Arizona Drought Status

While drought retreated across the northwest corner of the state in the last month, it intensified in southeastern portions (Figure 4a). As of June 14, about 56 percent of the state was observing some level of drought, and anther 21 percent was classified with abnormally dry conditions (Figure 4b). One month ago, about 58 percent of the state had some level of drought and another 28 percent was abnormally dry. Exceptional drought, the highest drought category and one that is defined as a drought that happens, on average, once in every 50 years, covers much of Cochise County and southern parts of Graham and Greenlee counties.

Drought impacts from across southeast Arizona reported through Arizona DroughtWatch indicate the severity of the situation. Reports include extremely stressed native vegetation, poor range conditions, and limited or absent surface water in springs, streams, and stock ponds. Also, the high fire danger has compelled authorities to close the Coronado National Forests in Southern Arizona to visitors until the monsoon rains moisten the landscape.

Read more impacts at: http://azdroughtwatch.org.