The monsoonal rains that soaked Ouray County the last two weeks provided a desperately needed respite from the hot, dry conditions that have dominated since the spring.

But long-term relief from the drought that still grips southwestern Colorado isn’t in the cards — at least not yet.

Ouray received 2.22 inches of precipitation between July 14. and Tuesday, while Ridgway received 2.21 inches, according to Matt Aleksa, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. Both amoun...