A closer look at the long term dryness in central Nebraska

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - You either have it or you don’t, when talking about moisture around central Nebraska. It seems it’s been more about the have-nots as we take a closer look at the long term dryness across the area.

Since April of 2021, most of south central Nebraska, along with north central Kansas, has seen 55 to 85 percent of their normal precipitation. To put it more simply, that’s a deficit of 10 to 20 inches over the past 19 months. As we take a look at where the Tri-Cities stand, Kearney received the most of their normal at 72 percent which equates to 33.82 inches since April of last year. Hastings saw 69 percent of its normal with a total of 33.22 inches and Grand Island filled 67 percent of the bucket with 32.36 inches. Basically, the Tri-Cities fell short of the 19 month average by 13 to 16 inches. So, who was able to get the closest to their normal? The winner is Red Cloud where you received 94 percent of your normal precipitation or a total of 44 inches. We have winners and we have losers. The spot that fell the shortest of their average precipitation since April 2021 was 9 miles northeast of Palmer where you saw an insufficient 54 percent of your average or a total of 26.23 inches in the rain pail. That’s a deficit of almost 22 inches. Not that I would wish for lots of snow this winter, but it may be needed for those of us who are really parched.

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