New York | Drought.gov

New York | Drought.gov
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New York
primary counties with USDA Drought Disaster Designations, according to USDA Farm Service Agency
10.2 Million
New York residents in areas of drought, according to the Drought Monitor
Increase of
34.0%
since last week
19th
wettest March on record (since 1895)
4.23 in.
total precipitation
Increase of
1.17 in.
from normal
63rd
driest January—March on record (since 1895)
8.56 in.
total precipitation
Increase of
0.09 in.
from normal
Learn More About These Stats
Current New York Drought Maps
Experimental
Experimental
U.S. Drought Monitor
USDM 1-Week Change
Short-Term MIDI
Long-Term MIDI
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The map is jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Drought Mitigation Center. Authors from these agencies rotate creating the map each week, using both physical indicators and  input from local observers.
This map is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trigger some disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may use additional information to inform their declarations and actions.
How has drought impacted this state in the past? Explore
historical Drought Monitor maps
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues indicate conditions improved, while yellow/orange hues indicate degradations.
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
The Short-Term Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) estimates
current short-term drought conditions
across the U.S. by combining several indicators of drought into a single
computer-generated map.
Specifically, this map approximates drought conditions from changes in precipitation and moisture over the past 3 months. Short-term moisture deficits can impact non-irrigated agriculture, topsoil moisture, range and pasture conditions, and more.
Long-term droughts
(lasting months to years) can have different impacts.
This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn
how this map is made
Source(s):
UC Merced
, via
Climate Engine
The Long-Term Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) estimates
current long-term drought conditions
across the U.S. by combining several indicators of drought into a single
computer-generated map.
Specifically, this map approximates drought conditions from longer-term changes in precipitation and moisture going back up to 5 years.
Long-term drought
conditions (lasting months to years) can impact irrigated agriculture, groundwater, and reservoir levels, and can increase wildfire intensity and severity.
This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn
how this map is made
Source(s):
UC Merced
, via
Climate Engine
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought & Dryness Categories
% of NY
8.2
Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought.
View typical impacts by state.
3.7
Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
0.0
Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
0.0
Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
0.0
Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
3.7
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4)
The percent area of New York that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Drought Change Since Last Week
3-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
1-Category Degradation
Drought/dryness has worsened by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
No Change
There has been no change in drought conditions at this location.
1-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 1 category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 2 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
3-Category Improvement
Drought/dryness has improved by 3 categories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Dry Conditions
D4: Exceptional Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
98% to 100%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D3: Extreme Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
95% to 98%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D2: Severe Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
90% to 95%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D1: Moderate Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
80% to 90%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D0: Abnormally Dry
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
70% to 80%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
Wet Conditions
W0: Abnormally Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
70% to 80%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W1: Moderate Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
80% to 90%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W2: Severe Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
90% to 95%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W3: Extreme Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
95% to 98%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W4: Exceptional Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
98% to 100%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
Dry Conditions
D4: Exceptional Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
98% to 100%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D3: Extreme Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
95% to 98%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D2: Severe Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
90% to 95%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D1: Moderate Drought
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
80% to 90%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
D0: Abnormally Dry
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are drier than
70% to 80%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
Wet Conditions
W0: Abnormally Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
70% to 80%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W1: Moderate Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
80% to 90%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W2: Severe Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
90% to 95%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W3: Extreme Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
95% to 98%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
W4: Exceptional Wet
This map integrates multiple drought indices measuring precipitation and moisture into one computer-generated drought map, with a reference period of 1979–present. According to these indices, current conditions are wetter than
98% to 100%
of past conditions.
Learn more about these categories
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map uses 5 classifications: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
The map is jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Drought Mitigation Center. Authors from these agencies rotate creating the map each week, using both physical indicators and  input from local observers.
This map is used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to trigger some disaster declarations and loan eligibility. Individual states and water supply planning may use additional information to inform their declarations and actions.
How has drought impacted this state in the past? Explore
historical Drought Monitor maps
The
U.S. Drought Monitor 1-week change map
shows where drought has improved, remained the same, or worsened since the previous week's Drought Monitor.
