The Drought Deepens

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The latest data shows reason for concern about the deepening drought in the West and its potential spread eastward.
This week's drought data is discouraging. The severe drought from the Rockies to the Sierra continues to worsen as does the drought in the Middle Atlantic region. 

Here is the forecast rainfall amounts for the next seven days. 
In the West, the light rains will be of little help. 

Our ability to forecast summer rainfall amounts at 8 to 14 days is marginal at best, but here's the latest estimate:
While part of the western drought area is forecast to have greater than average rainfall, it is not particularly good news for two reasons. The first is that this is generally a dry time of year so more than usual rain isn't very much. Second, is the temperatures are forecast to be above normal so the evaporation rates will be high.
I will periodically update this situation. 

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