There was widespread degradation of drought conditions across areas of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor. The Lower Midwest saw some of the largest rainfall deficits, ranging from 3 to 5 inches. Short-term dryness and drought impact reports from the agricultural sector led to degradations in isolated areas of the Southeast and South.
For the week, most of the eastern half of the U.S. experienced unseasonably cooler temperatures, while temperatures out West were above normal, especially across the Pacific Northwest and Desert Southwest. The temperature outlook shows above normal temperatures for much of the Midwest and High Plains, while the East and West coasts are expected to be below normal.
Much of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains remains virtually drought free as of the week ended September 4th. Almost all of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota have zero drought listed while some parts of South Dakota have D0 or D1 drought levels in the southern part of the state. Eastern Nebraska and eastern Montana remain mostly drought free as well.
