Utah’s drought makes ‘rare’ leap to the extreme, as its record-low snowpack melts. All other parts of the state are in at least moderate drought for the first time this year, with over 80% in at least severe drought — nearly double the percentage listed just two weeks ago

More than half of Utah suddenly finds itself in extreme drought, following record warmth that’s already melted most of Utah’s record-low snowpack.

Extreme drought or worse now blankets nearly 60% of the state, as compared to 7% of the state last week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That includes almost 1% in exceptional drought, as the worst drought condition that already developed in western Colorado has now extended across the border.

All other parts of the state are also in at least moderate drought for the first time this year, with over 80% in at least severe drought — nearly double the percentage listed just two weeks ago