Recent and current conditions
The August average temperature (65.1°F) and precipitation (0.93”) for Wyoming ranked 97th and 58th, respectively, of 125 years data have been collected. Taking a closer look, the adjacent diagrams highlight notable average minimum and maximum temperatures and precipitation for August and more broadly for the season – for select counties.
Also of interest, the August average minimum temperature anomaly for all Wyoming counties were at least 0.4 degrees (Natrona County) warmer than the 1901-2000 average.
Similarly, the seasonal average minimum temperature anomaly, for all counties, were at least 0.01 degrees (Natrona, Fremont and Sublette counties) or warmer except Hot Springs (0.0 degrees) and Washakie counties – the latter was 0.2 degrees cooler than the 1901-2000 average.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, from Sept.17, indicates that abnormally dryconditions are persisting in Sweetwater, Uinta, Lincoln and Laramie counties – and these conditions have expanded into southern Albany, Carbon, western Fremont and much of Sublette county since Aug.13.
Current USDM maps can be viewed at weather.gov/riw/drought. Producers can help inform USDM by submitting conditions and impacts at droughtreporter.unl.edu/submitreport.
Eight to 14-day and one-month forecasts
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) eight to 14-day forecasts indicate a 33 to 60 percent chance or probability of below averagetemperatures for all of Wyoming – with the highest probability in the northwest corner of the state. There is a 33 to 50 percent probability for above normalprecipitation for the entire state for the same timeframe – with the highest probability along the eastern border.
The forecast for October, made Sept. 19 indicates a 33 to 50 percent probability for above normaltemperatures for all of Wyoming – with the highest probability in the southwest corner. For the same timeframe, there is an equal chance for below, near or above normal precipitation for the entire state. To view NOAA’s most recent forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Windy K. Kelley is the regional extension program coordinator and state specialist for the USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub, University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307-367-4325.
