Lincoln had the lowest precipitation on record over the past year

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A record-breaking precipitation low in Lincoln is expected to keep getting worse.

“This is bad, but it’s just starting,” said Richard Heim, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “When you’re in a drought this severe, it takes a long time for conditions to improve.”

This year, Lincoln had the second-driest May on record, barely getting over a half-inch of rain.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s just wildly dry’: Lincoln records lowest amount of spring rain since Dust Bowl

And the 12-month period that ended on Wednesday was the driest May to June on record.

In that time, Lincoln has only received 13.67 inches of precipitation.

The previous record was set back in 1937, when the city got 14.42 inches.

“If this continues for another two to three years, then we’ll be seeing the 1930s type of impacts,” Heim said.

And looking at the forecast for the coming months, Heim said it doesn’t seem like we will be getting enough slow, consistent rain to get out of the drought.

SEE ALSO: Drought declared a natural disaster, but Nebraska farmers are getting help

That is why the city is asking residents to do their part now and follow voluntary water restrictions.

The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department is monitoring the conditions day by day.

“Right now, we are hoping that the voluntary efforts of our community will significantly reduce our water use so that we won’t have to go to any mandatory restrictions,” Director Liz Elliott said.