought situation continues to trend in the wrong direction, and a more active storm track is necessary to reverse the trend.

In the Western U.S., a big trough has produced widespread precipitation throughout the week, particularly in and around California, but also the Four Corners region. Though drought reduction did not occur on this week’s update, it is likely to be reflected next week. The snow drought that has been ongoing this winter got some significant relief, though levels are still well below normal and much more is needed. A trough will sit off the West Coast next week and produce some heavy precipitation for the Coast, but getting that precipitation inland beyond the Sierras will be a difficult task. The Pacific Northwest will see some better coverage of precipitation next week, however.

John Baranick can be reached at john.baranick@dtn.com