Update - 07/06/18

If you've been curious why this blog hasn't been updated in a while....I've been sicker than a dog!  I got bit by a brown recluse around June 10 and then got a systematic secondary infection from that bite and it's been a whirlwind of visits to the ER and doctors.  I still feel like crap but I have just enough energy for a short update.

Back on the 15th in that post (read it by clicking here) I discussed the reprieve in the weather that was expected.  Although I don't have a precipitation map since the 15th, for the past 14 days (June 21 through 7 AM this July 6) there have been very beneficial rains and in some cases excessive rain!  Some areas though still were running a little short during that period.  Here is that map...



I'll discuss more in detail in a later post about some of the rains that have accumulated since May 1 (hint - look at that pink area during the past 14 days near Hill City).

The rains have certainly helped in the drought in some areas - but not all as some locations still are missing out on the heavier amounts.  Here is the latest map...



The reprieve is ending at least temporarily, although I don't see the really excessive heat for at least 7 days.  A big upper ridge has been retrograding and will suppress widespread precipitation for a while. 



The North American Monsoon should help to bring additional precipitation later in the month (it will temporarily shift way west) - and then I kinda think August might be a decent precipitation month but more on that later (I have just a small hunch).

Here is the outlook from the Weather Prediction Center through the end of next week.



I hope to update again next week - barring any more spider bites and infection!