UTAH DROUGHT

Worst drought categories for nearly all of Utah

Jul 12, 2021, 8:57 AM | Updated: 10:56 am

drought...

FILE - In this July 16, 2014 file photo, what was once a marina sits high and dry due to Lake Mead receding in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Arizona. Arizona won't have all the pieces of a Colorado River drought plan wrapped up by a March 4 deadline set by the federal government, state water officials said Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. It's the latest hurdle threatening the seven-state plan to take less water from the drought-starved Colorado River, which provides water for 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

(AP Photo/John Locher, File)

SALT LAKE CITY — As much as 98% of Utah is in the two worst drought categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Nearly all of the state is in “exceptional” or “excessive” drought. 

Drought conditions as of July 8, 2021 (courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor)

The oppressive heat and low precipitation are leaving Utah bone dry. The ongoing drought is causing problems for many aspects of life in the state, including farms and ranches, reservoirs, and how often we can water our lawns. The heat also increases wildfire danger

There is a slight chance of rain Wednesday and Thursday, but it will not be enough to offset the severe drought. 

Only small areas in the north and northeast portions of Utah are currently in the “severe” or “moderate” drought categories. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Utah Drought

a sprinkler shoots water over grass, utah drought conditions have improved...

Allessandra Harris

Utah is no longer in a severe drought

After the state's record-breaking snowpack, and for the first time in four years, the state is out of severe drought conditions.

11 months ago

The Great Salt Lake is getting a little boost from a new water diversion coming from the Weber Rive...

Lindsay Aerts

Great Salt Lake getting a bump from Weber River water diversion

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said water released today from the Weber River will eventually make it to the Great Salt Lake.

11 months ago

Sprinklers water a lawn in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 7, 2021. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)...

Curt Gresseth

Are you eligible for a landscape rebate?

Only 35 of Utah’s 329 cities qualify for the landscape rebate, which pays homeowners $3 per square foot to rip out their thirsty lawns. Cynthia Bee of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District joins the show to discuss the statewide program.

11 months ago

The Great Salt Lake on Wednesday. Utah researchers say the lake may end up gaining 6 feet between N...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Record snowpack likely adds 2 years to Great Salt Lake’s long-term outlook, experts say

When taking into account the typical summer loss, he projects that the lake will be about 4,192.5 feet to 4,193 feet by the end of the year, close to current levels.

11 months ago

Joel Ferry, excecutive director of the Utah Dept..of Natural Resorces. (Ben Winslow)...

Ben Winslow, FOX 13

Strawberries in the Desert: From drip irrigation to vertical gardens, Utah officials learn how Israel does more with less water

The delegation walked into a greenhouse where plump, ripe strawberries were growing in the middle of the Negev Desert.

11 months ago

Utah lawmakers and elected officials recently took a trip to Isreal to see how the country effectiv...

Waverly Golden

Utah leaders look to Israel for water management and solutions

Utah lawmakers and elected officials recently took a trip to Isreal to see how the country effectively manages and creates water solutions to apply to Utah's ongoing drought.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Worst drought categories for nearly all of Utah