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Mid-Atlantic Drought Persists as Dry Conditions Expand

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 1:04 PM

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update shows that the ongoing drought across the Mid-Atlantic remains a significant concern this winter, with dryness and drought conditions expanding and lingering across much of the region. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released weekly by the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA, […]

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update shows that the ongoing drought across the Mid-Atlantic remains a significant concern this winter, with dryness and drought conditions expanding and lingering across much of the region.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released weekly by the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA, areas of moderate drought (D1) and severe drought (D2) have grown in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, particularly across central Maryland and large portions of central Virginia. Moderate drought has also extended into southern Delaware and along portions of the Maryland and Virginia coasts. Meanwhile, abnormally dry conditions (D0) stretch across extensive portions of the region, indicating ongoing moisture deficits even where formal drought classifications are lighter.

Meteorologists and drought specialists note that this persistence of dryness is linked to persistent precipitation deficits in recent months, including well-below-normal rainfall and limited snow accumulation. These conditions have contributed to low soil moisture, suppressed streamflow levels, and challenges for water resources in watersheds throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Although some pockets of the Northeast have seen isolated improvements due to recent precipitation, overall dryness remains widespread in the Mid-Atlantic. Without sustained rainfall or significant snowpack melt, these drought conditions could continue into the spring, potentially affecting agriculture, water supply, wildfire risk, and ecosystem health.

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