Table of Contents
- What Is a Drought?
- Current Drought Conditions in the U.S.
- Drought Classifications Explained
- Temperature Trends and Drought Severity
- Impacts of Drought on Agriculture and Water Resources
- Strategies for Efficient Irrigation During Drought
- Looking Ahead: Drought Outlook
What Is a Drought?
A drought is a prolonged period of deficient precipitation resulting in water scarcity. It can lead to significant challenges in agriculture, water supply, and ecosystem health. Droughts are categorized based on severity and duration, affecting various sectors differently.
Current Drought Conditions in the U.S.
As of early May 2025, approximately 29.6% of the U.S. and 35.28% of the lower 48 states are experiencing drought conditions. This marks a decrease from previous months, indicating some improvement in certain regions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought Classifications Explained
The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes droughts into five levels:
- D0 (Abnormally Dry): Areas showing signs of dryness; may precede or follow a drought.
- D1 (Moderate Drought): Some damage to crops; streams and reservoirs low.
- D2 (Severe Drought): Likely crop or pasture losses; water shortages common.
- D3 (Extreme Drought): Major crop/pasture losses; widespread water shortages.
- D4 (Exceptional Drought): Exceptional and widespread crop/pasture losses; water emergencies.
Temperature Trends and Drought Severity
Increased temperatures intensify evaporation rates, drying out soils and worsening drought conditions. The map below shows how 2024 temperatures across the U.S. deviated from historical norms:
Source: NOAA Regional Climate Centers, generated by HPRCC using provisional data (1/1/2024 – 12/31/2024)
Noticeable warming across much of the central and eastern U.S. contributes to more persistent and severe drought zones—especially in areas where rainfall was already below normal.
Impacts of Drought on Agriculture and Water Resources
- Agriculture: Reduced soil moisture leads to lower crop yields and increased irrigation needs.
- Water Supply: Decreased reservoir levels and streamflows affect municipal and agricultural water availability.
- Ecosystems: Altered habitats and increased wildfire risks due to dry conditions.
Strategies for Efficient Irrigation During Drought
- Implement Smart Irrigation Systems: Utilize weather-based controllers to optimize watering schedules.
- Use Drought-Resistant Crops: Plant varieties that require less water and are more tolerant to dry conditions.
- Regular Maintenance: Check for leaks and ensure systems are functioning efficiently to prevent water waste.
- Soil Moisture Monitoring: Use sensors to determine precise watering needs, avoiding over or under-watering.
Looking Ahead: Drought Outlook
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecasts suggest:
- Improvement in the East: Above-normal precipitation is expected to alleviate drought conditions.
- Persistence in the West: Continued dry conditions may prolong drought in the western states.
Stay informed through resources like the U.S. Drought Monitor and Drought.gov for timely data and planning resources.
Need help preparing your irrigation system for drought resilience?
Our team at Wilcox Bros and Irrigation offers custom smart irrigation solutions for homes, farms, and commercial landscapes.
Contact us for a personalized water-efficiency plan.