Drought in Eastern Cherry, Nebraska

Over far southeastern Cherry County, extreme (D3) drought conditions persisted through the end of April. Over portions of east central Cherry County, severe (D2) drought conditions persisted through the end of the month. Over northeastern portions of the county, moderate (D1) drought conditions persisted. The cooperative observer at Valentine Lakes NWR reported 0.69 inches of precipitation in April. This was 1.93 inches below the normal of 2.62 inches. At the Valentine airport, 0.80 inches of precipitation fell in April. This was 1.68 inches below the normal of 2.48 inches.

Dry and unseasonably warm conditions continued across western and north central Nebraska in April. Precipitation totals across western and north central Nebraska were generally around a quarter inch or less across the area. Locations over the northeastern Nebraska Panhandle and far northern Nebraska fared better as totals in these areas ranged from a half of an inch to an inch for the month. North Platte had its driest April on record with a meager 0.04 inches of rainfall. A total of 5 daily record high temperatures were recorded in North Platte in April, including two 90+ degree days on the 12th and 13th of the month.