Meteorologists label Panhandle 'abnormally dry'

SIDNEY, Neb. -- A large portion of the Panhandle is experiencing the lowest level of drought with abnormally dry conditions.

Severe Weather Meteorologist Ray Miller said through the upcoming weekend and into early next week there will only be a couple isolated storms.

"Chances for measurable precipitation in the Panhandle do not look great," Miller said.

Miller said estimated rainfall totals are less than .05 inches for most of the Panhandle, and the drought conditions labelled abnormally dry are relatively common for the area during this time of year.

These drought conditions cause volunteer firefighter to have a busy season. Sidney Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Butts said the department received 13 fire calls in the month of August.

The fires are not looking to slow down in the month of September with precipitation levels being so low. However, Cheyenne County is sitting more comfortably than some of its southern neighbors.

"The southern Panhandle is in moderate-to-severe drought, which is more rare, but certainly not unheard of," Miller said. "Counties just southeast of the Panhandle are in much more significant drought."