Nearly half of Arizona under ‘extreme’ drought conditions
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — This winter is on track to go down as one of the driest on record and the drought situation in Arizona is getting worse.
While drought and water shortages may be inevitable because we live in a desert, there are still ways you can help improve a drought.
More areas in Arizona are in the extreme drought category this month compared to January. Almost all of western Arizona is now under this distinction. With little rain in the immediate forecast, meteorologists worry this could get even worse.
“It’s been a really dry winter,” Jonny Malloy, a meteorologist with the flood control district of Maricopa County said. “A lot of our stations across the county in central Arizona have missed out on rain opportunity this winter.”
The last time Arizona had a short-term drought in the extreme category that covered nearly 50% of the state was July 2021. This means widespread water shortages or restrictions, major crop losses and extreme fire danger.
“Our vegetation has been stressed. You can see it if you take a drive anywhere on our highways around Arizona, you tend to see it’s brown. It’s yellow,” he said.
The Arizona Department of Water Resources says in January, Phoenix ended the month with 0.01” of rain which has tied as the 12th driest January on record. In Flagstaff, it tied as the 11th driest on record.
“Unfortunately, it may take until the following winter to get some improvement,” Malloy said.
He says Arizona has been in some kind of drought since 1994, and that it’s crucial for people to take water conservation seriously.
“It’s as simple as turning off your faucet when you’re brushing your teeth. Maybe an opportunity to change your landscape. Just be conscience of your water use. I think it can be taken for granted,” he said.
Despite the lack of rain and snow, SRP says they are ready to meet the Valley’s water demand of 2.5 million residents. Monday they were out at Roosevelt Lake measuring the water flow into the rivers and streams. They use that information to plan for drought and prepare for floods.
“Our reservoirs are near 70% which is in good shape and above normal, due to having two previous wet winters, “SRP Senior Hydrologist Stephen Flora said.
The Climate Prediction Center puts out three-month outlooks showing the temperature and precipitation outlooks for the next 90 days. Right now, it’s showing February, March and April to have above-normal temperatures with below-normal chances for rain and snow.
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