The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center projects worsening drought conditions across much of the western and central U.S. through July 2025

November wetness improves drought conditions and water levels across much of the United States.

Drought coverage in the Lower 48 States, after reaching a four-year low of 11.77% in June 2024, nearly tripled to 29.95% by early September.

As recently as October 2023, U.S. drought coverage had been above 40%.

Between October 2023 and February 2024, drought coverage across the Lower 48 States dipped from 40% to 19%.

During meteorological autumn (September-November 2023), drought coverage across the Lower 48 states was nearly steady, ranging from 36%-40%.

The U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report showed parts of the United States continuing to experience moderate to exceptional drought.

During Summer 2023, much of the western and central United States continued to experience a remarkable recovery from long-term drought.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, national drought coverage declined from 63% to 38% between Oct. 25, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023.

Despite recent California headlines of flash flooding, debris flows and small dam failures, cool-season storminess has been instrumental in reducing Western drought coverage and intensity.