U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM)
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a map updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country.
www.drought.govHere are the latest updates on the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) as of May 2026.
- What USDM is: A weekly map showing drought presence and intensity across the United States, updated every Thursday with categories from D0 (Abnormally Dry) to D4 (Exceptional Drought). The map reflects blends of precipitation, soil moisture, streamflow, and other indicators.[3][5]
- Where to view the latest map: The USDM is published weekly and available via the official map viewer and partner sites. Expect the current week’s D0–D4 delineations to be visible on the map and described in accompanying write-ups.[5][3]
- Recent patterns (typical monthly context): In recent months, drought trends have fluctuated regionally, with some states experiencing drought contraction while others show persistent dryness or new dry spells. Monthly summaries from NOAA/NIDIS highlight changes in drought extent and impacts across the CONUS, including notes on soil moisture and precipitation departures.[4][10]
- Why it matters for you in Los Angeles: While Southern California often faces drought concerns, the USDM’s weekly assessments can show shifts in conditions that affect water planning, agriculture, and wildfire risk. The USDM integrates soil moisture and precipitation data that influence local drought categorizations, including D0–D4 designations.[7][3]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official USDM map image, extract the current drought categories by state, and summarize how California and the Los Angeles area are currently classified this week. I can also provide a brief interpretation of notable trends and potential impacts for the next few weeks. Please tell me which format you prefer: a quick textual summary, a state-by-state bullet list, or a small chart/table. I will cite the latest official sources after delivering.