Drought in Holt, Nebraska

Severe (D2) drought conditions, deteriorated to extreme (D3) drought conditions over the eastern third of Holt County by the end of March. Over the remainder of the county, moderate (D1) drought deteriorated to severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought conditions by the end of the month. The cooperative observer at Atkinson 3SW reported 0.26 inches of precipitation for March. This was 1.00 inches below the normal of 1.26 inches. The cooperative observer at O'Neill reported 0.25 inches of precipitation for March. This was 1.26 inches below the normal of 1.51 inches.

Record warmth, coupled with little to no rainfall in March, led to rapid expansion of drought conditions across all of western and north central Nebraska. By the end of the month, areas of moderate (D1) drought conditions expanded to severe (D2) and extreme (D3) drought conditions by the end of March. North Platte saw its 3rd warmest, and Valentine had its warmest March on record. Valentine had its 9th driest and North Platte 19th driest March on record.