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2

counties with USDA Drought Disaster Designations (primary)

~171,700

New York residents in areas of drought, according to the Drought Monitor

2nd

driest February on record (since 1895)

59th

wettest January—February on record (since 1895)

Current New York Drought Maps

Drought & Dryness Categories
Value Map Hex Color % of NY Description
D0 – Abnormally Dry #ffff00 8.8 Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. View typical impacts by state.
D1 – Moderate Drought #fcd37f 1.9 Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 – Severe Drought #ffaa00 0.0 Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 – Extreme Drought #e60000 0.0 Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 – Exceptional Drought #730000 0.0 Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) dmtotal 1.9 Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) The percent area of New York that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Drought Change Since Last Week
Value Map Hex Color Description
-3 #ff9900 3-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-2 #ffd438 2-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
-1 #ffff73 1-Category Degradation Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
0 #cccccc No Change There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
+1 #cdffd4 1-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+2 #8ad48c 2-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
+3 #52956a 3-Category Improvement Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
D4 #730000 Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D3 #E60000 Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D2 #FFAA00 Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D1 #FCD37F Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D0 #FFFF00 Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
W0 #AAFF55 Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W1 #01FFFF Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W2 #00AAFF Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W3 #0000FF Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W4 #0000AA Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
Dry Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
D4 #730000 Exceptional Drought (0–2nd Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D3 #E60000 Extreme Drought (2nd–5th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D2 #FFAA00 Severe Drought (5th–10th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D1 #FCD37F Moderate Drought (10th–20th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
D0 #FFFF00 Abnormally Dry (20th–30th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
Wet Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
W0 #AAFF55 Abnormally Wet (70th–80th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 70% to 80% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W1 #01FFFF Moderate Wet (80th–90th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 80% to 90% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W2 #00AAFF Severe Wet (90th–95th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 90% to 95% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W3 #0000FF Extreme Wet (95th–98th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 95% to 98% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.
W4 #0000AA Exceptional Wet (98th–100th Percentile) This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than 98% to 100% of past conditions. Learn more about these categories.

Experimental
Experimental

Drought in New York

New York State experiences drought, on average, every two to three years. These droughts often occur seasonally, peaking in summer and improving over winter. Winter snowfall amounts vary greatly over the state, ranging from around 30 inches in New York City and Long Island to 140 inches in Oswego, east of Lake Ontario. The snowfall and snow cover provide helpful water content as spring melt releases this water into the soils and streams. Due to climate change, this melting is occurring earlier in the year, and possibly leading to lower-than-expected streamflows or soil moisture going into the warm season. As winters warm, more precipitation is falling as rain instead of snow, also contributing to less spring snowmelt.

Dry conditions can increase after spring moisture has waned and heat and evaporation increase. Summers in New York normally have high temperatures, increasing evapotranspiration, which dries out soils. And the state's varying soil characteristics create different responses to dry conditions. The precipitation pattern also changes over the seasons, with much of summer precipitation coming from thunderstorms. These can produce heavy downpours, which often result in higher runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams, but less infiltration into the soil. This summer pattern can also have longer stretches of dry days between rainfall. 

While drought in New York tends to be short-term, it can still have widespread impacts. The state has a large agricultural industry that is impacted when drought occurs during the growing season, particularly because many farms in the state do not have irrigation systems. Water quality and quantity are both impacted during droughts. Infectious diseases can pollute water when rainfall decreases and pollutants can be in higher concentrations. Water utilities need to closely monitor supplies. For instance, New York City, the most populous city in the United States, gets its water supply from upstate reservoirs. There are also many private wells in the state at risk of experiencing low water levels or going dry. Wildfires can be more prevalent during dry times as vegetation dries out. Tourism and recreation can be affected when lake levels are too low for boating, streams are too dry for fishing, and snow depth is not sufficient for skiing and snowmobiling. All of these impacts carry economic consequences.

NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) launched the Northeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) to improve drought early warning capacity and build long-term drought resilience throughout New England and New York. The Northeast DEWS is a network of regional and national partners that share information and coordinate actions to help communities in the region cope with drought.

