(Fremont County, WY) – Extreme drought conditions continue across Wyoming due to ongoing low soil moisture, warmer than normal temperatures, and below average precipitation, according to a drought information report from the National Weather Service in Riverton.
“Abnormally dry to various intensities of drought continue to cover the entire state of Wyoming as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor, which was updated on February 15th. Overall, drought conditions have slightly intensified across the region over the past month, particularly across western and northern Wyoming,” the report states.
Severe drought conditions were reported for northern and western Fremont County, as well as northern Natrona, the rest of Johnson, Hot Springs, Washakie, Big Horn, Park and Teton Counties, all of Sublette and Lincoln, and western and southern Sweetwater Counties.
Moderate Drought conditions continued across central and southern Fremont, as well as central and northeast Sweetwater, and central and southern Natrona Counties.
In terms of drought mitigation efforts, the report goes on to state, “Due to the ongoing negative impacts on grazing and rangeland conditions, as well as hay and roughage crops across the state, the Wyoming Governor has re-issued an executive order to help area ranchers affected by the continuing drought.”
“This executive order allows motor carriers hauling hay to operate outside regular operating hours and to carry larger loads to assist in moving hay to drought-affected areas within the state and to other states that have declared an emergency for livestock feed to the end of February 2022,” the report continues.
To read the full report, click here.