Drought Update for April 14, 2026 This Week's U.S. Drought Monitor Map of Alabama Statewide Condition Summary What's Changed? 100% of the state is now in some level of abnormal dryness or drought. The worst conditions are centered in Southeast Alabama, where nearly a quarter of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3). Severe (D2) and Moderate (D1) Drought also expanded by 27% and 22% respectively. What's New? After a third consecutive week of little to no rain, most of the state saw a broad 1 category degradation on the U.S. Drought Monitor. This is pretty rare for this time of year, and we continue to see growing impacts on streamflows and groundwater levels. What's Next? The forecasts show little to no chance of rain in the southern half of the state and anywhere from a quarter to one inch of rain in the northern half. A lot more rain is needed to see significant relief. Statewide Coverage by Category CategoryCoverage This WeekChanges Since Last Week D0: Abnormally Dry 11.34% 0.04% D1: Moderate Drought 22.51% 21.67% D2: Severe Drought 41.58% 26.58% D3: Extreme Drought 24.57% 6.61% D4: Exceptional Drought 0.00% 0.00% Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, authored by Brian Fuchs (National Drought Mitigation Center) with input from the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist Drought conditions worsened across Alabama this week, with 100% of the state now in some level of abnormal dryness or drought. Much of the state saw a 1-category degradation after a third consecutive week of little to no rainfall. Extreme drought (D3) expanded and now covers nearly a quarter of the state, with the worst conditions centered in Southeast Alabama. Severe (D2) and moderate (D1) drought also expanded significantly across many areas. These growing deficits continue to show in declining streamflows and groundwater levels. With little to no rain expected in southern areas and only modest rainfall possible in northern counties, conditions are likely to remain the same or worsen. Much more rain is needed to see significant improvements. 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