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country, using 5 classifications (D0–D4). Green hues indicate conditions improved, while yellow/orange hues indicate degradations.
The Short-Term Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) estimates
current short-term drought conditions
across the U.S. by combining several indicators of drought into a single
computer-generated map.
Specifically, this map approximates drought conditions from changes in precipitation and moisture over the past 3 months. Short-term moisture deficits can impact non-irrigated agriculture, topsoil moisture, range and pasture conditions, and more.
Long-term droughts
(lasting months to years) can have different impacts.
This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn
how this map is made
The Long-Term Multi-Indicator Drought Index (MIDI) estimates
current long-term drought conditions
across the U.S. by combining several indicators of drought into a single
computer-generated map.
Specifically, this map approximates drought conditions from longer-term changes in precipitation and moisture going back up to 5 years.
Long-term drought
conditions (lasting months to years) can impact irrigated agriculture, groundwater, and reservoir levels, and can increase wildfire intensity and severity.
This experimental map is based on methodology from the NOAA National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Learn
how this map is made
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
Source(s):
NDMC
NOAA
USDA
NASA
Source(s):
UC Merced
, via
Climate Engine
Source(s):
UC Merced
, via
Climate Engine
This map is released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7am Eastern.
U.S. Drought Monitor change maps are released every Thursday morning, with data valid through Tuesday at 7 am Eastern.
The drought indices used in this map are based on the
GridMET
dataset and use a reference period of 1979–present. This map is updated every 5 days, with a delay of 4 to 5 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
The drought indices used in this map are based on the
GridMET
dataset and use a reference period of 1979–present. This map is updated every 5 days, with a delay of 4 to 5 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
drought index
combines multiple drought indicators (e.g., precipitation, temperature, soil moisture) to depict drought conditions. For some products, like the U.S. Drought Monitor, authors combine their analysis of drought indicators with input from local observers. Other drought indices, like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), use an objective calculation to describe the severity, location, timing, and/or duration of drought.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Data Valid:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/21/26
Data Valid:
04/15/26
Data Valid:
04/15/26
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information: Learn More :
U.S. Drought Monitor map details and information: Learn More :
Experimental
Experimental
Learn more about these data
Drought in New York
New York State experiences drought, on average, every two to three years. These droughts often occur seasonally, peaking in summer and improving over winter. Winter snowfall amounts vary greatly over the state, ranging from around 30 inches in New York City and Long Island to 227 inches in Hooker, east of Lake Ontario. The snowfall and snow cover provide helpful water content as spring melt releases this water into the soils and streams. Due to climate change, this melting is occurring earlier in the year, and possibly leading to lower-than-expected streamflows or soil moisture going into the warm season. As winters warm, more precipitation is falling as rain instead of snow, also contributing to less spring snowmelt.
Dry conditions can increase after spring moisture has waned and heat and evaporation increase. Summers in New York normally have high temperatures, increasing evapotranspiration, which dries out soils. And the state's varying soil characteristics create different responses to dry conditions. The precipitation pattern also changes over the seasons, with much of summer precipitation coming from thunderstorms. These can produce heavy downpours, which often result in higher runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams, but less infiltration into the soil. This summer pattern can also have longer stretches of dry days between rainfall.
While drought in New York tends to be short-term, it can still have widespread impacts. The state has a large agricultural industry that is impacted when drought occurs during the growing season, particularly because many farms in the state do not have irrigation systems. Water quality and quantity are both impacted during droughts. Infectious diseases can pollute water when rainfall decreases and pollutants can be in higher concentrations. Water utilities need to closely monitor supplies. For instance, New York City, the most populous city in the United States, gets its water supply from upstate reservoirs. There are also many private wells in the state at risk of experiencing low water levels or going dry. Wildfires can be more prevalent during dry times as vegetation dries out. Tourism and recreation can be affected when lake levels are too low for boating, streams are too dry for fishing, and snow depth is not sufficient for skiing and snowmobiling. All of these impacts carry economic consequences.
NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) launched the Northeast
Drought Early Warning System
(DEWS) to improve drought early warning capacity and build long-term drought resilience throughout New England and New York. The
Northeast DEWS
is a network of regional and national partners that share information and coordinate actions to help communities in the region cope with drought.
Reach out to
Crystal Stiles
, the Regional Drought Coordinator for this region, for more information, or
for the Northeast DEWS newsletter.
Northeast DEWS
Get Email Updates
New York State Drought Resources
State Drought Website:
New York Department of Environmental Conservation | Drought
State Emergency Management Plan
New York State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Drought Management Coordination Annex
(2025)
State Climate Office:
New York State Climate Office
State Mesonet:
New York State Mesonet
Regional Climate Center:
Northeast Regional Climate Center
New York Current Conditions
A number of physical indicators are important for monitoring drought, such as precipitation & temperature, water supply (e.g., streamflow, reservoirs), and soil moisture. Learn more about
monitoring drought
New York Precipitation Conditions
7-Day
30-Day % Normal
60-Day % Normal
Inches of Precipitation
This location received
less than 0.01 inch
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
0.01–0.5 inch
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
0.5–1 inch
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
1–2 inches
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
2–4 inches
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
4–6 inches
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
6–8 inches
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
This location received
more than 8 inches
of precipitation during this 7-day period.
Precipitation Shown as a Percentage of Normal Conditions
<25% of Normal
Precipitation was only
0% to 25%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25%–50% of Normal
Precipitation was
25% to 50%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50%–75% of Normal
Precipitation was
50% to 75%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75%–100% of Normal
Precipitation was
75% to 100%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
100%
100%–150% of Normal
Precipitation was
100% to 150%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150%–200% of Normal
Precipitation was
150% to 200%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200%–300% of Normal
Precipitation was
200% to 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
>300% of Normal
Precipitation was
greater than 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
Precipitation Shown as a Percentage of Normal Conditions
<25% of Normal
Precipitation was only
0% to 25%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
25%–50% of Normal
Precipitation was
25% to 50%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
50%–75% of Normal
Precipitation was
50% to 75%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
75%–100% of Normal
Precipitation was
75% to 100%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
100%
100%–150% of Normal
Precipitation was
100% to 150%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
150%–200% of Normal
Precipitation was
150% to 200%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
200%–300% of Normal
Precipitation was
200% to 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
>300% of Normal
Precipitation was
greater than 300%
of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020.
This map shows total precipitation (in inches) for the past 7 days. Dark blue shades indicate the highest precipitation amounts.
This map shows precipitation for the past 30 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
This map shows precipitation for the past 60 days as a percentage of the historical average (1991–2020) for the same time period. Green/blue shades indicate above-normal precipitation, while brown shades indicate below-normal precipitation.
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
Precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Precipitation data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
New York Temperature Conditions
7-Day Avg
7-Day Anomaly
30-Day Anomaly
Maximum Temperature (°F)
<0°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is below
0°F
0–10°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
0–10°F
10–20°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
0–20°F
20–30°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
0–30°F
30–40°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
0–40°F
40–60°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
0–60°F
60
60–70°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
–70°F
70–80°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
–80°F
80–90°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
–90°F
90–100°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
–100°F
>100°F
The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between
greater than
00°F
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
>8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F colder than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F colder than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F colder than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F colder than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F warmer than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F warmer than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F warmer than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F warmer than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
>8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
>8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F colder than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F colder than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F colder than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F colder than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Below Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F colder than normal
for this location.
0–1°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
0–1°F warmer than normal
for this location.
1–3°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
1–3°F warmer than normal
for this location.
3–4°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
3–4°F warmer than normal
for this location.
4–6°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
4–6°F warmer than normal
for this location.
6–8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
6–8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
>8°F Above Normal
The average maximum temperature was
more than 8°F warmer than normal
for this location.
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature (°F) for the last 7 days. Blue hues indicate cooler temperatures, while red hues indicate warmer temperatures.
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 7 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 7 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
This map shows the average maximum daily temperature for the past 30 days compared to the historical average (1991–2020) for the same 30 days. Negative values (
blue hues
) indicate colder than normal temperatures, and positive values (
red hues
) indicate warmer than normal temperatures.
