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This Climate Prediction Center long-range precipitation outlook rates North Dakota as having a 50% probability of below normal precipitation in July, August, and September.
A Drought Briefing issued by the National Weather Service Wednesday cautions that current drought conditions across North Dakota are likely to “persist or worsen” well into the summer months. The NWS adds, “It is always possible we could have a pattern change and transition to a cooler/wetter pattern, but there is no indication of that happening.”
North Dakota has been drying out for several months but, with the growing and planting season getting underway, the lack of soil moisture begins to become more and more evident. Further degradation of soil moisture conditions is of increasing concern, particularly to farmers and ranchers.