Alabama Drought Reach

While recent rains have brought much-needed relief across Alabama, the searing summer conditions mean the State Climate Office still needs your ground reports to ensure your community’s drought status is represented accurately on the U.S. Drought Monitor Map.

Why does this matter?
- These maps are created by demographers outside of Alabama.
- USDA relief funding in times of drought can depend on how your area is reflected on the USDM.

📲 Submit feedback through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) software now by visiting https://tinyurl.com/CMOR-2025

Drought Update!

As of June 2, conditions have improved significantly in the past few weeks. Severe Drought (D2) has been eliminated statewide, and most of Alabama is either Abnormally Dry or in Moderate Drought. Streamflows have largely returned to normal levels, and short-term drought impacts have eased.

With some rain likely in the coming week, expect conditions to remain the same or improve slightly.

Drought Update!

As of May 26, Extreme Drought (D3) has been removed from Alabama after weeks of beneficial rainfall, although much of SE Alabama remains in D2 Severe Drought.

Short term drought conditions have largely improved across the state. More rain is expected in the upcoming week which may lead to more improvements.

Movin' in the right direction!

Drought Update!

Much of the state saw improvement this past week due to widespread rainfall (most areas received more than 2.5 inches). Short term drought conditions have improved and Alabama is no longer in Extreme Drought (D3), but over half of the state is now classified as in Moderate Drought (D1) or Abnormally Dry (D0).

With more rain in the forecast, it's possible more drought improvements will be on the way.

Drought Update!

Alabama is experiencing one of its driest and warmest 30-day periods on record, adding to longer-term rainfall deficits not seen since 2007.

The entire state is now in some level of drought, with South Alabama largely in Extreme (D3) drought. Expected 1+ inches of rain over the state could stave off worsening conditions.

Drought Update!

The entire state of Alabama is now in some level of drought, with South Alabama largely in Extreme Drought (D3) and North Alabama mostly in Moderate to Severe Drought (D1-D2).

This is one of the driest and warmest 30-day periods on record, with longer-term rainfall deficits not seen since 2007. Impacts from the drought include low streamflows, agricultural stress, and rising wildfire risks.

Some rain is expected in upcoming weeks which may stave off worsening conditions.

Join us Wednesday to learn about Alabama Drought Reach and why monitoring drought is important in the home landscape!

Register here: https://www.aces.edu/go/2414

Coming up on this month's Smart Yard Webinar Series! Laura Cooley, Aquatic Resources Outreach Administrator with Alabama Extension at Auburn University discusses the drought situation in Alabama.
Register to receive the zoom link and mark your calendars for upcoming dates. https://www.aces.edu/go/2414

Extension's Home Horticulture team brings this online series to you on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Topics range from common gardening information, home pests, fruits, vegetables, wildlife, and much more.

New Seasonal Drought Outlook by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s NOAA NWS Climate Prediction Center

Expected drought development: Most of the West that is not currently in drought

Improvement: Southern Plains, South, Lower Midwest, part of the Northeast and Southeast, and HI

Otherwise, drought persists. http://drought.gov/forecasts U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)

Drought Update!

After three consecutive weeks of little to no rain, drought conditions across the state have worsened. The majority of Southeast Alabama is now in Extreme Drought (D3). Severe (D2) and Moderate (D1) Drought also expanded across the state, with 100% of the state now in some level of abnormal dryness or drought.

Spring in Alabama usually brings more rain that what we are seeing now, and we continue to see impacts on streamflows and groundwater levels. Much more rain is needed to see significant relief.