Virginia Faces Drought Challenges with 3.9 Million Residents Affected
Virginia is grappling with significant drought conditions, affecting 3.9 million residents, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. June 2026 was the driest on record since 1895, with only 3.11 inches (79 mm) of precipitation, a deficit of 0.87 inches (22 mm) from the norm. The January-to-June period also saw a total of 16.18 inches (411 mm) of precipitation, 5.15 inches (131 mm) below average. These conditions are monitored by the Virginia Drought Management Task Force, which evaluates variables such as rainfall, streamflow, and soil moisture to guide water usage decisions.