Omaha, NE – A wet late summer pattern has nearly erased drought conditions across eastern Nebraska, leaving just 2% of the monitored area still classified as abnormally dry.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, 97.85% of the Omaha/Valley coverage region is now free of drought designations. Just one week ago, 98% of the area carried some level of drought status. At the start of summer, more than 98% of the area was categorized under drought conditions, with parts of the state seeing moderate to severe levels.
The National Weather Service in Omaha reported on social media Thursday that recent rainfall has been widespread enough to improve soil moisture, reduce stress on crops, and even encourage mushroom growth in some local gardens. Maps show only small pockets of dryness remaining, highlighted in yellow on the drought intensity scale.
This marks a dramatic turnaround from earlier in the year when nearly all of eastern Nebraska was experiencing measurable drought. Three months ago, more than 58% of the monitored area was under at least moderate drought conditions, with more than 16% considered severe.
Officials note that while the recent rains have eased short-term dryness, continued monitoring will be important heading into the fall and winter seasons, when precipitation patterns tend to shift. Farmers and water managers are expected to keep a close watch as harvest approaches.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly, reflects broad-scale conditions across the region, though local impacts may still vary.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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