Approximately 2.8 million Utah residents are currently residing in areas experiencing drought, according to data from the Drought Monitor. The state is seeing no change in drought conditions since last week.
Recent precipitation trends
Recent precipitation records indicate significant dryness across the state. May was recorded as the 46th driest May on record since 1895, with a total precipitation of 0.79 inches, which represents a decrease of 0.36 inches from normal levels.
Historical rainfall deficit data
Additionally, the period from January to May was identified as the 15th driest January–May period on record since 1895. During this timeframe, the state received 4.3 inches of total precipitation, marking a 1.86 inch decrease from normal.
Utah drought classification breakdown
The current drought distribution in Utah includes various classifications:
Severe Drought (D2) covers 55.1% of the state.
Extreme Drought (D3) affects 38.9% of the state.
Moderate Drought (D1) is present in 5.7% of the state.
Exceptional Drought (D4) impacts 0.3% of the state.
Understanding Drought Monitor classifications
The U.S. Drought Monitor, which is jointly produced by agencies including NOAA, USDA, NASA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center, uses these classifications to depict the intensity of drought across the country. These maps are utilized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inform disaster declarations and loan eligibility.
