Drought Update for May 19, 2026 This Week's U.S. Drought Monitor Map of Alabama Statewide Condition Summary What's Changed? While much of Alabama remains unchanged, parts of South Alabama saw slight drought improvements this week. Extreme drought conditions have persisted in portions of Southeast Alabama since February, but recent rainfall is beginning to show encouraging signs of improvement. What's New? After another week of 0.5–1 inch of rainfall, Southeast Alabama continues to see slow drought relief. If this wetter pattern continues, broader improvements may develop in the coming weeks. What's Next? Forecast storms could bring 2–3 inches of rain to North Alabama, while Central and South Alabama may receive 0.25–1.25 inches. Areas that receive the most rainfall could see continued drought improvement. Statewide Coverage by Category CategoryCoverage This WeekChanges Since Last Week D0: Abnormally Dry 4.77% 0.00% D1: Moderate Drought 24.59% 0.96% D2: Severe Drought 57.74% 7.38% D3: Extreme Drought 12.90% 8.34% D4: Exceptional Drought 0.00% 0.00% Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, authored by Rocky Bilotta (NOAA/NCEI) with input from the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist While much of Alabama remained unchanged this week, parts of South Alabama saw slight drought improvements following another week of beneficial rainfall. Extreme drought (D3), which has persisted across portions of Southeast Alabama since February, continued to shrink this week. However, severe drought (D2) still covers more than half of the state, especially across Central and South Alabama. Moderate drought (D1) remains more common across northern counties. Recent rainfall has helped improve conditions slowly, but long-term rainfall deficits and lingering hydrologic impacts mean sustained recovery will take time. Additional storms this week could bring 2–3 inches of rain to parts of North Alabama, with lighter amounts expected farther south. Areas receiving the heaviest rainfall may continue to see gradual drought improvement. Download the Alabama Drought Update Graphic View Past Updates Alabama Drought in the News Despite Recent Rain, Drought Persists Across Alabama: Op-ed from State Climatologist: Lee Ellenburg op-ed for AL.com | Mar. 29, 2026 Alabama Wildfire Danger Remains High as Drought, Low Humidity Fuel Fast-Moving Fires: WSFA 12 Emma Ellis | Mar. 29, 2026 Drought Resources Alabama Department of Economic and Community 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
