Drought Update for January 20, 2026 This Week's U.S. Drought Monitor Map of Alabama Statewide Condition Summary What's Changed? Conditions worsened to D3 Extreme Drought in parts of Lee and Macon counties—the first time this area has reached D3 on the U.S. Drought Monitor since 2016. Meanwhile, D2 Severe Drought eased slightly in Hale County, and conditions elsewhere remained largely unchanged from last week. What's New? Most of the state received only ¼–½ inch of rain last week, which was not enough for meaningful drought improvement. While impacts remain limited due to low winter water demand, more beneficial rainfall is needed to recover before spring temperatures set in. What's Next? Winter weather could bring 0–2+ inches of precipitation statewide, which may help improve drought conditions. Statewide Coverage by Category CategoryCoverage This WeekChanges Since Last Week D0: Abnormally Dry 32.76% 0.29% D1: Moderate Drought 40.83% 0.83% D2: Severe Drought 23.64% 1.65% D3: Extreme Drought 2.77% 2.77% D4: Exceptional Drought 0.00% 0.00% Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, authored by Brad Rippey (U.S. Department of Agriculture) with input from the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), 100% of Alabama remains in some level of abnormal dryness or drought. Conditions worsened this week in parts of East-Central Alabama, including Lee and Macon counties, where Extreme Drought (D3) has developed. This is the first time these areas have seen D3 drought on the USDM since 2016. Other conditions across the state remained largely unchanged, as light rainfall was not enough to bring meaningful relief. With dryness continuing into late winter, more widespread rain will be needed to prevent further drought impacts heading toward spring. Download the Alabama Drought Update Graphic View Past Updates Alabama Drought in the News Alabama Farmers Feeling Impacts of Ongoing Drought: WAKA 8 Justin Walker | Oct. 13, 2025 Alabama Drought Deepends as Water Levels Drop, Fire Danger Rises: WSFA 12 James Giles | Oct. 2, 2025 Alabama Farmers Facing Tough Year with Drought: Alabama Extension | Sept. 30, 2025 Drought Resources Alabama Department of Community and Economic Affairs: Office of Water Resources Alabama Drought Reach: Auburn University Water Resources Center U.S. Drought Monitor for Alabama Alabama Drought.gov page NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) NIDIS Southeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) Report drought conditions with CMOR Report daily rainfall with CoCoRaHS Assessing drought in the United States