Colorado’s Front Range is mostly drought-free following an above-average rainfall during May, while the Western Slope continues to deal with persistent drought. The Denver area had 3.57 inches of rain last month, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, with 2.16 inches being the normal amount for May. … According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which was updated last Thursday, most of the Front Range is not experiencing drought, while parts of northeastern and southeastern Colorado are “abnormally dry” or in “moderate drought.” “The much bigger drought concerns right now are on the Western slope, where mountain snowpack was poor this winter, and the snow melted out earlier than usual,” (Colorado state climatologist Russ) Schumacher said. “Fortunately they will be getting some rain this week, but flows in the Colorado River system are expected to be much lower than average.”

Other Colorado drought and streamflow news:

• Vail Daily (Colo.): Summer streamflows in Colorado are expected to peak lower than average after a warm, dry start to the water year