There have been some promising signs of an easing of...but not an end to...the drought.
There have been some promising signs of an easing of...but not an end to...the drought. Brent Martin has the story. . .Brent Martin; soc
Though Nebraska didn't receive the moisture expected from the most recent snowstorms, State Climatologist Al Dutcher with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln the winter weather is starting to lay a foundation of moisture to the south of Nebraska.
State Climatologist Al Dutcher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; "early summer period"
Dutcher sees signs of improvement. . .
Dutcher; "sub-soil moisture"
The two major snowstorms might have missed Nebraska. Still, they might help ease drought conditions here.
State Climatologist Al Dutcher with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says the storms that moved south of the state laid a foundation of moisture that could ultimately benefit Nebraska this spring. . .
Dutcher; "Plain's regions"
Dutcher says that, ideally, the state needs to return to a normal rain pattern with temperatures low enough to keep vegetation from robbing a needed build-up of subsoil moisture.
Late winter snowstorms have laid a foundation of moisture for Nebraska, even though they dumped most of their snow south of the state.
State Climatologist Al Dutcher says there are signs that the weather pattern is returning to somewhat of a normal pattern. Unfortunately, average rainfall won't put a dent in the rainfall deficits. . .
Dutcher; "impact the drought"
Rainfall deficits since the end of July in 2011 total nearly 20 inches in northeastern Nebraska...15 inches in central Nebraska...and 9-to-12 inches in west-central Nebraska.
Late winter snowstorms...even though they dumped most of their snow south of Nebraska...could help bring the state back to normal weather patterns.
State Climatologist Al Dutcher with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says the snowfall to the south of the state laid a foundation for moisture this spring. He says the state needs enough moisture for soon-to-emerge pastures and a winter wheat crop coming out of dormancy. . .
Dutcher; "carry the crop"
Rainfall deficits in Nebraska are significant...20 inches in the northeastern portion of the state...15 inches in central Nebraska...and up to 12 inches in west-central Nebraska.
(image courtesy of stock.xchng)
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
