Widespread improvements in drought conditions occurred across the Four Corners states, Nevada, and Texas during the week of October 28, 2026. While Florida is nearly drought free following record rainfall, other regions are seeing shifts in intensity.
As of November 3, 2026, drought affects 43.4% of the lower 48 states and 36.8% of the United States and Puerto Rico. Despite improvements in several regions, extreme and exceptional drought (D3/D4) expanded in Mississippi. Additionally, pockets of exceptional drought (D3) have emerged along the border between Virginia and North Carolina.
The U.S. Drought Monitor tracks various categories of drought, ranging from Abnormally Dry (D0) to Exceptional Drought (D4). The most intense category, Exceptional Drought (D4), is being monitored alongside Extreme Drought (D3), Severe Drought (D2), and Moderate Drought (D1).
Drought is defined as a lack of precipitation over an extended period of time, typically for a season or more, which results in a water shortage. Such changes in precipitation can disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quantity and quality of water available for industrial and municipal use.
