It’s shaping up to be a hot and dry summer in Colorado, filled with high temperatures and wildfire risk.

According to the US Drought Monitor service, 70.2 percent of Colorado is experiencing drought on some level as of July 14, 2020.

On top of that, an additional 25.2 percent of the state is ‘abnormally dry,’ a common precursor to drought. That means a total of 95.4 percent of the state is experiencing some level of dryness. This time last year, there was no abnormal dryness present.

Perhaps more shocking, 36.9 percent of Colorado is currently in a state of ‘extreme drought.’ This compares to zero percent just three months ago.

Extreme drought can result in major crop and pasture loss, as well as widespread water shortages and restrictions. Conditions like this also mean that very large wildfires are likely to develop over an extended wildfire season. This intensity of drought is currently impacting a stretch of land in the southern portion of the state, including towns like Trinidad and Monte Vista.

Slightly better off, 20.9 percent of the state is in a ‘severe drought.’ This includes spots like Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Gunnison.

Colorado Springs and Denver metro areas are split between facing moderate drought and being abnormally dry.

The only portion of the state not facing some level of abnormal dryness is part of Northern Colorado, including Boulder, Fort Collins, and Longmont.

It’s important to be aware of how dry things are, as this can be a contributing factor to high wildfire risk. Be highly aware of the rules and regulations in place prior to sparking a flame.

See a map with a full and updated breakdown here.