Extreme drought conditions return to Nebraska panhandle

Dry conditions remain persistent in western Nebraska. 

The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought (red) conditions have returned to the Nebraska panhandle. Severe drought (orange) conditions also slightly expanded in far western Nebraska. 

Dry conditions have slowly enveloped the panhandle since June when a majority of the area was either under abnormally dry (yellow) conditions are not listed as in a drought (white). 

This is the first time that extreme drought conditions have been seen in the panhandle since February, according to the drought monitor. 

Colder weather and rain chances are in the forecast for next week. The National Weather Service says a cold front is expected to move through the area in the middle of the week, bringing rain chances. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 50s and possibly 40s after the front move through.