The Climate Prediction Center’s latest 3 month outlook shows drought persisting in the 4 Corners and across the Southwest.
Cortez received about an inch and a half of rain in August, slightly above average. The Mesa Verde weather station reported just over half an inch less rainfall than average.
Blanding was also below average with around a half an inch of rain; Bluff received above average rainfall and set two high temperature records last month, both registering at 103 degrees. Monticello saw just under an inch of rainfall, about half of what’s typical.
NASA satellites have revealed alarming groundwater losses across the Colorado River Basin, with Arizona hit the hardest. A new study from Arizona State University shows the region lost nearly 28 million acre-feet of groundwater between 2002 and 2024—roughly equal to the entire capacity of Lake Mead. Researchers say the decline accelerated after 2015, driven by drought and heavy agricultural use, especially in La Paz and Cochise counties. With 40 million people depending on these aquifers, scientists warn the findings are a major red flag for the Southwest’s long-term water security.
