Latest Monthly Assessment - Much above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation during March resulted in expanding and intensifying drought across the West and Great Plains. Drought persistence is forecast throughout the West through April with development most likely to occur in parts of Arizona and Nevada. A wet start to the month may delay any widespread drought development across the Pacific Northwest, Northern Intermountain West and northern California, but expanding drought remains likely for these areas later in the spring. Development is forecast for eastern Colorado, western Kansas, northeastern New Mexico, and the Texas Panhandle, while improvement and removal are more likely for eastern Oklahoma, central to northeastern Texas, northwestern Louisiana, the Ozarks region, and Midwest. Drought persistence and development are forecast for the Southeast with improvement or removal favored across parts of the Northeast.



Any lingering drought for the Big Island of Hawaii is forecast to end. Drought development is unlikely across Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the end of April.



Forecaster: Brad Pugh



Next Monthly Drought Outlook issued: April 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT

Monthly Drought Outlook Discussion