Department of Ecology predicts extreme drought conditions to continue in eastern Washington

On May 15, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency following higher than normal temperatures and an extra mild winter.

Thursday, Sept. 24, the Washington Department of Ecology released a statement that the drought is far from over, despite the beginning of fall and cooler temperatures.

“The recent rains were nice, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon. “We’re carrying a huge water deficit into this fall and winter.”

The release stated much of the state remains in drought conditions, with eastern Washington in extreme drou...