Much of Yavapai County is now free from the drought, but conditions remain unusually dry.

Drought hit 41,407 people, or 19.6 percent, in the county last month, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. 2022 was his 42nd driest year in the last 128 years.

Much of the county is currently in what is described as unusually dry conditions. This classification means dry soil, limited forage and high fire risk.

A small portion of the northwestern part of the county, about 19.62% of the total, is experiencing moderate drought conditions. increase.

Across Arizona, November was much cooler than normal, with most counties receiving below-normal rainfall. 53% of the state experienced unusually dry conditions.

From July to September, central Yavapai was unusually dry but did not experience prolonged drought conditions.

Historically, an unusually extreme drought occurred in 2018-2019, reappeared in 2021, and has continued to the present day, but is gradually easing.

In December 2021, Yavapai County experienced more than 150% of its average rainfall due to severe frontal systems. Maricopa and Gila counties also saw similar increases in precipitation.

In contrast, 73% of the state experienced an unusual drought in December 2020, with an inadequate summer monsoon minimizing rainfall.

For more information, see: drought.gov, new.azwater.gov When droughtmonitor.unl.edu.