Widespread Drought Conditions Persist Across U.S., Southeast Hit Hard
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map reveals extensive drought conditions across the country, with 'extreme' to 'exceptional' drought affecting large areas of the West, Plains, South, and Southeast. The most severe drought levels (D4) are impacting regions such as southwestern Idaho, northeastern Utah, parts of Texas, Arkansas, and the Carolinas. Meanwhile, 'extreme' drought (D3) is present in states including Oregon, Montana, Arizona, and Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that April 2026 was the third-warmest April on record for the contiguous U.S., with over 700 counties experiencing record-high temperatures. Severe drought currently affects more than 40% of the lower 48 states, with the Southeast experiencing its largest drought extent on record. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts drought persistence in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, while some improvement is expected in the Four Corners region and parts of the Southeast due to increased rainf... 
