KEARNEY — While parts of Nebraska received much-needed moisture recently, drought conditions remained largely unchanged across the state in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released May 28.
The report does not include rainfall that fell across portions of Nebraska over the weekend.
Severe drought (D2) conditions continue across Hall, Adams, and much of Buffalo County, while extreme drought (D3) remains in place around Kearney and extends across portions of south-central, western, and north-central Nebraska.
The most intense drought category, exceptional drought (D4), is still impacting parts of northern Gosper County and southern Frontier County. According to the report, about 8.2 percent of Nebraska remains under D4 conditions.
Statewide, approximately 95 percent of Nebraska is experiencing some level of drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor noted that above-normal temperatures returned to the Plains during the reporting period, with some areas seeing highs reach the upper 90s.
A widespread weather system brought precipitation to parts of the High Plains, including eastern Nebraska. Some locations received up to two inches of rainfall, although many areas saw an inch or less.
According to the Drought Monitor, the rainfall helped improve conditions in portions of Colorado, but persistent dry weather and warmer temperatures led to worsening drought conditions in other parts of the region, including sections of the central Plains.
Despite recent moisture, drought continues to be a significant concern across Nebraska as much of the state heads into the summer growing season.