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Colorado Drought Persists Despite Uncertain El Niño Outlook

4/14/2026

40 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Colorado's Uncertain Drought

Colorado faces a challenging summer due to record-low snowpack and ongoing drought.
The transition from La Niña to a super El Niño offers potential for wetter conditions, but State Climatologist Russ Schumacher notes impact remains uncertain.
An active monsoon season from July to September could alleviate drought and reduce irrigation needs, but it will not replenish reservoirs.
The overall outlook remains fluid as forecasts continue to evolve.

Left

El Niño's Impact

A Super El Niño is increasingly likely, with more than a 50% chance by late fall.
It could be the strongest El Niño in a century, altering U.S. weather, especially in New England.
Forecasters expect warmer, drier conditions this summer, potentially bringing record heat and humidity.
Strong El Niño typically increases wind shear and reduces hurricane activity.
The Northeast remains vulnerable to hurricanes even in quieter seasons.

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Colorado's Uncertain Drought

Colorado faces a challenging summer due to record-low snowpack and ongoing drought.
The transition from La Niña to a super El Niño offers potential for wetter conditions, but State Climatologist Russ Schumacher notes impact remains uncertain.
An active monsoon season from July to September could alleviate drought and reduce irrigation needs, but it will not replenish reservoirs.
The overall outlook remains fluid as forecasts continue to evolve.

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