As of September 17, 2024, much of the United States is grappling with worsening drought conditions, impacting agricultural productivity across key regions. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that nearly half of the nation's rangeland and pastures (46%) are now rated in very poor to poor condition, a significant increase from 19% earlier in the summer. The report also highlights ongoing soil moisture shortages and flash droughts in several areas, affecting crops, livestocka and water supplies. 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.
Northeast and Southeast agriculture struggles
West Virginia continues to face its worst drought in 25 years, with 98% of pastures in very poor to poor condition. Similarly, dry conditions have emerged in parts of New England, where abnormal dryness has been observed from eastern Massachusetts to Maine.
In contrast, parts of Alabama and North Carolina received heavy rainfall from Hurricane Francine and Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, which helped alleviate drought in some areas. However, other regions, including northern Georgia and South Carolina, saw drought conditions worsen, with topsoil moisture levels in Virginia and South Carolina dropping to 64% and 55%, respectively, in very short to short condition.
South and Midwest: crop and pasture woes
Hurricane Francine brought heavy rainfall across Mississippi and surrounding states, yet much of the region outside these areas remains in drought. Oklahoma and Texas continue to be severely affected, with Texas reporting 48% of its rangeland and pastures in very poor to poor condition. Notably, 36% of Texas cotton is rated in very poor to poor condition, higher than the national average of 26%.
In the Midwest, drought conditions are also deteriorating. Ohio has been particularly hard-hit, with 75% of its pastures rated in very poor to poor condition and 28% of soybeans similarly struggling. Depleted soil moisture remains a concern, impacting row crops and recently planted winter grains.
High plains and western states
In the High Plains, warm and dry weather has exacerbated drought conditions, particularly in Wyoming and Nebraska, where 70% and 45% of rangeland and pastures are rated in very poor to poor condition, respectively.
The Western U.S. saw a slight improvement in some areas due to precipitation, but vegetation health and water-supply shortages remain ongoing concerns. Cooling temperatures have provided some relief from the summer-long heat wave, but agricultural regions in states like California and Colorado still face significant soil moisture deficits.
Looking ahead
The National Weather Service’s forecast for the next five days calls for active weather in the central U.S., which may bring significant rainfall to parts of the Rockies, Plains, and upper Midwest—potentially benefiting rangeland, pastures, and recently planted winter wheat. However, dry weather is expected to persist across much of the rest of the country, particularly in Texas and the Atlantic Coast States.
With more drought and flash drought conditions expected in several agricultural regions, farmers and ranchers will continue to face challenges in the coming weeks as they work to manage the impacts on crops, livestock, and water resources.
