Strengthening El Niño likely a big deal for fall moisture

Amy Hadachek
Aug 25, 2026
8 hrs ago

Autumn weather 1.png — The U.S. Drought Monitor from Aug. 18 shows the worst drought conditions in the Mountain West. A strong El Nino could improve drought conditions this fall in Nebraska.
Submitted image from U.S. Drought Monitor

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The latest fall forecast brings good news for some areas of the drought-stricken Midwest.

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Autumn weather 2.gif — Fall outlooks indicate western Nebraska and Kansas could benefit from more rainfall.
Image from NOAA

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Autumn weather 3.gif — Much of the U.S. is expecting a warmer than average fall, according to the latest climate outlook from the Climate Prediction Center. For South Dakota, that could worsen already dry conditions.
Image from NOAA

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