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News & Events

2026 Western Drought Media Briefings

Jul 8

July 8, 2026

10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Virtual

Images of fire, dried soil, low water levels, and agricultural drought.

Watch the Briefings

View Recording of Intermountain West and California-Nevada Briefing >

View Recording of Pacific Northwest and Missouri River Basin Briefing >

About the Briefings

The Western United States is experiencing compounding environmental challenges as severe drought, heat, and elevated wildland fire potential threaten diverse sectors of the economy and local communities.

To ensure media have accurate, up-to-date data to cover these critical environmental stories, NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), alongside partners across levels of government and economic sectors, hosted two virtual media briefings on July 8 for the Intermountain West and California-Nevada Drought Early Warning Systems and the Pacific Northwest and Missouri River Basin Drought Early Warning Systems.

The briefings provided the latest information on current drought and fire conditions and forecasts, as well as the serious impacts to diverse sectors of the economy and communities throughout the West. Those on the ground who are responding to exceptional drought conditions also shared their perspectives. Video recordings of both regional briefings are now available.

For additional information, please contact Adam Lang (adam.lang@noaa.gov).

Regions