Your Daily Guide

🌵 Drought Worsens, More High Temps On the Horizon

Ninety-three percent of Colorado is facing a drought, and now Gov. Jared Polis has announced a drought emergency. After the warmest winter Colorado has ever seen and record low levels of snowpack, Denver’s hot weather over the weekend was just a taste of what residents can expect more of this summer.

• What does a “drought emergency” entail? The governor’s declaration engages Phase 3 of the state’s drought response, which is “reserved for the most severe periods of continued dry weather,” according to Colorado Public Radio. It’s been 5 years since Colorado last declared a Phase 3 drought, which opens more sources of financial support, increases the state’s wildfire response preparation, and makes it possible for Colorado to receive federal emergency funding. [Denver7; CPR]
• Dry conditions across the West: Utah also declared a drought emergency in recent weeks, and experts continue to monitor the dwindling Colorado River Basin. A panel of experts at Colorado Law School recently warned that the water source faces a “system crash,” with potential to affect hydropower, dam infrastructure, and agriculture across seven states. [Salt Lake Tribune]
• What about all the rain? A recent bout of rainstorms prompted by the El Niño weather pattern in Colorado has offered hope for drought relief, but scientists say it’s not enough. In fact, El Niño has only relieved Colorado of drought three times in the 120 years that such conditions have been recorded. [Colorado Politics]
• Water restrictions continue: Denverites are still being encouraged to limit their water consumption by 20% throughout the summer, but as of May, residents had only cut their consumption by 5%. Officials say people should expect to see brown grass in parks as they minimize watering. Athletic fields may close if the drought continues. [Colorado Sun; Denverite]