Drought Update for March 17, 2026 This Week's U.S. Drought Monitor Map of Alabama Statewide Condition Summary What's Changed? Several parts of Central Alabama are now back to near-normal conditions for this time of year. Some of those areas near the Georgia border also improved slightly from Moderate Drought (D1) to Abnormal Dryness (D0). The rest of the state has not changed. What's New? A storm system last week brought much-needed rain across Alabama. North counties received the most rain, with some places getting over 5 inches in the past seven days. This helped improve drought conditions in many areas. South Alabama also got rain, but not as much, and more rain is still needed for notable improvements. What's Next? With little to no rain in the upcoming week's forecast, expect conditions to remain the same or worsen. Statewide Coverage by Category CategoryCoverage This WeekChanges Since Last Week D0: Abnormally Dry 20.53% 5.82% D1: Moderate Drought 39.92% 5.53% D2: Severe Drought 22.88% 0.14% D3: Extreme Drought 5.19% 0.00% D4: Exceptional Drought 0.00% 0.00% Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, authored by Curtis Riganti (National Drought Mitigation Center) with input from the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist Drought conditions improved in parts of Alabama this week following a round of beneficial rainfall. Several areas in Central Alabama returned to near-normal conditions, while some locations near the Georgia border improved from Moderate Drought (D1) to Abnormally Dry (D0). Rainfall totals were highest across North Alabama, with some locations receiving over 5 inches in the past week, helping to ease drought impacts. South Alabama also received rain, but amounts were lower, and more rainfall is still needed for meaningful improvement. With little to no rain expected in the coming week, conditions are likely to remain the same or worsen, especially in southern counties. 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 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
