US Drought Monitor 2026
State-by-state drought conditions across all 50 US states. D0–D4 category breakdowns and reservoir impact analysis, updated weekly.
Current Drought Conditions by State
Based on report date: May 19, 2026
National Summary
5
None
states
6
D0
states
11
D1
states
14
D2
states
14
D3
states
0
D4
states
Frequently Asked Questions — US Drought Monitor
What is the US Drought Monitor?
The US Drought Monitor is a weekly map and report produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), USDA, and NOAA that shows drought conditions across the United States on a scale from D0 (Abnormally Dry) to D4 (Exceptional Drought).
What do D0–D4 drought categories mean?
D0 = Abnormally Dry ·
D1 = Moderate Drought ·
D2 = Severe Drought ·
D3 = Extreme Drought ·
D4 = Exceptional Drought.
Each level indicates increasing water supply deficits and socioeconomic impacts on agriculture, municipal water, and ecosystems.
How often is drought data updated?
The US Drought Monitor is published every Thursday and covers the period through the previous Tuesday. Our site fetches and displays this data as soon as it is released.
How does drought affect boat ramps and reservoir levels?
Prolonged drought reduces reservoir storage, lowers lake levels, and can render boat ramps inaccessible. Severe drought (D2+) often correlates with boat ramp closures and mandatory water conservation restrictions. Check our Boat Ramp Status page for current conditions.
Which states are currently experiencing the worst drought?
Drought conditions change weekly. Use the national drought map above to see the current dominant drought category for each state, color-coded from gray (no drought) to dark red (exceptional drought). Click any state for a detailed breakdown.