Many areas of the State experienced low streamflows for the month of June. Many streamflow measurement locations indicated the lowest June streamflows since 1988. Rainfall at the end of the month has temporarily relieved the drought conditions experienced in that area of the state. A drought is an extended period of dry weather. Periods of little rainfall can vary in length and areal extent.
Some periods can last several months or extend for several years.
Dry periods can affect the entire state or only localized areas. These droughts covered most of the state. Current streamflows are updated every four hours. As the nation's largest water, earth, biological science, and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2,000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to the sound conservation and the economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.