Climate experts predict ‘tough times’ ahead as drought conditions continue

Despite this week’s heavy rainfall, most of Oregon is still in an ongoing drought with Central Oregon facing the most severe conditions in the state.

Climate experts from Oregon, Washington and Idaho shared an update on Thursday that shows about 74% of the Pacific Northwest is seeing drought conditions with 18% of the region experiencing exceptional drought. They predict the drought conditions this summer will be even worse than they were the last two years, in which the Northwest saw withering crops, dying fish and empty water wells.

Central Oregon could see its wildfire season start as early as May, they said, with water shortages that could impact farmers, crops and livestock.

In Oregon, at least 10 counties, from Sherman County down to Klamath County, are seeing exceptional drought conditions, which are creating water emergencies such as dried-up wells and water shortages in reservoirs and streams. Although the recent atmospheric river brought heavy rainfall across much of the region, the longer stretches with no rain have made drought conditions worse.

“Many of those areas impacted most by drought would need 150 to 200% or more of normal precipitation over the next two months to ameliorate drought conditions,” NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System Britt Parker said.