As of May 2025, drought conditions persist across significant portions of the United States, with several counties experiencing severe to exceptional dryness. These areas face challenges ranging from water shortages and agricultural losses to heightened wildfire risks. Here’s an overview of some of the driest counties and regions currently grappling with these conditions.
1. Midland County, Texas
Midland County, located in West Texas, remains entrenched in severe drought. As of May 1, 2025, the county has received only 0.58 inches of precipitation for the year, significantly below the normal 2.68 inches by early May. Reservoir levels are critically low, with Lake J.B. Thomas at 37.9% capacity, E.V. Spence Reservoir at 15.8%, and O.H. Ivie Reservoir at 40.2%. Despite recent thunderstorms, these minimal increases have not alleviated the overall water scarcity. The Colorado River Municipal Water District, serving cities like Midland and Odessa, continues to manage limited water resources amidst the persistent drought
2. Eastern Panhandle, West Virginia
Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle are enduring severe drought conditions, classified as D2 on the U.S. Drought Monitor. March 2025 was recorded as the fifth driest on record since 1895, exacerbating water shortages and agricultural stress in the region .
3. Northern and Central Kansas
Kansas counties such as Lyon, Chase, and Marion are experiencing severe drought conditions, with large portions of these areas classified as D2 on the U.S. Drought Monitor. These conditions have led to significant impacts on agriculture and water resources, prompting concerns about long-term sustainability .
4. Southern California
Southern California, particularly areas like the South Coast Drainage and Southeast Desert Basin, are facing extreme drought conditions. The first four months of Water Year 2025 were among the driest on record for these regions, with precipitation levels significantly below average. This prolonged dryness threatens water supplies and increases the risk of wildfires .
5. Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada is grappling with severe drought conditions, characterized by below-average precipitation and low snowpack levels. These factors contribute to water shortages and heightened fire risks in the region.
6. Nebraska
Northeast Nebraska, particularly around Newman Grove, is experiencing its driest planting season in over four decades. With only 1.5 inches of moisture received over the past 45 days, crop emergence is inconsistent, and soil moisture levels are critically low, posing significant challenges for agriculture .
7. Central Texas
Central Texas, including areas like San Antonio, is enduring severe drought conditions. The Edwards Aquifer, a crucial water source for the region, began 2025 with water levels more than 40 feet below normal, marking the second-lowest January 1st level since records began in the 1930s. Reservoirs such as Canyon Lake and Medina Lake are at historic lows, prompting mandatory water restrictions and raising concerns about long-term water availability .
8. West Texas (Pecos River Basin)
Counties west of the Pecos River, including areas like Glasscock, Ector, and Martin, are experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions. Despite recent storms, precipitation levels remain insufficient, and reservoir capacities are critically low, leading to ongoing water shortages and agricultural challenges .
9. Florida
Florida is contending with drought conditions, particularly in the southeastern regions. The state has faced numerous wildfires, some fueled by dry air and debris from past hurricanes. Despite recent rains, the combination of persistent dryness and wildfire activity continues to strain resources .
10. Oklahoma Panhandle
The Oklahoma Panhandle is experiencing drought conditions that have led to groundwater depletion. Farmers are drilling deeper wells to access dwindling water reserves and shifting to less water-demanding crops, such as milo. These challenges are compounded by weak legislative regulations on water usage, accelerating aquifer depletion and threatening the region’s agricultural productivity .
