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Current U.S. Drought Monitor Conditions for Nevada

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. This map shows drought conditions across Nevada using a five-category system, from Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions to Exceptional Drought (D4). The USDM is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more.

The following state-specific drought impacts were compiled by the National Drought Mitigation Center. While these impacts are not exhaustive, they can help provide a clearer picture of drought in Nevada. 

D0 - Abnormally Dry
  • Snowpack is reduced
95.5
of NV
(D0–D4)
D1 - Moderate Drought
  • Forage is reduced
  • Fire danger increases; fires at elevation increase
79.5
of NV
(D1–D4)
D2 - Severe Drought
  • Bear activity increases; wildlife encroach onto residential areas
  • Desert plants implement reproductive survival mechanisms
  • Surface water levels decline; Lake Tahoe water clarity is higher than normal
19.7
of NV
(D2–D4)
D3 - Extreme Drought
  • Alfalfa and hay yields decrease; farmers are not planting crops; pasture conditions are very poor; producers are selling cattle
  • Fire activity increases; fire season is extended; firework ban is implemented
  • Lakes and rivers are depleted; lake hazards are noted; water temperatures rise
0.0
of NV
(D3–D4)
D4 - Exceptional Drought
  • Boat ramps close; trout fishing limits are lifted; wildlife populations decline; producers haul water for wildlife; ecosystem viability is threatened
  • Reservoir levels are extremely low; hydropower production is limited; groundwater decreases; water allotments to farmers and ranchers are curtailed; citizens reduce water use
  • Fire danger increases; restrictions are enacted earlier than usual; events are canceled
0.0
of NV
(D4)
D0 - Abnormally Dry
  • Snowpack is reduced
95.5
of NV
(D0–D4)
D1 - Moderate Drought
  • Forage is reduced
  • Fire danger increases; fires at elevation increase
79.5
of NV
(D1–D4)
D2 - Severe Drought
  • Bear activity increases; wildlife encroach onto residential areas
  • Desert plants implement reproductive survival mechanisms
  • Surface water levels decline; Lake Tahoe water clarity is higher than normal
30.1
of NV
(D2–D4)
D3 - Extreme Drought
  • Alfalfa and hay yields decrease; farmers are not planting crops; pasture conditions are very poor; producers are selling cattle
  • Fire activity increases; fire season is extended; firework ban is implemented
  • Lakes and rivers are depleted; lake hazards are noted; water temperatures rise
0.0
of NV
(D3–D4)
D4 - Exceptional Drought
  • Boat ramps close; trout fishing limits are lifted; wildlife populations decline; producers haul water for wildlife; ecosystem viability is threatened
  • Reservoir levels are extremely low; hydropower production is limited; groundwater decreases; water allotments to farmers and ranchers are curtailed; citizens reduce water use
  • Fire danger increases; restrictions are enacted earlier than usual; events are canceled
0.0
of NV
(D4)
D0 - Abnormally Dry
  • Snowpack is reduced
100
of NV
(D0–D4)
D1 - Moderate Drought
  • Forage is reduced
  • Fire danger increases; fires at elevation increase
87.4
of NV
(D1–D4)
D2 - Severe Drought
  • Bear activity increases; wildlife encroach onto residential areas
  • Desert plants implement reproductive survival mechanisms
  • Surface water levels decline; Lake Tahoe water clarity is higher than normal
58.9
of NV
(D2–D4)
D3 - Extreme Drought
  • Alfalfa and hay yields decrease; farmers are not planting crops; pasture conditions are very poor; producers are selling cattle
  • Fire activity increases; fire season is extended; firework ban is implemented
  • Lakes and rivers are depleted; lake hazards are noted; water temperatures rise
6.1
of NV
(D3–D4)
D4 - Exceptional Drought
  • Boat ramps close; trout fishing limits are lifted; wildlife populations decline; producers haul water for wildlife; ecosystem viability is threatened
  • Reservoir levels are extremely low; hydropower production is limited; groundwater decreases; water allotments to farmers and ranchers are curtailed; citizens reduce water use
  • Fire danger increases; restrictions are enacted earlier than usual; events are canceled
0.0
of NV
(D4)
2.6 Million
people in Nevada are affected by drought
17
counties with USDA disaster designations
12th
wettest January was in 2023, over the past 129 years
12th
wettest year to date was in 2023, over the past 129 years

Explore Drought Conditions by City and County

Summary

View up-to-date drought conditions down to the city and county level, including temperature, and precipitation conditions, key drought indicators, outlooks, historical conditions, and water supply, agriculture, and public health maps.

View Conditions by City:
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Drought in Nevada from 2000–Present

The U.S. Drought Monitor started in 2000. Since 2000, the longest duration of drought (D1–D4) in Nevada lasted 269 weeks beginning on December 27, 2011, and ending on February 14, 2017. The most intense period of drought occurred the week of July 7, 2021, where D4 affected 40.63% of Nevada land.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a national map released every Thursday, showing parts of the U.S. that are in drought. The USDM relies on drought experts to synthesize the best available data and work with local observers to interpret the information. The USDM also incorporates ground truthing and information about how drought is affecting people, via a network of more than 450 observers across the country, including state climatologists, National Weather Service staff, Extension agents, and hydrologists. Learn more.

Time Period (Years): to