The latest U.S. Drought Monitor reveals a complex picture across the United States as the week ending December 23, 2025, saw varied precipitation and temperature patterns influencing drought conditions differently by region. The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In the West, a series of atmospheric river storms delivered heavy rainfall to the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, and parts of California and Oregon. This precipitation eased drought conditions west of the Cascades, though snowpack remains below average in higher elevations, raising concerns for water supply during spring and summer melt. Despite improvements, drought persists in mountainous areas where snow accumulation is limited by above-normal temperatures.
The Northeast experienced widespread precipitation from multiple storm systems, with many areas receiving at least half an inch of rain. While this helped reduce drought in parts of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, frozen soils and streams in New England limited moisture absorption, keeping drought conditions largely unchanged there.
The Southeast faced mixed outcomes. Moderate rain in parts of Alabama, Virginia, and the Carolinas prevented further drought deterioration, but dry conditions and above-normal temperatures led to worsening drought in northern Georgia, Florida, and coastal plains of Georgia and South Carolina.
The South saw further drought expansion and intensification, especially across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the Red River Valley. Despite some localized rainfall in South Texas, much of the region experienced record warmth, strong winds, and below-normal precipitation, drying lakes and ponds and expanding severe drought conditions.
The Midwest experienced a week of clipper systems delivering snowfall along the U.S.-Canada border and light precipitation east of the Mississippi River, resulting in small but meaningful changes to drought conditions. Northwestern Iowa saw reductions in moderate drought (D1) and abnormal dryness (D0), aided by recent snowfall and light rains. Southeastern Iowa and western Illinois also benefited from localized precipitation, allowing modest drought relief.
Central Ohio received over an inch of precipitation, leading to minor improvements in dryness. However, drier conditions and above-normal temperatures caused drought to worsen in south-central Missouri and far southern Illinois, offsetting some gains.
Frozen soils and streams across the upper Great Lakes limited drought changes in that area, maintaining current conditions. Overall, the region reflects a patchwork of progress and setbacks as winter weather patterns continue to influence soil moisture and water availability.
The High Plains faced unusual winter drought expansion due to lack of snow cover, warm temperatures, and strong winds. Western Nebraska saw severe drought intensify, and new extreme drought areas were introduced in Colorado’s mountain counties. Wyoming’s plains also experienced worsening drought conditions.
Alaska’s drought worsened with low snow cover and cold, dry weather, prompting new drought designations in parts of the state. Hawaii benefited from recent rainfall, improving drought conditions on several islands.
The Caribbean showed mixed rainfall, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands receiving some precipitation but still facing dryness in parts. Groundwater and streamflow conditions remain slow to recover.
Looking ahead, atmospheric river activity is expected to continue bringing heavy precipitation to the West, especially California, while the central U.S. will see dry, warm conditions. The East may experience additional winter storms and precipitation, with mixed prospects for drought improvement.
