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April 2026 Drought Climate and Impacts Summaries

Conditions deteriorate in parts of the South and Southeast

Drought brings water shortages and wildfires to the South and Southeast

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DroughtScape Spring 2026

Parts of the U.S. are seeing a hot, dry start to the growing season

NDMC celebrates 30 years of building drought resilience in 2025 annual report

Workshops help western Nebraska producers prepare for growing season drought conditions

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30 Years of Building Drought Resilience

2025 annual report now available

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What is the U.S. Drought Monitor?

Learn about the beginning and evolution of this valuable tool

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The Drought Center helps people, organizations and institutions build resilience to drought through monitoring and planning, and we are the academic partner and web host of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Our capabilities include climatology, social science and public engagement, and we work at all scales, from individual ranches to local, state and tribal government, and countries around the world.

Education

Learn about drought through the eyes of climatologists, and learn how people are working to prevent the effects of drought.

Planning

Drought is a normal part of nearly every climate on the planet. Planning ahead for variation in water supply helps reduce unpleasant surprises.

Monitoring

What is the best way for you to recognize that you are in drought? Where does your water come from, and who is keeping track of it?