LINCOLN- Nearly half of Nebraska, but especially the eastern side of the state, has been left parched following a Spring season with very little rain. In fact, according to a report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, east-central Nebraska is experiencing a 1 in 50-year drought event, which is classified as an "exceptional drought."

Thankfully, however, help may be on the way. According to Eric Hunt, a climatologist at the Unversity of Nebraska, El Nino, a warm climate pattern that affects the Pacific Ocean, might push more precipitation towards the state later in the Summer and during Fall. On top of that, the National Weather Service predicts that Nebraska will experience above-average rainfall in July, August, and September.

Lincoln saw its eighth driest April and second driest May in over 137 years, according to the Lincoln Department of Transportation and Utilities, and is experiencing water retention issues in its nearby aquifers, prompting the implementation of a city-wide, voluntary Water Management Plan. If conditions deteriorate in the city, the Water Management Plan could become compulsory for Lincoln, and perhaps even surrounding towns.

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