Recent rains benefit much of Montana; southern tier of state experiencing drought conditions

HELENA, Mont. – Abnormally dry conditions between March and early June have moved the southern tier of Montana, along with the eastern counties, into drought conditions that will likely intensify over the next three months, according to the just-released Montana Drought Forecast Report.

“The moisture we got in June has most of western and central Montana in fine shape,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney, chair of the Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee. “But we’re keeping a close watch on conditions elsewhere, particularly the far southwestern counties, and will continue...