Drought Conditions Increase In Littleton, Metro Denver: Monitor

LITTLETON, CO — Mild drought conditions hit Littleton and the rest of metro Denver in mid-September, and since then, the drought has worsened, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Drought spread from western Colorado across Denver's metro area, which was classified as 'D0: Abnormally dry' in mid-September. By the end of the month, our region worsened to 'D1: Moderate Drought,' according to the monitor, which is published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

U.S. Drought Monitor Scale:

• D0: Abnormally Dry
• D1: Moderate Drought - Littleton's current classification
• D2: Severe Drought
• D3: Extreme Drought
• D4: Exceptional Drought

Rainfall kept Littleton drought-free throughout the summer, but recent dry conditions have increased, weather officials said.

Western Colorado has battled extreme drought for several months. Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco and Montezuma counties remain under 'extreme' or 'exceptional' drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Denver Water issued the following water conservation guidance:

• Water during cooler times of day. Lawn watering should not occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Water no more than three days per week.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing cars.

>> View the full NOAA Drought Monitor map for Colorado here.