Wyoming officials expect moderate to extreme drought to persist and spread throughout the state this summer.
The multiyear drought is Wyoming’s worst since 2013 with last year the state’s fifth driest and 16th warmest since 1895.
Even parts of the state with average or above-average precipitation this year got it earlier than usual, leaving those areas just as susceptible to drought now.
Scientists expect the trend to worsen long-term due to climate change, resulting in more wildfires and more strain for wildlife, farmers and ranchers.