Drought Information Statement for Montana Valid May 3, 2024 Issued By: NWS Great Falls, NWS Missoula, NWS Glasgow, NWS Billings Contact Information: This product will be updated, May 31, 2024, or sooner, if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/TFX/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Link to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor for Montana D3 Drought conditions have expanded. Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): None occurring D3 (Extreme Drought): Scattered areas across portions of western and central MT D2 (Severe Drought): A portion of western MT, with scattered areas across portions of central and southwestern MT D1 (Moderate Drought): Much of western and southwestern MT and portions of central and eastern MT D0: (Abnormally Dry): Much of the state Recent Change in Drought Intensity Link to the latest 4-week change map for Montana Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: Drought conditions worsened over portions of western, central and eastern MT, during the past four weeks. No Change: No change in drought conditions over the past month were observed over most of the state. Drought Improved: Areas of improvement occurred over scattered areas of western and north central MT, as well as, portions of eastern MT. Precipitation Precipitation (in): During the past month, most of the state received 0.5” to 2.5” of precipitation, with some isolated areas receiving more than 2.5” of moisture. Some areas of the state received less than 0.5” of precipitation. Percent of Normal Precipitation (%): Most of the state received below normal precipitation, while some isolated areas received above normal precipitation amounts. Temperature Most of The Treasure State experienced warmer than normal temperatures, while the temperatures for some isolated areas of western and central Montana were below normal. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Above Normal: The Hudson River Basin, as well as, portions of the Yellowstone River Basins are experiencing above normal streamflow levels. Normal: The average streamflow for most of Montana, is at a level that is considered normal. Below Normal: Most areas of below normal streamflow are located across the northern half of Montana. We continue to monitor for any periods of potential flooding that may occur. USGS 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the date of, May 2, 2024 Agricultural Impacts The soil moisture ranking percentile resides in the low range across western, and portions of northeastern MT Soil moisture values continue, “slightly dry/favorably moist.” Fire Hazard Impacts Grasslands: Fire impacts continue possible a few weeks after fuels dry out. Mountains: Fire season begins after the snow melts out. Link to Wildfire Potential Outlooks from the National Interagency Coordination Center. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast During the week of, May 3-10, 2024, north central, central and eastern MT are forecast to receive in excess of 1.75”, with some areas receiving as much as 3” to 5” of liquid precipitation. Most of this precipitation is forecast to fall during the period of, Sun May 5th through Thu May 9th. Rapid Onset Drought Outlook Links to the latest Climate Prediction Center 8 to 14 day Temperature Outlook and Precipitation Outlook. As of this time, no significant hazards are forecast to occur across The Treasure State from, May 10th through May 16th. Long Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage For the month of May, there are equal chances for warmer or cooler than normal temperatures across Montana. Additionally, during this seasonal transition period, there are equal chances for above or below normal precipitation. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought conditions are predicted to continue over portions of western, central, southern and far northeastern MT. https://www.drought.gov/states/montana Links to the latest: Climate Prediction Center Monthly Drought Outlook Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Drought Outlook Seasonal (3-Month) Drought Outlook Summary of Impacts Links: See/submit Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) and view the Drought Impacts Reporter Hydrologic Impacts Mountain snowpack continues below normal, in terms of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), for this time of year. The forecast early May precipitation event, will assist; however, Montana is, generally, sufficiently below normal values, such that further spring moisture remains important. Agricultural Impacts Possible impacts to crops and grasslands Fire Hazard Impacts Moisture replacement from now through June, along with the temperature trend during the last two weeks of June and the first week of July, will aid in assessing the summer season’s fire impacts. Other Impacts Impacts to outdoor recreation, especially river activities, are possible as we approach the Memorial Day Holiday, and the tourism season. Mitigation Actions Low snowpack does not equate to an absence of flooding. Flooding is possible at any time until the snow melts out of the mountains. We continue to monitor any potential flooding impacts which may arise, during our moist season, and as we enter thunderstorm season.