The western and southern part of the state is abnormally dry with some areas showing moderately drought-like conditions. NOAA’s climate prediction center is predicting warmer and drier conditions for the remainder of the summer.
In Washington, drought is declared when water supply in an area is 75 percent of normal and the conditions are likely to cause undue hardship. Dry conditions, along with the end of the snowmelt period, are causing rivers and stream levels to drop, except where there are reservoir releases to maintain flows for fish and other values. The image below depicts the average 7-day flow, compared to historical flows, of watersheds across the state, as of July 2. Yellows, browns, and reds are below normal; blues and greens are above normal. We are closely monitoring and prepared to respond, if needed.
