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• Looking ahead
• New outlooks from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center for August and the August-October period, Todey said indicate no strong trends in temperature or precipitation.
• "There have been no consistent patterns showing up in the climate computer models to this point. Climatologically, by late July, precipitation chances fall off while temperatures increase. This is consistent with what we have experienced this year. But there are still some chances for precipitation coming through the end of the month over most of the state," Todey said.
• Edwards said in the near future we are not likely to see any further drought improvement in the drought covered areas of the southwest.
• "With warm temperatures and limited chances for precipitation in that region for the next one to three months, there is little opportunity to make conditions better. For now, we hope that conditions hold steady," Edwards said.
• Most of the cropping areas in East River are currently drought free; but she said some dry soils do exist.
• "Two dry weeks could introduce issues quickly especially during the reproductive period of corn occurring now," Edwards said. "The high water crop water demands can dry soils quickly without additional precipitation. Thus, some additional timely rains will be needed to ensure continued good growing conditions."