This spring has been cool and wet across Oregon, alleviating dry conditions and raising water levels in reservoirs. But this does not end the drought by any stretch.
National Weather Service data shows April’s precipitation for the state was heavy, and for areas like Portland and Eugene, the highest amount since 2019.
Larry O’Neill is an associate professor in Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, and the state climatologist. He says even with April’s showers, drought conditions are far from over.
“We’ve got a large area in Central Oregon that’s in D4, or "exceptional drought." That’s the worst drought level and reserved only for the most historically significant droughts that we have," said O'Neill.
"And in that place, we would need something like about 200-300% of normal precipitation within the next six months to bring that drought index back into normal category.”
O’Neill said if there’s a good monsoon season later this year, it could help offset some drought conditions. He shared his remarks at an OSU media webinar.
Copyright @2022, KLCC.
