Drought conditions in Park County worsen

CODY (WNE) — Moderate to severe drought conditions have continued throughout Park County, according to the government drought monitor.

The National Integrated Drought Information System and National Oceanic Atmospheric Association determined that more than 74 percent of the county is affected by drought conditions.

According to NIDIS there are five levels of drought, with D0 being “abnormally dry” and D4 signifying “exceptional drought” conditions. 

Presently, a majority of Park County is experiencing moderate (D1) to severe drought (D2). More than 25 percent of the county is abnormally dry (D0) while less than a percentage point of the county is reporting extreme drought conditions (D3). The agency expects conditions to continue over the next three months.

Despite 1.38 inches more precipitation than average over the course of this year, June 2025 marked the 23rd driest on record for the last 131 years with precipitation falling below average.

Overall, the August 2025 report marks a worsening in drought conditions from 2024. While the agencies reported last year that over 75 percent of the county was experiencing moderate drought and that number has fallen this year to 38 percent, severe drought conditions have grown more prevalent throughout the area. Meanwhile, there was no report of extreme drought last year.

This story was published on August 27, 2025.