- Arizona sees rare early June rainfall, improving drought status.
- Colorado and Wyoming report continued drought improvement.
- Utah experiences worsening conditions in some central and northeastern areas.
- California and Nevada enter dry season with minimal change in drought levels.
Saturday, June 7, 2025 — The U.S. Drought Monitor
reported on June 5 a continued downward trend in drought coverage and intensity across many parts of the western United States. Notable developments occurred in the Desert Southwest, where an unusual early June rainfall event improved drought conditions in parts of Arizona. However, some areas, including Utah, experienced localized drought expansion. Here’s a breakdown of drought conditions across the seven states that make up the Colorado River Basin.
Arizona: Storms Bring a Welcome Shift.
Arizona saw one of the most significant improvements in the Colorado River Basin this week. “The Desert Southwest had a rare wet start to June,” the report noted, as a mid-level low-pressure system combined with moisture from former Tropical Storm Alvin. This interaction brought measurable rainfall—up to 2 inches in isolated areas—particularly in central Pima, northern Maricopa, and southern Yavapai counties. These areas received a one-category improvement on the drought scale.
Southeastern Arizona, although receiving less rainfall, also benefited. Exceptional drought (the most severe category) was downgraded to extreme drought due to the precipitation.
Utah: A Mixed Bag.
While parts of the West showed signs of recovery, central and northeastern Utah saw worsening conditions. “A 1-category degradation was also made to parts of central and northeastern Utah,” the report said, citing worsening soil moisture and low 28-day average streamflows.
Elsewhere in Utah, no major improvements were reported, as much of the state continues to face persistent drought pressures entering the dry summer months.
Colorado: Gradual Gains.
Colorado benefited from consistent precipitation in recent weeks. Southern Colorado, in particular, received more than half an inch of rainfall around June 2, which supported a one-category improvement in drought conditions. Northeastern parts of the state also benefited from two weeks of steady rain and cooler-than-average temperatures in late May.
These gains helped mitigate drought severity in several areas, although pockets of long-term dryness remain a concern.
Wyoming: Drought Status Improves in the Southeast.
Southeastern Wyoming saw a notable improvement in drought classification. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, “Additional precipitation this past week along with consideration of SPIs dating back 6 to 12 months… supported the removal of severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought across southeastern Wyoming.”
Even though the past week brought only light precipitation to parts of the state, improved soil moisture and long-term indicators contributed to the upgrade.
New Mexico: Continued Recovery in the North and East.
Although New Mexico’s governor declared a drought emergency on May 22, its northern and eastern regions showed improvement this past week. “Recent precipitation and the NDMC drought blends supported 1-category improvements,” the report noted. These gains come on the heels of a wetter-than-usual spring that has gradually chipped away at long-term drought levels.
Nevada and California: Holding Steady as Dry Season Arrives.
As California and Nevada enter their typically dry season, few changes were reported. According to the Monitor, “Little to no changes were made as California and Nevada enter their drier time of year.” Drought conditions in these states remain stable, with no major expansions or improvements observed in early June.
Climate Signals Mixed for the West.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for June 10–14, above-normal precipitation is favored for the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. However, most of the West, including parts of the Colorado River Basin, will likely experience above-normal temperatures. With warming trends forecast for northern California and the Pacific Northwest, heat may counterbalance some of the recent gains made through early summer rainfall.
As the region enters its hottest and driest stretch of the year, continued monitoring will be essential. While Arizona’s early rains offer hope, broader recovery across the basin remains uncertain and highly dependent on future precipitation patterns.
Leave a Reply