Nebraska Experiencing Abnormal Dryness, Drought in Some Regions
By Aaron Bonderson 
, Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
July 8, 2021, 4:50 p.m. ·
Dry conditions are impacting a small part of Nebraska in the upper Basin of the Missouri River, north of South Sioux City.
Doug Kluck with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Central Region Climate Services said most of Nebraska hasn’t been affected by the dry conditions.
“Abnormal dryness but not drought yet. There are pockets of drought in the north central and far west portions of Nebraska, but generally Nebraska’s sitting pretty well at the moment,” he said. “I think eastern Nebraska has a decent shot of good precipitation over the next two or three days.”
Missouri River’s lower Basin covers a larger area of the state and has seen significant rainfall recently.
The updated 2021 upper Basin runoff forecast is 60% of average. If the forecast is accurate, the runoff amount would be the 10th driest since 1898.
To view the state of Nebraska's drought monitor, visit UNL's drought monitor.