Montana experienced another week of scattered storms with varying precipitation totals, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. The southeastern corner of the State received over 0.7 inches of precipitation, while the northern border remained extremely dry with no measurable precipitation received this week. The remaining areas of the State received minimal moisture, with totals between 0.1 and 0.4 inches. Broadwater and Prairie Counties reported receiving significant moisture this week, however, it was not nearly enough to overcome current drought conditions. Sweet Grass County reported scattered rain showers this week with no significant accumulation. The eastern portion of Roosevelt County received some snowfall accumulation from a spring blizzard; however, the county is still experiencing extreme drought conditions. Despite the spring storms, yearly precipitation totals are 2 inches below normal for the majority of the State. Temperatures continue to be slightly below average. This week, average daily temperatures ranged from normal to 4 degrees below normal for much of the State. According to the United States Drought Monitor for April 28, 2022, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 5.1%, a slight decrease from 5.2% last week. Moderate drought was present across 8.2% of the State, an increase of 5.3%age points from last week. Severe drought increased to cover 37.9% of the State, compared to 32.1% last week. Extreme drought conditions decreased from 50.4% last week to 39.3% of the State this week. Overall, 90.5% of the State continues to experience drought conditions, compared to 90.6% last week.
