Alabama Drought Conditions Worsen; Nearly 2.3 Million Residents Now Affected
Alabama is seeing a steady worsening of drought conditions this fall, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report showing nearly the entire state experiencing some level of dryness or drought as of October 7th.
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?AL
According to the report, 94 percent of Alabama is now classified as abnormally dry or in drought, up slightly from last week’s 94.81 percent. Conditions have continued to intensify in several regions, with 58.6 percent of the state under at least a moderate drought (D1-D4), 15.5 percent under severe drought (D2-D4), and 5.38 percent in extreme drought (D3-D4). No areas have yet reached the most serious category, exceptional drought (D4).
By comparison, just three months ago, Alabama was almost entirely drought-free, with only 0.66 percent showing dryness. The shift represents a sharp deterioration in soil moisture, streamflow, and agricultural conditions across much of the state.
An estimated 2.3 million Alabamians are now living in drought-affected areas.
Historically, these levels of drought have caused significant impacts on Alabama’s agriculture and environment. Early stages (D0-D1) often bring declining pond levels, stressed pastureland, and increased wildfire activity. As conditions deepen (D2-D3), farmers face damaged crops, dry streams, and widespread hay shortages, while municipalities may see water main breaks and implement conservation measures.
At the most severe level (D4), lakes can drop to record lows, large cities may enact mandatory water restrictions, and wildfires become more frequent and intense.
The National Drought Mitigation Center encourages residents and local observers to report drought impacts through the Drought Impacts Toolkit, which collects on-the-ground information from both media reports and citizen scientists.
Officials continue to monitor rainfall deficits closely as Alabama enters the heart of the fall season—a period that could either bring much-needed relief or deepen the ongoing dry spell.
For the latest updates on drought conditions and related impacts, visit droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
https://weisradio.com/2025/09/25/usda-declares-disaster-designation-for-local-counties/
