The drought, which began in June, continued to intensify through September as another month of below normal precipitation was observed across western and north central Nebraska. A few significant storm systems did move across the central plains during the month, but produced very little rainfall across the area.  The drought caused a large fluctuations in temperatures with high temperatures being above normal, while low temperatures dropped to below normal values much of the month.  By the end of September, the Drought Monitor had expanded the area under Exceptional Drought (D4) across all of western and north central Nebraska as most places were experiencing a precipitation deficit in excess of eight inches for the year.  Affects of the drought included below normal to near record low flows on many of the rivers and streams across the area, damaged crops and pastures, lowered ground water levels leading to shallow wells drying up, as well as extreme fire danger.  In addition, the drought increased irrigation needs, which led to higher flows along the North Platte River which quickly depleted the water storage at Lake McConaughy.  The abundant dry air caused thunderstorms to produce little or no rainfall, which increased the threat for lightning strike fires.  Many grass fires were observed across the area, and while most were small, several larger fires occurred, requiring higher amounts of resources.  The drought continued into October.

Drought in GARDEN, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Garden County.  For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, all of Garden County had conditions worsen to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in WESTERN CHERRY, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across the western two-thirds of Cherry County. For the month, rainfall in these areas was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches. By the end of September,  conditions worsened from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought and continued into October.

Drought in GARFIELD, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Garfield County.  For the month, rainfall was 1 to 3 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, Garfield County had conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in KEITH, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Keith County. For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Keith County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in WHEELER, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across the Wheeler County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches. By the end of September, conditions worsened from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought and continued into October.

Drought in LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Lincoln County. For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Lincoln County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in BLAINE, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Blaine County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Blaine County had intensified to Exceptional (D4) Drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in KEYA PAHA, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Keya Paha County. For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Keya Paha County began the month with Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought, while the entire county worsened to Exceptional (D4) drought going into October.

Drought in EASTERN CHERRY, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across eastern Cherry County.  For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  The eastern part of Cherry County observed the drought worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in GRANT, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Grant County.  For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, Grant County had conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in THOMAS, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Thomas County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Thomas County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in FRONTIER, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Frontier County.  For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, all of Frontier County had conditions worsen to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in HAYES, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Hayes County.  For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, Hayes County had conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in HOLT, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Holt County.  For the month, rainfall was 1 to 3 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, Holt County had conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in HOOKER, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Hooker County.  For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations.  By the end of September, all of Hooker County had conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. The drought continued into October.

Drought in LOGAN, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Logan County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Logan County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in BOYD, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Boyd County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 3 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Boyd County had intensified from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. These conditions continued into October.

Drought in LOUP, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Loup County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Loup County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in BROWN, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Brown County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 3 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Brown County had intensified from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) Drought. These conditions continued into October.

Drought in MCPHERSON, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across McPherson County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. McPherson County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in CHASE, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Chase County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Chase County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in PERKINS, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Perkins County. For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Perkins County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in CUSTER, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Custer County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 3 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Custer County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in DEUEL, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Deuel County. For the month, rainfall was up to an inch below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. Deuel County remained in Exceptional (D4) Drought going into October.

Drought in ROCK, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Rock County. For the month, rainfall was 1 to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, all of Rock County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.

Drought in SHERIDAN, NEBRASKA
From 01-SEP-12 00:00:00 to 30-SEP-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Drought Monitor

The drought began in June and continued to intensify through September as below normal precipitation was observed across Sheridan County. For the month, rainfall was up to 2 inches below normal, while the yearly precipitation deficit was in excess of 8 inches for most locations. By the end of September, Sheridan County saw conditions worsen from Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought.  These conditions continued into October.