WASHINGTON – Asotin, Garfield and Whitman counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to “extreme drought” conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced.
The designation enables farmers in these areas and neighboring counties to apply for federal Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance.
Despite the Washington Department of Ecology’s emergency drought declaration on April 8, these counties were initially excluded due to differing assessment methods, Ecology said in a release.
Since June 5, the drought situation in Washington has worsened, according to the U.S Drought Monitor.
Statewide, June recorded only 23% of normal precipitation, marking it as the third driest and 10th hottest June on record.
The drought has particularly affected eastern Washington, with counties such as Franklin and Grant experiencing a complete lack of rain in June.
The rapid decline in conditions is evident, with snowpack melting significantly earlier than usual, contributing to reduced water availability, Ecology said.
Ecology said soil moisture levels are also critically low, especially in the Lower Yakima Basin, affecting the ground’s ability to absorb precipitation.
Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a warmer and drier July and August than usual for Washington, offering little hope for immediate relief.
