Drought in Eastern Cherry, Nebraska

With the exception of east central and southeastern Cherry county, severe (D2) drought conditions persisted through the end of September. Across east central and southeastern Cherry county, severe (D2) drought conditions deteriorated to extreme (D3) drought conditions by the end of the month. The cooperative observer at Valentine Lakes NWR reported 1.75 inches of precipitation in September. This was 0.25 inches below the normal of 2.00 inches. At the Valentine airport, 0.80 inches of precipitation fell in September. This was 0.92 inches below the normal of 1.72 inches.

Abnormally dry and warm conditions continued across western and north central Nebraska in September. Drought conditions intensified over all of western and north central Nebraska with the exception of Sheridan county. Temperatures in September were well above normal and several record high temperatures were set during the month at North Platte and Valentine.