Drought — Southwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

2025-08-01 to 2025-08-31 · Southwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

At the beginning of the month of August, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought conditions that covered roughly 10% of Colorado Zone 019 - Southwestern San Juan Mountains. This area was confined to the far southeastern portion of the zone, and remained unchanged until the 8/20/25 US Drought Monitor update. At this time, the area of Extreme (D3) conditions was expanded to cover roughly 50% of the zone. From the 8/20/25 update through the end of the month, drought conditions remained unchanged.

Wider weather episode

The month of August continued where July left off, with overall above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. In particular, the lower elevations of eastern Utah and western Colorado showed the greatest departures in both temperatures and precipitation. As a result, Extreme (D3) Drought either remained unchanged in coverage, or expanded through the month.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1291244. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.