Arizona Drought Status

Wet and cool weather during the past 30 days has slightly improved drought conditions, according to the December 13 update of the U.S. Drought Monitor (Figure 4a). Exceptional drought, defined as a drought that occurs, on average, once in every 50 years, no longer grips southeast Arizona. Exceptional drought developed in this region in early June and covered up to 7 percent of Arizona.

Currently, 98 percent of Arizona is categorized with abnormally dry conditions or a more severe drought category, with about 49 percent classified as severe or extreme (Figure 4b). Several impressive early winter storms in late November and early December have helped improve short-term drought conditions, but longer-term precipitation deficits remain. Much of Arizona is still several inches behind average precipitation levels for the year. More winter rain and snow will be needed to make substantial drought improvements in many areas in Arizona. With the expectation that a weak to moderate La Niña will continue into next year, forecasts still suggest drier-than-average conditions (see page 14).