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US Drought Monitor

Current drought conditions from the USDA/NOAA/UNL Drought Monitor. Updated every Thursday.

Updated Weekly — Thursday

🗺️ Current National Drought Map

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D0 Abnormally Dry
D1 Moderate
D2 Severe
D3 Extreme
D4 Exceptional
Flood Risk
Drought Classification Guide
D0
Abnormally Dry
Short-term dryness slowing planting or growth. Some lingering water deficits.
D1
Moderate Drought
Crop/pasture stress. Streams, reservoirs, or wells low. Voluntary water use restrictions possible.
D2
Severe Drought
Crop/pasture losses likely. Water shortages common. Mandatory restrictions probable.
D3
Extreme Drought
Major crop/pasture losses. Widespread water shortages and restrictions. High fire risk.
D4
Exceptional Drought
Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses. Shortages of water in water systems or water emergencies.

🌾 Agricultural Drought Impacts

🌽 Corn

  • Drought during pollination (VT/R1) is most damaging — yield loss >30% possible
  • Stress at V6–V10 reduces kernel rows set
  • Silk delay increases failed pollination risk
  • Aflatoxin risk elevated in dry conditions at R4–R6
  • Early season drought slows root development

🫘 Soybeans

  • Most sensitive during R1–R6 (flowering through seed fill)
  • Pod abortion common under severe stress
  • Drought at R5–R6 reduces seed size and test weight
  • White mold risk decreases in dry years
  • SCN populations increase in stressed soils

🌾 Wheat

  • Fall drought delays or prevents establishment
  • Spring drought at jointing reduces tiller count
  • Heading through grain fill most critical period
  • Test weight problems with late-season moisture stress
  • Drought stress increases susceptibility to Hessian fly

🐄 Livestock & Pasture

  • Pasture/hay production declines sharply at D1+
  • Cattle herd liquidation accelerates at D2–D3
  • Water source availability critical at D3+
  • Feed cost increases from hay/silage shortages
  • USDA Livestock Disaster programs may trigger

📋 Management Responses

  • Consider crop insurance claims — document conditions
  • Review FSA Emergency Loan and LFP eligibility
  • Adjust nitrogen timing if soils too dry to inject
  • Harvest corn silage early if drought stunts grain fill
  • Prioritize irrigated acres for highest-value crops

📡 Useful Resources

🔗 View Full Drought Monitor at droughtmonitor.unl.edu →
Drought Monitor is produced in partnership with USDA, NOAA, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Released every Thursday at 8:30 AM ET.