The current weather condition is probably the most talked about conversation in most rural areas. I suspect we here in southcentral Nebraska follow that trend. Last week a television weather reporter went back and compared the first four and one-half months of 2024 to the similar period in 2023. His conclusion was that most all reporting stations reported an increase in rainfall in 2024 compared to 2023.
We at the NC Locomotive-Gazette decided to report similar figures in the local area. The conclusions about the rainfall totals for the two years came from the Little Blue NRD Rainfall Assessment Network.
The information given below show just how much moisture levels can change from place to place.
The rainfall increase for 2024 is anywhere from two to six inches as shown below. The location is listed first followed by the Jan. 1, 2023 to May 20, 2023 figure for rainfall. The Jan. 1, 2024 to May 20, 2024 figures follows:
Lawrence 0.3 SE: 6.055” - 8.715”
Deweese 4.8 SSE: 4.750” – 9.320”
Nelson 0.35W: 4.260” – 6.716”
Nora 1.5 N: 4.012” – 9.451”
Superior 6.5NE: 3.894” – 8.089”
Blue Hill 4.7 SE: 2.620” – 8.310”
Oak 0.1SSW: 1.410” – 7.541”
Guide Rock .02 SE: 5.030” – 6.910”
Red Cloud 4.3E: 4.423” – 7.972”
The next question that often comes: “Is the drought over?”
The experts say it is too early to answer that question. The 2023 lack of rain does more damage than just the current year’s operation. Land, especially the pastures usually take more than a year to recover from a year of no rain. So, while the country side is green this year, that land very likely is not at its best.
Secondly, most all area citizens note “the farm ponds have not been refilled yet.” One sign that conditions may be returning to normal.
Thirdly, we are only four and one-half months into the year, 2024. What happens during the rest of the year will determine whether or not the drought is over.
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