Drought in Grand and Battlement Mesas, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of September, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought that covered roughly 80% of Colorado Zone 009 - Grand and Battlement Mesas, with the remaining 20% of the zone under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. With the 9/3 Drought Monitor update, all of the Exceptional (D4) Drought was removed, with 100% of the zone now under Extreme (D3) conditions. From this point to the end of the month there was no substantial change in drought conditions.

The month of September continued to run above normal in terms of temperatures, and below normal in terms of precipitation. However, there were a few periods of heavy rain across the region, particularly around September 12th, and again at the end of the month, which helped to improve drought conditions across the region. A dry end to the month did allow for some worsening drought around the Four Corners.