Reach out to Sylvia Reeves, the Regional Drought Coordinator for this region, for more information, or sign up for the Northeast DEWS newsletter.

New York State Drought Resources

New York Current Conditions

A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation & temperature, water supply (e.g., streamflow, reservoirs), and soil moisture. Learn more about monitoring drought.

New York Precipitation Conditions

Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 0.01 #ffffff This location received less than 0.01 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.01 - 0.5 #ffffcc This location received 0.01–0.5 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.5 - 1 #c7e9b4 This location received 0.5–1 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
1 - 2 #7fcdbb This location received 1–2 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
2 - 4 #41b6c4 This location received 2–4 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
4 - 6 #1d91c0 This location received 4–6 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
6 - 8 #225ea8 This location received 6–8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
8 - #0c2c84 This location received more than 8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color Description
0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Range Map Hex Color Description
100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color Description
0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Range Map Hex Color Description
100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 

New York Temperature Conditions

Maximum Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- 0 #05346c The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is below 0°F.
0 - 10 #216cac 0–10°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 0–10°F.
10 - 20 #4393c3 10–20°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 10–20°F.
20 - 30 #92c5de 20–30°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 20–30°F.
30 - 40 #d1e5f0 30–40°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 30–40°F.
40 - 60 #ffffff 40–60°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 40–60°F.
Range Map Hex Color Description
60 - 70 #fddbc7 60–70°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 60–70°F.
70 - 80 #f4a582 70–80°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 70–80°F.
80 - 90 #d6604d 80–90°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 80–90°F.
90 - 100 #b2182b 90–100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 90–100°F.
100 - #69012c >100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between greater than 100°F.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

New York Streamflow Conditions

Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.

New York Soil Moisture Conditions

20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 2 #730000 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
2 - 5 #e60000 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
5 - 10 #e69800 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
10 - 20 #fed37f 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
20 - 30 #fefe00 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
Range Map Hex Color Description
70 - 80 #aaf596 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
80 - 90 #4ce600 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
90 - 95 #38a800 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
95 - 98 #145a00 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
98 - 100 #002673 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 2 #630f08 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
2 - 5 #da2d20 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
5 - 10 #de7a2e 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
10 - 20 #f6b573 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
20 - 30 #ffff66 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
Range Map Hex Color Description
70 - 80 #c3f7b2 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
80 - 90 #78f573 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
90 - 95 #37d23c 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
95 - 98 #0fa00f 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
98 - 100 #3c83e8 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
Keetch-Byram Drought Index
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 200 #002673 0–200 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 0–200 indicates that 0–2 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
200 - 250 #004ca8 200–250 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 220–250 indicates that 2–2.5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
250 - 300 #00a884 250–300 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 250–300 indicates that 2.5–3 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
300 - 350 #4de600 300–350 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 300–350 indicates that 3–3.5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
350 - 400 #d0ff73 350–400 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 350–400 indicates that 3.5–4 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
400 - 450 #ffff00 400–450 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 400–450 indicates that 4–4.5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
Range Map Hex Color Description
450 - 500 #ffd27f 450–500 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 450–500 indicates that 4.5–5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
500 - 550 #ffaa00 500–550 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 500–550 indicates that 5–5.5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
550 - 600 #ff5500 550–600 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 550–600 indicates that 5.5–6 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
600 - 650 #ff0000 600–650 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 600–650 indicates that 6–6.5 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
650 - 700 #e60000 650–700 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 650–700 indicates that 6.5–7 inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.
700 - 800 #730000 700–800 The KBDI value indicates the amount of net rainfall (in hundredths of inches) required to reduce the index to zero, or saturation. A value of 700–800 indicates that 7–8+ inches of rainfall are required to achieve soil saturation.

Outlooks & Forecasts for New York

Predicting drought in New York depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more outlooks & forecasts.

Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions

Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color
0 - 0.01 #ffffff
0.01 - 0.1 #7fff00
0.1 - 0.25 #00cd00
0.25 - 0.5 #008b00
0.5 - 0.75 #104e8b
0.75 - 1 #1e90ff
1 - 1.25 #00b2ee
1.25 - 1.5 #00eeee
1.5 - 1.75 #8968cd
Range Map Hex Color
1.75 - 2 #912cee
2 - 2.5 #8b008b
2.5 - 3 #8b0000
3 - 4 #cd0000
4 - 5 #ee4000
5 - 7 #ff7f00
7 - 10 #cd8500
10 - 15 #ffd700
15 - 20 #ffff00
20 - #ffaeb9
Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #f0d493 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #d8a750 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #bb6d33 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #9b5031 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #934639 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #804000 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #4f2f2f >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #b3d9ab 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #94cd7e 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #48ae38 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #3a7b5f 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #008e40 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #28553d 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #285517 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
Value Map Hex Color Description
Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal precipitation during this period.
Probability of Below-Normal Temperatures
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #a0c0df 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
40% - 50% #77b5e2 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
50% - 60% #389fdb 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
60% - 70% #005ca1 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
70% - 80% #2f406f 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
80% - 90% #221852 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
90% - 100% #1c1342 >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal temperatures during this period. 
Probability of Above-Normal Temperatures
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #e7b168 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
40% - 50% #e38b4a 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
50% - 60% #dc562f 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
60% - 70% #c72e28 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
70% - 80% #cc3047 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
80% - 90% #8a2f38 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
90% - 100% #622228 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal temperatures during this period. 
Value Map Hex Color Description
Near-Normal Conditions #a2a2a2 Near-Normal Odds favor near-normal temperatures during this period.

Drought Outlooks for New York

Drought Is Predicted To...
Value Map Hex Color Description
Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A #ffffff No Drought Present
Drought Is Predicted To...
Value Map Hex Color Description
Persist #9b634a Drought Persists During this time period, drought is forecast to persist.
Improve #ded2bc Drought Improves During this time period, drought is forecast to improve.
End #b2ad69 Drought Is Removed During this time period, drought removal is forecast.
Develop #ffde63 Drought Develops During this time period, drought development is forecast.
N/A #ffffff No Drought Present

Historical Drought Conditions in New York

Major droughts affected the state of New York in the 1930s and, to a greater extent, the 1960s, which is considered to be the drought of record. During the 1960s drought, New York City reservoirs were down to 25% capacity. Since this time, New York City reservoirs have had improvements that make them much more resilient to dry conditions. There were short-lived drought periods in the 1980s and 1990, as well as several throughout the early 2000s. In August 2012, over 80% of the state experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions, with over 30% in moderate drought. This brought wildfires, low lake levels, and crop disaster designations across the state.

A drought in 2016–2017 brought attention to the state from state and government officials, as conditions quickly deteriorated and extreme drought occurred for the first time since 2002. There were major impacts to farming, with crop yields down for many producers, as well as record-low streamflows and impacts to smaller reservoir systems. The state also experienced moderate to severe drought from the summer of 2020 through the summer of 2021, and again in the summer of 2022. During this time farmers felt the economic impacts of having to purchase feed they couldn’t grow and needing to talk in water. 

Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for New York according to 3 historical drought indices. View more historical conditions

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4). Learn more.

Drought Resources for New York

Stay Informed: Local Drought Updates

Drought Alert Emails
Get email updates when U.S. Drought Monitor conditions change for your location or a new drought outlook is released.

Northeast Drought Status Updates
NIDIS & its partners issue regional updates covering drought conditions, outlooks/forecasts, and local impacts.

Northeast Drought Email List
Get regional drought status updates right to your inbox, as well as drought news, webinars, and other events for the Northeast.

NOAA Eastern Region Climate Services Webinars
The Northeast Regional Climate Center hosts a monthly webinar with NOAA affiliates to address timely weather and climate concerns.

Get Involved: Submit Local Drought Impacts

Drought in your area? Tell us how drought is impacting your community by submitting a condition monitoring report. Your submissions help us better understand how drought is affecting local conditions.