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
Source(s):
UC Merced
Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Temperature data are updated daily, with a delay of 3 to 4 days to allow for data collection and quality control.
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
Data Valid:
04/20/26
New York Streamflow Conditions
1-Day Average Streamflow
Streamflow Conditions
Record Mean Daily Low
Estimated streamflow is the lowest mean daily value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Much Below Normal (<10th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Normal (25th–75th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile)
Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year.
Record Mean Daily High
Estimated streamflow is the highest mean daily value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year.
Not Ranked
A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
This map shows 1-day average streamflow conditions for yesterday compared to historical conditions for the same day of the year. Both 1-day and historical streamflow values are calculated as mean discharge (cubic feet per second) over a 24-hour period. Only streamgages with 30 or more years of data are included in this map.
Click on a streamgage to view current data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
These streamflow data are provisional
and subject to revision.
Source(s):
U.S. Geological Survey
This map updates daily on Drought.gov, showing mean daily streamflow values from the previous day. View the most recent
real-time streamflow data from USGS
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can alter the ecological balance of natural systems and harm fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as the benefits that these
ecosystems
provide to human communities. The environmental consequences of drought include losses in plant growth; increases in fire and insect outbreaks; altered rates of carbon, nutrient, and water cycling; and local species extinctions.
Because
energy
and water are so interdependent, the availability and predictability of water resources can directly affect energy systems. Energy professionals need information on current drought conditions and outlooks in order to make informed decisions on cooling, alternative water supplies, pricing, and infrastructure security.
During drought conditions that result in low water levels on rivers and other waterways, port and maritime
navigation and
transportation
operations may be limited due to a reduction in available routes and cargo-carrying capacity, resulting in increased costs. In addition, higher temperatures that often coexist with drought can impact roads, airport runways, and rail lines.
Data Valid:
04/22/26
USGS streamflow map details and information:
New York Soil Moisture Conditions
SPoRT-LIS
Crop-CASMA
0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
0–2nd Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the
bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile)
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
2nd–5th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
2nd to 5th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
5th–10th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
5th to 10th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
10th–20th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
10th to 20th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
20th–30th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
20th to 30th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
30th–70th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
30th to 70th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
70
70th–80th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
70th to 80th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
80th–90th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
80th to 90th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
90th–95th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
90th to 95th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
95th–98th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the
95th to 98th percentile
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
98th–100th Percentile
Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in
the top 2%
98th to 100th percentile)
of historical measurements for this day of the year.
100
Soil Moisture Anomaly
0%
An accurate depiction of soil moisture conditions can provide valuable insights for agricultural monitoring, weather prediction, and drought and flood early warning.
This
map shows the
moisture content of the top 1 meter of soil
compared to historical conditions from 1981–2013, based on NASA's
Short-term Prediction and Transition Center – Land Information System
SPoRT-LIS)
Red and orange hues indicate drier soils, while greens and blues indicate greater soil moisture.
An accurate depiction of soil moisture conditions can provide valuable insights for agricultural monitoring, weather prediction, and drought and flood early warning.
This map shows
the
moisture content of the top 1 meter of soil
, according to NASA's
Crop Condition and Soil Moisture Analytics tool (
rop-CASMA)
. It
relies on remotely sensed soil moisture data derived from
NASA missions
Soil moisture is shown as a deviation from average soil moisture conditions from 2015–present. Brown hues indicate below-average soil moisture, and blue hues indicate above-average soil moisture.
Source(s):
NASA
Source(s):
NASA
USDA
, George Mason University
This map updates daily with data from NASA's Short-term Prediction and Transition Center – Land Information System (
SPoRT-LIS
).
Data are updated daily, with a 3-day delay.
Soil moisture
plays an important role in drought and flood forecasting, agricultural monitoring, forest fire prediction, water supply management, and other natural resource activities. Soil moisture observations can forewarn of impending drought or flood conditions before other more standard indicators are triggered.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Drought can result in reduced growth rates, increased stress on
vegetation
, and alterations or transformations to the plant community and/or the entire ecosystem. During periods of drought, plants increase their demand for water through increased evapotranspiration and longer growing seasons.
