The most current U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 37% of the contiguous U.S. is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought as of April 29—a 7% decrease from April 1.
Figure 1 shows that the area of the U.S. experiencing some level of drought is up 20% compared to the same time last year. Recent storms and precipitation in parts of the central and eastern contiguous U.S. have alleviated some dry conditions.
The High Plains, South, Southeast, and West regions are undergoing more severe levels of drought than the Midwest and Northeast. With corn and soybean planting underway, it is imperative to monitor drought conditions.
Figure 1. U.S. Drought Monitor for Contiguous U.S.
The following figure shows that only 6% of the Midwest is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, which is down 21% from April 1, highlighting how increased rain has improved conditions as the corn and soybean planting season begins in this region. Nearly 25% of the Midwest is now classified as “abnormally dry”, signifying areas that may be entering or recovering from drought conditions.
Figure 2. U.S. Drought Monitor-Midwest
Similar to the Midwest, the Northeast region is experiencing less drought than other areas of the country. As of April 29, about 15% of the Northeast is currently in moderate to exceptional drought, down 8% from April 1 (Figure 3). Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts are experiencing the most drought in this region at 24%, 65%, and 49%, respectively.
Figure 3. U.S. Drought Monitor-Northeast
Drought conditions are much more prevalent west of the Midwest. Almost 53% of the High Plains are in moderate to exceptional drought, down 9% from April 1 (Figure 4). This is the lowest percentage of drought in the High Plains since October 2024.
Of the High Plains states, Nebraska has the highest percentage of land in drought at 87%, and another 10% of land that is abnormally dry. South Dakota follows behind with more than 63% experiencing drought conditions, a 26% decrease from the previous week. The area of land in extreme drought has expanded, with Wyoming and Nebraska having the largest coverage at 8% and 6%, respectively. Drought conditions increased by nearly 20% in North Dakota, a cause for concern as farmers begin planting spring wheat.
Figure 4. U.S. Drought Monitor-High Plains
Large parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Montana are not experiencing any abnormal dryness or drought. However, the percentage of land in moderate to exceptional drought has increased by 3% through the month of April. As of April 29, almost 52% of the West region is experiencing drought conditions, with more severe conditions occurring further south.
Arizona and New Mexico both have over 90% of their land in drought conditions, nearly 20% more than the next closest state. Seasonal dryness is a reason for dry and drought conditions in Arizona, Nevada, and California, where conditions were unchanged from the previous week. Although these conditions may not have a large impact on row crops such as corn or soybeans, most of the states have specialty crops and livestock that could be affected.
Figure 5. U.S. Drought Monitor-West
Just under 38% of the Southeast region is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, a 9% increase from the previous week. The most severe conditions are in Florida, where 82% of the state is in drought and nearly 17% is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought. Over 50% of both North Carolina and South Carolina are seeing drought conditions currently.
Virginia and Georgia have less land in drought at 33% and 11%, respectively. At this time last year, the only state in the Southeast region experiencing any drought conditions was Florida. A dry April has led to increased dryness throughout the region.
Figure 6. U.S. Drought Monitor-Southeast
Texas is the main state experiencing drought in the South region, as Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee have minimal levels of drought. Dry conditions in Texas span across the arid western area and into central and southern Texas. Over 50% of Texas is in some level of drought, with over 25% being in extreme to exceptional drought.
Figure 7. U.S. Drought Monitor-South