By Jennifer Solis
Nevada Current

Thanks to above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation, drought conditions ranged from abnormal dryness to exceptional drought across Nevada in June, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 

Precipitation generally remained light in June until the end of the month when widespread showers fell across northern Nevada, but the minimal rain was not enough to make up for persistent drought throughout the last few months. 

The average precipitation statewide for June was 0.35 inches, or 0.12 inches below normal. Several parts of the state received even less precipitation, including Elko, Eureka, Tonopah, and Las Vegas. 

However, precipitation rates may improve in July. According to the U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook, some above normal precipitation in July which could improve conditions in southern and eastern Nevada. 

Moderate and severe drought conditions currently cover about 60% of Nevada, while exceptional and extreme drought covers 15% of the state. While no part of the state is left untouched by drought, some parts of the state are facing more severe drought.

The most severe level of drought is mostly concentrated in northern Elko County. Portions of Humboldt, northern Eureka, and northern White Pine counties are facing the second most severe level of drought following exceptional dryness and high temperatures. 

Drought has also parched soil, which can result in less snowmelt making it to streams and receivers as the dry soil soaks up water. Statewide the average soil moisture measured in early July hit record low values, at 33% saturation, or 75% of the median for the time of year. 

In June average streamflow was well below normal across all basins in Nevada, ranging from a record low of 3% of median in the Lower Humboldt to 54% in the Walker basins.

However, state reservoirs in early July were generally near or above the median capacity values for the time of year. One prominent exception was Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, which was well below median values for the time of year. 

Heat has also contributed to the state’s drought. In June, statewide temperatures were 2.6 degrees above normal compared to the historical average, while Reno saw the highest temperatures compared to their historical average at 3.7 degrees. 

June was also the eighth straight month of above normal temperatures statewide, according to a report by Nevada State Climatologist Baker Perry. There was a brief respite at the end of the month when temperatures 10 degrees below normal allowed some snow to accumulate in mountain areas in some parts of northern Nevada. 

However, temperatures are predicted to remain high in July. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecasts above normal temperatures for the state in July with the highest probabilities of above average temperatures in northern Nevada.