Soil moisture
plays an important role in drought and flood forecasting, agricultural monitoring, forest fire prediction, water supply management, and other natural resource activities. Soil moisture observations can forewarn of impending drought or flood conditions before other more standard indicators are triggered.
Data Valid:
04/23/26
Data Valid:
04/18/26
NASA SPoRT-LIS soil moisture map details and information: learn more:
Learn more about these data
Outlooks & Forecasts for New York
Predicting drought in New York depends on the ability to forecast precipitation and temperature within the context of complex climate interactions. View more
outlooks & forecasts
Future Precipitation & Temperature Conditions
7-Day Precip
8-14 Day Precip
8-14 Day Temp
Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Less than 0.01 inch
0.01 to 0.1 inch
0.1 to 0.25 inch
0.25 to 0.5 inch
0.5 to 0.75 inch
0.75 to 1 inch
1 to 1.25 inches
1.25 to 1.5 inches
1.5 to 1.75 inches
1.75
1.75 to 2 inches
1.5 to 2 inches
2 to 2.5 inches
2.5 to 3 inches
3 to 4 inches
4 to 5 inches
5 to 7 inches
7 to 10 inches
10 to 15 inches
15 to 20 inches
More than 20 inches
Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation
33%–40% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
>90% Chance of Below Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of below-normal precipitation during this period.
100%
Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation
33%–40% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
>90% Chance of Above Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of above-normal precipitation during this period.
100%
Near-Normal
Odds favor
near-normal precipitation
during this period.
Probability of Below-Normal Temperatures
33%–40% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Below Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
>90% Chance of Below Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of below-normal temperatures during this period.
100%
Probability of Above-Normal Temperatures
33%–40% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
33%–40% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
40%–50% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
40%–50% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
50%–60% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
50%–60% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
60%–70% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
60%–70% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
70%–80% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
70%–80% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
80%–90% Chance of Above Normal
There is an
80%–90% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
>90% Chance of Above Normal
There is a
>90% chance
of above-normal temperatures during this period.
100%
Near-Normal
Odds favor
near-normal temperatures
during this period.
This map shows the amount of liquid precipitation (in inches) expected to fall over the next 7 days, according to the National Weather Service.
This map shows the probability (percent chance) of above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation 8 to 14 days in the future.
This map shows the probability (percent chance) of above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal temperature 8 to 14 days in the future.
Source(s):
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
The Quantitative Precipitation Forecast maps on Drought.gov are updated once a day and are valid from 7 a.m. Eastern that day.
The Climate Prediction Center updates their 8–14 day outlooks daily.
The Climate Prediction Center updates their 8–14 day outlooks daily.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Drought is defined as the lack of
precipitation
over an extended period of time, usually for a season or more, that results in a water shortage. Changes in precipitation can substantially disrupt crops and livestock, influence the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, and affect the quality and quantity of water available for municipal and industrial use.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
Air
temperature
can have wide-ranging effects on natural processes. Warmer air temperatures increase evapotranspiration—which is the combination of evaporation from the soil and bodies of water and transpiration from plants—and lower soil moisture.
Flash drought
is the rapid onset or intensification of drought. Unlike slow-evolving drought, which is caused by a decline in precipitation, flash drought occurs when low precipitation is accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, high winds, and/or changes in radiation. These sometimes-rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the landscape.
Data Valid:
04/23/26–04/30/26
04/23/26
Data Valid:
05/01/26–05/07/26
04/23/26
Data Valid:
05/01/26–05/07/26
04/23/26
Drought Outlooks for New York
Monthly
Seasonal
Drought Is Predicted To...
Drought Persists
During this time period,  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought conditions will persist.
Drought Improves
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that existing drought conditions will improve (but not be removed).
Drought Is Removed
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will be removed.
Drought Develops
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will develop.
No Drought Present
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, there is no drought, and is drought development is not predicted.
Drought Is Predicted To...
Drought Persists
During this time period,  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought conditions will persist.
