Skagit County now in drought
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July 14, 2021
Twenty-six percent of Skagit County’s population, 30,180 people, were affected by drought for the first time last week, the National Integrated Drought Information System reported on July 8. Moderate drought conditions cover 25.8% of Skagit County. The flats and east into the Cascade foothills face increased fire danger, low river flow and possible dust storms.
Abnormally dry conditions cover 59%, more than the entire eastern half, of the county. The 1-month outlook forecasts a 33% probability of below-normal precipitation with drought development likely, the June 30 update stated.
Most rivers are at normal streamflow conditions, with only the Samish River monitored at much below normal.
Abnormal dryness and moderate drought expanded across Washington state last week to nearly the entire state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported July 4 that 84% of the state’s topsoil moisture is short to very short, significantly impacting forage production. The data show that the state’s rangeland and pasture conditions are far worse this year when compared to all other years this century.
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