Colorado Ends Record Warm Water Year With Drought Concerns
Colorado has concluded its warmest water year on record, spanning October 2025 through August 2026, with temperatures averaging 5.6°F (3.1°C) above the 1971–2000 baseline. This year also saw extreme drought conditions, with 38.5% of the state experiencing exceptional or extreme drought as of September 22, 2026. Despite ranking sixth in precipitation over the past 130 years, the state faced significant challenges, including record-low snowpack, early snowmelt, and reduced water availability for agriculture, recreation, and municipal use. Officials are cautiously optimistic about potential moisture from monsoonal activity and a Super El Niño, though long-term forecasts remain uncertain. The state’s Drought Task Force has been actively addressing these issues, including emergency reservoir releases and economic support for affected communities. (Source: Colorado Sun, published September 28, 2026)