Winter 2021-2022: 12th driest winter on record, much warmer too

The 2021-2022 winter was the 12th driest winter for the United States. The national rain average for the season was 5.76 inches, this is about 1.03 inches below average. Data from the latest drought monitor report shows that about 60% of the contiguous U.S. is under drought, this is up 4 percent from the beginning of February.

As predicted, this past winter was a dry and warm one due to a La Niña being present in the tropical Pacific, which propels a drier and warmer than usual winter.

217.8 million acres of crops in the nation are experiencing drought conditions the second week of March.

These drought conditions have left many farmers across the United States, especially over the western and northern Plains. For example, Nebraska had its 4th driest winter on record and Kansas had its 5th driest winter on record. In contrast, Minnesota has d its 10th wettest winter.

As far as the temperatures go, the average temperature for the winter trimester was 34.8F, 2.5 degrees above average. This marks the third warmest winter on record. No individual states had below-average temperatures, with Georgia and South Carolina experiencing their 7th warmest winter on record.

The drought brings indirect and direct impacts to the economy. Reduced water levels and quality put a huge dent in farms, ranches, and lands. Soy, wheat, and hay, among many other important crops, have taken a hit in the harvest.

By the way, La Niña is expected to stay present through the spring. So, the drought is expected to persist through the next few months along with warmer than usual conditions which often exacerbate the drought.