Drought conditions now cover nearly the entire United States, with only five states remaining drought-free.
The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all but five states, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Alaska, and Hawaii, are experiencing at least some level of drought.
Ohio is the only state completely free of both drought and βabnormally dryβ (D0) conditions. In the other four states, at least some areas show D0 or worse.
Drought intensity ranges from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought). Even moderate drought (D1) can damage dryland crops, reduce hay yields, and increase wildfire risk.
Several states are particularly hard-hit. Colorado faces drought across nearly its entire territory, with pockets of exceptional (D4) drought. North Carolina also suffers widespread severe to exceptional conditions.
Agricultural impacts are already significant. As of late June 2026, 46% of winter wheat in the High Plains was rated very poor to poor. Nebraska was worst at 83%, followed by Colorado (63%) and Kansas (55%).
While recent rains have eased conditions in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, the West, High Plains, and Southeast continue to face intense heat, dryness, and water shortages.
[U.S. Drought Monitor (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), 2026]
JUST INπ¨: A sprawling, double heat dome is currently taking shape across the United States, bringing dangerously hot, humid conditions to over 200 million Americans.