by Chris Sorensen

One year ago, most of southeast Colorado was experiencing moderate to severe drought. Summer rains, though not as abundant as some would like, eliminated drought conditions across most of the area by the end of September. Kiowa, Crowley and Otero Counties remained in the “abnormally dry” category however.

By the end of February, only a small portion of western Kiowa County was considered abnormally dry.

March has started with above seasonal temperatures and little or no precipitation over the southeast plains of Colorado. Although March tends to be one of the wettest months, this year’s start has lead to much of southeast returning to abnormally dry conditions.

That may change as the month progresses.

While there is a slight chance of thunderstorms Saturday evening, the climate outlook through the end of the month and beyond gives some reason to be hopeful.

The March precipitation outlook shows a 50 percent chance of above average precipitation in the area. The three-month outlook is even more hopeful, with a 40-50 percent chance of above normal precipitation across all of Colorado.

During the same period, the temperature outlook calls for normal to below normal temperatures.