Drought Improves
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that existing drought conditions will improve (but not be removed).
Drought Is Removed
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will be removed.
Drought Develops
During this time period, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought will develop.
No Drought Present
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, there is no drought, and is drought development is not predicted.
The Monthly Drought Outlook predicts whether drought will develop, remain, improve, or be removed in the next calendar month.
The Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts whether drought will develop, remain, improve, or be removed in the next 3 months or so.
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
Source(s):
Climate Prediction Center
The Climate Prediction Center issues its Monthly Drought Outlooks on the last day of the calendar month.
The Climate Prediction Center issues its Seasonal Drought Outlooks on the third Thursday of each calendar month. Sometimes, the map is adjusted on the last day of the month to maintain consistency with the Monthly Drought Outlook.
Snow drought
is a period of abnormally low snowpack for the time of year. Snowpack typically acts as a natural reservoir, providing water throughout the drier summer months. Lack of snowpack storage, or a shift in timing of snowmelt, can be a challenge for drought planning.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
During drought conditions, fuels for
wildfire
, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Snow drought
is a period of abnormally low snowpack for the time of year. Snowpack typically acts as a natural reservoir, providing water throughout the drier summer months. Lack of snowpack storage, or a shift in timing of snowmelt, can be a challenge for drought planning.
Periods of drought can lead to inadequate
water supply
, threatening the health, safety, and welfare of communities. Streamflow, groundwater, reservoir, and snowpack data are key to monitoring and forecasting water supply.
Drought can reduce the water availability and water quality necessary for productive farms, ranches, and grazing lands, resulting in significant negative direct and indirect economic impacts to the agricultural sector. Monitoring
agricultural drought
typically focuses on examining levels of precipitation, evaporative demand, soil moisture, and surface/groundwater quantity and quality.
During drought conditions, fuels for
wildfire
, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads. Temperature, soil moisture, humidity, wind speed, and fuel availability (vegetation) are all factors that interact to influence the frequency of large wildfires.
Data Valid:
04/01/26–04/30/26
03/31/26
Data Valid:
04/16/26–07/31/26
04/16/26
Learn more about these data
Historical Drought Conditions in New York
Major droughts affected the state of New York in the 1930s and, to a greater extent, the 1960s, which is considered to be the drought of record. During the 1960s drought, New York City reservoirs were down to 25% capacity. Since this time, New York City reservoirs have had improvements that make them much more resilient to dry conditions. There were short-lived drought periods in the 1980s and 1990, as well as several throughout the early 2000s. In August 2012, over 80% of the state experienced drought or Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions, with over 30% in Moderate Drought (D1). The state experienced wildfires, low lake levels, and crop disaster designations.
During the drought of 2016–2017, conditions quickly deteriorated and Extreme Drought (D3) occurred for the first time since 2002. There were major impacts to farming, with
crop yields down for many producers
, as well as record-low streamflows and impacts to smaller reservoir systems. The state also experienced Moderate to Severe Drought (D1-D2) from the summer of 2020 through the summer of 2021, and again in the summer of 2022. During this time farmers felt the economic impacts of having to purchase feed they couldn’t grow. Fall and winter droughts are not uncommon and most recently impacted the state in 2023 and 2024.
Below, you can look back at past drought conditions for New York according to three historical drought indices.
View more historical conditions
2000–Present
1895–Present
0–2025
Time Period (Years):
Start Year
Show Category:
U.S. Drought Monitor
D0 - Abnormally Dry
Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D1 – Moderate Drought
Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D2 – Severe Drought
Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D3 – Extreme Drought
Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
View typical impacts by state.
The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4).
Time Period (Years):
Start Year
Show Category:
Dry Conditions
D4 (SPI of -2.0 or less)
The 9-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is
-2.0 or less
, indicating exceptional drought (D4) conditions.
D3 (SPI of -1.9 to -1.6)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
-1.9 to -1.6
, indicating extreme drought (D3) conditions.
D2 (SPI of -1.5 to -1.3)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
-1.5 to -1.3
, indicating severe drought (D2) conditions.
