DENVER (AP) -- Most of Colorado is in a moderate to extreme drought, and the outlook for June offers little hope for improvement.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says severe drought conditions covered about a quarter of Colorado at the end of May, encompassing nearly every place north and west of Salida. A pocket of that area is even worse, with severe drought conditions.

The rest of the state is either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought.

The Drought Monitor says a severe drought means crop or pasture losses are likely and water shortages are common. An extreme drought means major crop and pasture losses are possible and water shortages could become widespread.

The National Weather Service predicts June temperatures will be above normal and rainfall will be below normal statewide.

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