2026 Western Drought Media Briefings
NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is hosting two media briefings on July 8 in collaboration with Federal, Tribal, State, and local partners:
- Intermountain West and California-Nevada Drought Early Warning Systems Media Briefing, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. MT
- Pacific Northwest and Missouri River Basin Drought Early Warning Systems Media Briefing, 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. MT
The briefings will provide 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. Perspectives from those on the ground who are responding to exceptional drought conditions will be shared.
Over 75% of the Western U.S. is in drought, according to the June 16, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor. But that 75% only tells a portion of the story.
By mid-May, snowpack, the Western U.S.’s largest non-man made reservoir, was already gone in many places. Significant hydrological drought impacts (low water supply) are already occurring and will continue throughout the summer across much of the West. Compounding these impacts, the West continues to experience long-term drought.
This year’s peak snowpack was the new benchmark low for Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico; there are no comparable years. In these states, snow water equivalent (SWE) around April 1, the usual peak date, was 32–53% lower than the previous record low during the SNOTEL era. In Idaho, record warm temperatures pushed snow to only the high elevations, leaving the state with no historical comparison.
For additional information, please contact Adam Lang (adam.lang@noaa.gov).
