Dry Spell Deepens in Colorado

Despite occasional rainstorms, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the hottest, driest years on record for Colorado.
That could be changing, as long-term forecasts predict the Eastern Plains of Colorado, at least, could see more rain from now until March 2013.
But nothing is guaranteed.
''Should drought conditions persist this may result in further impacts to the agricultural sector within the Arkansas River basin," Assistant State Engineer Kevin Rein said in the most recent report from the Colorado Water Availability Task Force.

Arkansas Valley farmers already have weathered two years of drought, and less water from storage likely will be available next year as cities have drawn down their supplies.
The situation has attracted statewide attention, and a regional drought recovery meeting is planned for 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the 4-H Building at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo.
Through August, 2012 was the second-warmest year on record (since 1895) in Colorado.
Only 1934 was hotter.
Even with last week's rain, Pueblo is on pace for the second-driest year on record, with 4.41 inches through Sept. 30. The driest was 2002, with 3.94 inches of precipitation.
Reservoirs statewide are at two-thirds of average levels, after starting the year at 100 percent. The entire state is in severe to extreme drought.
The combination of hot and dry weather has been offset in part by high prices for farm goods.
"While dry conditions have resulted in decreased yields, high commodity prices have helped to alleviate some of the impacts and markets remain strong. To date, the state has seen a 40 percent increase in agricultural export (revenues)," Rein said.

Dry Spell Deepens in Colorado