… Over 70% of the 11 states that make up the region are in drought, with over half of the region in severe, extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That’s after most of the region experienced record-low or extremely below-average snowpacks, thanks to record-warm temperatures leading to more rainfall in areas that normally receive snow. Western Colorado and southwestern Idaho have some of the worst conditions. All parts of Utah are in drought, with nearly 95% of the state in at least severe drought, including over 40% of the state remaining in extreme or exceptional drought. California is a rare exception, with only 5% of the Golden State in drought — although half of it remains “abnormally dry.”

Other drought news around the West:

• The Washington Post: Expansive heat dome to topple records in drought-stricken Plains and western states
• The Salt Lake Tribune: Live your religion and conserve water, LDS Church leaders tell Utah members
• Cowboy State Daily (Cheyenne, Wyo.): Eastern Wyoming Irrigation District warns water could vanish by early August
• The Independent (U.K.): Colorado mayor accuses local schools of using too much water to keep their lawns green amid drought restrictions