The final U.S. Drought Monitor for January 2024 shows marked improvements in total drought coverage, reaching levels not this low since last June. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses some of the states with notable drought coverage reductions for the period ending January 30.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses drought coverage of winter wheat, hay, and cattle for the period ending January 30.

Montana is among the states highlighted regarding winter wheat crop condition within USDA’s end of January State Stories report. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey notes states reporting significant winter wheat crop condition improvements in the January State Stories report.

What does USDA’s latest State Stories reveal regarding month over month changes in pasture and rangeland conditions for some reporting states? (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

Last winter's abundant snowpack and subsequent runoff continues to bode well for most Western water reservoirs this winter. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)