GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (The Daily Sentinel) — Last month was among the driest Aprils on record in much of western and southern Colorado, increasing drought conditions and fire danger.

The Daily Sentinel reported that Grand Junction received 0.20 inches of precipitation last month compared to the 0.91 inches it normally receives.

National Weather Service technician Dan Cuevas says April is normally one of the city's wettest months. But this year April was one of the driest on record.

Experts say snowpack also started to melt, indicating a subsequently dry and warm month, creating concerning fire conditions.