Summary:
- A warm July occurred over most of the west, with most areas 2-6°F above average* while coastal zones were closer to average. Very muggy conditions along with a heat wave made the end of July miserable for many.
- Precipitation in July was sparse, with most coming from enhanced monsoon flow in the southwest and into the Great Basin. Drought concerns continue for most of the west, although the Four Corners has seen some relief from the monsoon.
- Seasonal start to August, but most of the west will see much warmer than average conditions in the short-term, Most precipitation in the west will likely be from monsoon flow and thunderstorms, otherwise dry elsewhere.
- Mid-month is expected to continue warmer than average over most of the west. Coastal zones in California are likely to stay closer to average temperatures for the month of August. Monsoon flow will likely continue to elevate absolute humidity levels over much of the west.
- Heading into the homestretch for harvest, ASO is forecast for warmer than average conditions over the west and much of the country. No clear indication on precipitation yet, likely near normal in the western US.
