Snowy Days: Winter Storms Pass Through

In the past several weeks, snowstorms have spread across Wyoming, causing ranchers to dress a little warmer and prepare for colder weather.

According to Brian Fuchs of the National Drought Mitigation Center, the next week show storms continuing to work their way across the Midwest.

“In the next eight to 14 days, we are anticipating better than normal chances of below normal temperatures,” Fuchs said on Feb. 27. “This cooler pattern will stick around for a while.”

He also noted that above normal chances for above normal precipitation are present through the Midwest through Texas and the Ohio River Valley, but the trend could move several hundred miles east or west. 

Despite good chances for cooler temperatures and above normal precipitation, he also noted that a warm signal continues to build for March, April and May.

“Remembering what happened last year with early green up, our maps don’t look too favorable,” he said, noting that the same situation may occur again this year.

Throughout the Midwest, he also continues to note that they are seeing data that would suggest improvements in precipitation.

“Is recent active weather a sign of change? We can hope so,” Fuchs commented. “We have been calm and quiet through the winter, but may the last two storm systems will be the start of our change. We will have to wait and see.”

Fuchs continued that spring rains will be critical to recharge soil moisture, particularly since there was little recharge last fall and this winter.

“The outlook is for drought to persist and develop for the Plains states,” he said. “Realistically, that has been a consistent signal.”