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DROUGHT STATUS UPDATE ARCHIVE

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About Drought Status Updates: NIDIS and partners issue drought status updates to communicate a potential area of concern for drought expansion and/or development, based on recent conditions and the upcoming forecast.
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Lightning strikes in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Photo credit: Shutterstock.
2026 Monsoon Drought Status Update for the Southwest U.S.
June 18, 2026

North American Monsoon: Above-Average Seasonal Rainfall Is Likely, Bringing Potential Drought Relief.

The North American Monsoon brings summer precipitation to parts of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The monsoon season is June 15 to September 30, though the actual arrival of the monsoon can vary.

A windmill in a field before a storm in the Southern Plains.
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
May 19, 2026

May Storms Bring Relief, but Not Removal, of Southern Plains Drought

A windmill in a field before a storm in the Southern Plains.
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
April 2, 2026

Drought Expands Again Across the Southern Plains. Spring Rainfall Will Help.

A windmill in a field before a storm in the Southern Plains.
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
February 26, 2026

Drought and Fires Impact Southern Plains, But March Precipitation Could Bring Short-Term Relief

A windmill in a field before a storm in the Southern Plains.
Drought Status Update for the Southern Plains
January 22, 2026

Drought Expands in Texas and Oklahoma. A Winter Storm Is Coming, But Hot, Dry Weather in February-April Could Worsen Drought.

Low water levels on the Mississippi River.
Drought and Water Update for the Mississippi River Basin
September 18, 2025

Drought expected to expand and intensify in the Ohio River and Lower Mississippi River basins.

Low water levels possible for the Lower Mississippi River this fall.