Colorado Faces Widespread Drought Conditions with Emergency Measures Activated
Colorado is experiencing significant drought conditions, with only 2.8% of the state not classified as being in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM). As of August 18, 2026, 13.68% of the state is in exceptional drought (D4), a category that typically occurs once every 50 years. Extreme drought (D3) affects 35.62%, while severe drought (D2) impacts 27.67%. Moderate drought (D1) and abnormally dry conditions (D0) account for 13.81% and 6.42%, respectively. Governor Jared Polis activated phase three of Colorado's Drought Response Plan on June 4, 2026, declaring a statewide drought emergency. This activation follows record-breaking temperatures and the lowest snowpack year on record in the western U.S. The drought task force has been activated only four times in the 21st century, coinciding with the driest years: 2002, 2012, 2018, and 2020. 