D1 (SPI of -1.2 to -0.8)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
-1.2 to -0.8
, indicating moderate drought (D1) conditions.
D0 (SPI of -0.7 to -0.5)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
-0.7 to -0.5
, indicating abnormally dry (D0) conditions.
Wet Conditions
W0 (SPI of 0.5 to 0.7)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
0.5 to 0.7
, indicating abnormally wet (W0) conditions.
W1 (SPI of 0.8 to 1.2)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
0.8 to 1.2
, indicating moderate wet (W1) conditions.
W2 (SPI of 1.3 to 1.5)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
1.3 to 1.5
, indicating severe wet (W2) conditions.
W3 (SPI of 1.6 to 1.9)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is between
1.6 to 1.9
, indicating extreme wet (W3) conditions.
W4 (SPI of 2.0 or more)
The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) value for this location is
2.0 or greater
, indicating exceptional wet (W4) conditions.
Drought results from an imbalance between water supply and water demand. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) measures water supply, specifically precipitation. SPI captures how observed precipitation (rain, hail, snow) deviates from the climatological average over a given time period—in this case, over the 9 months leading up to the selected date. Red hues indicate drier conditions, while blue hues indicate wetter conditions. Data are available monthly from 1895–present.
Time Period (Years):
Start Year
Show Category:
Dry Conditions
D4 (PMDI of -5.0 or less)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
-5.0 or less
, indicating exceptional drought (D4) conditions.
D3 (PMDI of -4.9 to -4.0)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
-4.9 to -4.0
, indicating extreme drought (D3) conditions.
D2 (PMDI of -3.9 to -3.0)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
-3.9 to -3.0
, indicating severe drought (D2) conditions.
D1 (PMDI of -2.9 to -2.0)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
-2.9 to -2.0
, indicating moderate drought (D1) conditions.
D0 (PMDI of -1.9 to -1.0)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
-1.9 to -1.0
, indicating abnormally dry (D0) conditions.
Wet Conditions
W0 (PMDI of 1.0 to 1.9)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
1.0 to 1.9
, indicating abnormally wet (W0) conditions.
W1 (PMDI of 2.0 to 2.9)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
2.0 to 2.9
, indicating moderate wet (W1) conditions.
W2 (PMDI of 3.0 to 3.9)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
3.0 to 3.9
, indicating severe wet (W2) conditions.
W3 (PMDI of 4.0 to 4.9)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
4.0 to 4.9
, indicating extreme wet (W3) conditions.
W4 (PMDI of 5.0 or greater)
Tree rings were used to reconstruct a Palmer Modified Drought Index (PMDI) value for each June–August, estimating relative dryness. The PMDI value for this location is
5.0 or greater
, indicating exceptional wet (W4) conditions.
In paleoclimatology, proxy climate data (e.g., tree rings, ocean sediments) can allow us to reconstruct past climate conditions before we had widespread instrumental records. The
Living Blended Drought Atlas
, shown here, estimates average drought conditions each summer (June–August) as far back as the year 0 by combining tree-ring reconstructions and instrumental records. Red hues indicate drier conditions, while blue hues indicate wetter conditions.
Learn more about these data
Learn more about these data
Learn more about these data
Drought Resources for New York
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State-Level Resources
New York Department of Environmental Conservation | Drought
New York State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Drought Management Coordination Annex
(2025)
New York State Climate Office
New York State Mesonet
USGS | New York Water Science Center
CoCoRaHS | New York
Cornell Cooperative Extension
USDA Farm Service Agency | New York
National Weather Service:
Albany Weather Forecast Office
Binghamton Weather Forecast Office
Burlington Weather Forecast Office
Buffalo Weather Forecast Office
New York City/Upton Weather Forecast Office
Northeast River Forecast Center
Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center
Eastern Region
Northeast Regional Climate Center
Northeast Drought Updates
Northeast DEWS Dashboard
USDA | Northeast Climate Hub
Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment (GLISA, a NOAA CAP team)
Resources: Climate & Drought
NOAA/NCEI | New York State Climate Summary
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit