Photo courtesy of the Utah Department of Natural Resources
SALT LAKE CITY — A drought update from the Utah Division of Water Resources offers a glimpse of good news for Utah.
Division spokesman Michael Sanchez says you can thank a good monsoonal season for a slight drop in the percentage of the state that is in extreme drought or worse.
“Based on the kind of monsoonal moisture we have had recently, it is hopeful. We’re definitely grateful for the rain that we have had so far, and we’re just hoping that it does continue,” Sanchez told KSL NewsRadio.
In the last month, the state has received nearly 2 inches of rain, when we typically receive 1.5 inches.
“This helps reduce demand and keeps more water in our lakes and reservoirs,” Sanchez said, noting that not all of Utah’s reservoirs are seeing the benefit.
“Some areas in the eastern portion of the state missed out on monsoonal activities. Other areas like Logan and Tooele received above-average rainfall.”
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 79.12% of the state is in extreme drought or worse, which is an improvement from just under the nearly 82-and-a-half percent from last week.
One year ago, over half of Utah was considered to be in the D4, exceptional drought, category. Now, less than 5% of Utah is in D4. Read more here.
Mark Jackson contributed to this report.