WASHINGTON — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) report that 61% of the Pacific Northwest Drought Early Warning System region is still experiencing drought conditions.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, many areas remain in Moderate to Exceptional Drought conditions. The drought conditions are most severe in central Washington and western Montana.
The Drought Monitor says that although some rain and lower temperatures provided a brief reprieve for much of the PNW, wildfire season persists as dry and above-average temperatures are expected in the coming week.
The report says that, as of August 25, Oregon reported over 1,500,000 acres burned so far in 2024, which is far above the annual average over the past 10 years and is now greater than the previous high in 2012. The largest of the 2024 wildfires are the Durkee and Cow Valley Fire and the Battle Mountain Complex Fire.
In Idaho, The Paddock Fire burned more than 180,000 acres, making it the third-largest wildfire in state history.
NOAA says the summer temperatures combined with below-normal precipitation across Washington continue to limit water supply, causing reservoir elevations in parts of Washington to drop to near-record lows and streamflow decline.
According to the Drought Monitor report, low streamflow in the Methow River, Yakima River Basin, Wood River and the Blackfoot River prompted concerns about aquatic life and caused additional fishing restrictions to be implemented across several basins as a result.
To view detailed reports and impacts of the drought conditions across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, visit the NIDIS website.
